I feel the gloom lifting as I park in front of the quaint building. Tia’s Lunchroom is written across the building in simple black print. The boxy white building has weathered storms, change, and constant generations of patrons. As I park the car, I’m reminded of visits before with family and friends. Tia’s is the place you turned to when you wanted a home-cooked meal without the responsibility of clean up.
I cross the lot and slip inside.
The white and black checkerboard floor and glass dessert case full of freshly baked pies await me like an old friend. Fel waves at me from a wooden both by the window. I make my way over and sit across from her.
“Hey, cousin.”
She smiles. “You look and sound so much better than you did a week ago.”
“Ditto.”
“Trust me. I’ve been making the most of my break … sleeping in, reading, watching television. I’m living the life.”
I laugh. “I’ve been doing about the same. It’s sad that this is the first time I’ve seen you socially in ages.”
“I know. One more meeting would’ve damaged my psyche beyond repair. There’s only so much PC arguing a woman can take,” Fel says dryly.
I laugh. “It feels like things are finally starting to settle. Even the weather. This is the first day without rain.”
“Thank God, the flooding was starting to get out of control. I’d started giving it a little helping hand and making it drain faster,” Fel admits.
“Wow, Fel.”
“I’ve been practicing. I don’t think you’re the only one experiencing an upgrade in powers.”
“How long have you suspected that theory?”
“Since we cast the sunrise circle and Vit came into his own. The power had to come from somewhere. I think if he’d been that inclined all this time at the least he would’ve done some sort of accidental magic.
“You think we’ve all leveled up?”
“Maybe. I know things shift to fit each matriarch. Your power is new and multi-layered now that you’re bonded with the court. Maybe it’s a trickle-down effect?”
“It’s a logical conclusion,” I say, wondering how we’d test it.
“Let’s get our food ordered.”
We walk up to the counter, and I waffle between the fried chicken and meatloaf for my dish. In the end, the meatloaf wins out. I go down the hot lunch line, have the woman behind the counter add mashed potatoes, fried okra, and mac and cheese to the tray. My stomach rumbles. I top my selection off with sweet tea, and a slice of lemon meringue pie.
A comfortable silence settles as we appreciate the food we’re eating.
“Are you still on the outs with the vampire boo?” Fel asks between bites.
“Yes. I’m curious to know who you’re on the ins with in the mansion, though.”
“Percival mentioned it. We text back and forth almost daily.”
“Oh my God, you’re practically hanging out.”
“No, we’re not,” she protests swiftly. “Unless you count library trips.”
I chuckle, thinking about his courtship with Mémé. “I have it on good authority he does.”
“Stop it. You’re going to make me paranoid.”
“Because it would be a bad thing or a good thing?” I observe her carefully as emotions run the gamut on her face.
“I’m not sure,” she whispers honestly.