CHAPTER 9 MAYBE WE'RE JUST POTATOES.

CLAIRE "Is Aunt Claire coming?" Irene asked, giving me a kid-size grin. I walked to the island where she was nursing her glass of milk and settled in on the high stool beside her. "Are we going somewhere?" I asked, shifting my glance to Willow, who was pouring a tall glass of juice. "It's just the moon celebration. The energy activation festivals. You should come." Willow came forward, placing the glass of juice before me. "When is it?" "Tomorrow!" Irene announced it merrily. "She has laid out some cool dresses. I'll go bring them." Before Willow could stop the girl, she darted out of the kitchen. "You've given her a perfect excuse to ditch her milk." She leaned in and whispered, "She is yet to settle in and get used to having me play the role of her mom. I'm being as patient with her as possible." I nodded without saying a word as the little girl darted back with three dresses in hand. "I'm yet to decide on which. Pick!" The excitement of the girl lit me up, and I t