Frustration pecked away inside Leanne like a murder of crows. If she could get away with it, she’d cast an aversion spell on her mother, but since they were both witches, Junie would notice as soon as she skedaddled for no reason, and then there would be hurt feelings in the mix. Why did you resort to underhanded tactics? You could simply tell me how you feel. But it wasn’t that easy.

What am I supposed to say? Thanks for giving me life, but I don’t enjoy hanging out with you. I’m also haunted by the prospect of turning into you—do not want.

“Why don’t we compromise and watch a movie?” Trev suggested.

Junie gazed at him with transparent appreciation. “That’s a great idea. I don’t mean to be intrusive, but I want to spend time with both of you now that I’m here.”

“What’s your favorite type of film?” he asked.

That was a more cunning question than it seemed because Junie had a lot of opinions about rom-coms, and she rambled on while Leanne put away the leftovers and stacked the dirty plates in the dishwasher. Trev came in to help without being asked, rinsing the glasses and cutlery before handing them over. Junie was still talking about 10 Things I Hate About You and finally finished her lecture with, “They don’t make movies like that anymore.”

“I don’t know,” Leanne said. “Streaming services are bringing it.”

They settled on a rom-com none of them had seen, and Trev sat between Leanne and Junie on the couch. Stretching his arm out along the back of the sofa, he offered Leanne a cuddle with a crook of his elbow. She surprised herself by leaning against him. This was the first time in recent memory when she’d literally Netflix’d and chilled instead of using it as a euphemism.

Once the movie ended, she scrolled through More Like This until they found something else. It was surprisingly not a terrible evening, pretty relaxing all told.

But it was late when they wrapped up. Junie yawned and stretched as she rose, bestowing a benevolent smile. “Don’t let me keep you. I’m sure you usually stay over, and I’m a heavy sleeper. Just carry on like I’m not even here. I’ll stay for a few days and then…figure out my next move. I’m just so thrilled things are finally on track in LeLe’s private life. She’s got it all together career-wise, but—”

“Good night,” Leanne cut in.

Junie waved and headed into the guest room, leaving Leanne to face Trev. He was smiling slightly, still sprawled on the couch. She’d never met anyone so easygoing in her entire life. By now, he ought to be demanding explanations as to why she’d dragged him into all this, but instead, he was just…waiting. For what, she had no idea.