Chapter 96: Books and Baristas

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, streaking my face with light. I could hear the familiar sounds of Aunt Mara busying herself in the kitchen, her morning routine underway already.

Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I swung my legs out of bed and stumbled my way half-asleep to the kitchen in hopes that I could catch her before she left for work.

Aunt Mara was at the kitchen counter, buttering a piece of toast when I entered the kitchen.

"Morning," I mumbled, my voice still thick and groggy as I put the kettle on for a much needed cup of coffee.

"Good morning, hun," she replied with a smile before she bit into her slice of toast.

"How was your date?" I asked as I turned around and leaned against the counter, watching her curiously.

Her cheeks flushed ever so slightly before she replied, "It was good thanks," but then she quickly shifted the focus back to me. "How did your dinner at the Valentines' go?"

I sighed heavily, the memories of the previous evening flooding back. "It