Page 7 of Evergreen Academy (Society of Magical Botanists #1)
Chapter Six
W hen I showed up for my Friday morning shift at the bakery, Aunt Vera was already in the back room, rolling out dough for the homemade cookies that flew off the shelves.
“Good morning, B.”
“Hi, Aunt Vera. Sugar cookies today?”
She nodded. I pulled on one of the floral aprons and washed my hands in the sink, the smell of the lemon soap invigorating me. The morning shift at the bakery required rising before the sun. Fortunately, I was an early bird. It was the one superpower I felt I could truly claim.
As I washed and towel-dried my hands, I debated telling my aunt that I would be visiting the Evergreen Academy on Monday. I’d told Maci I would wait until after, but now I felt strange not mentioning it.
My aunt had been my guardian since I was twelve, and we talked about almost everything. Still, she’d always encouraged me to have my independence, and part of that was respecting my personal space. She’d made an even bigger effort to convey that now that I’d turned eighteen.
Aunt Vera spoke before I could. “How was school this week?”
“It was good. Actually…” I steeled myself, deciding I wanted her opinion more than I wanted my privacy. “Something interesting happened in biology class. The professor thinks I might be a good fit for a research project.”
“Really? That’s wonderful. What kind of project?”
“I don’t know the details yet, but”—I turned away from her, hiding my face by sifting through the mixing bowls—“it’s through the Evergreen Academy.”
“The Evergreen Academy?”
“You know, the one off of Highway?—”
“Yes, yes, I know it. I’m just surprised. I didn’t know they invited local college students there.”
“I didn’t either. To be honest, I’m not sure why I was invited. Professor East said he would explain more once we were out at the campus.”
“And when are you going?”
“Monday. After my classes.”
My aunt finished rolling and began to section the dough with various floral-shaped cookie cutters. “Well, that sounds exciting. You’ll tell me all about it afterward?”
I felt my shoulders relax, relieved that she didn’t seem to have any concerns about my going. “Of course.”
Using a spatula, she transferred all the cookies to a few massive sheets and stuck them in the oven then turned to look at me. She put a hand under my chin and tilted my face upward. “Have I told you how beautiful you are lately?”
I grinned and pulled away. “Okay, Aunt Vera. That’s enough with the ego boosting. You want me on the register when we open?”
“Yes, please.”
I walked to the front of the bakery, which was filled with the familiar, enticing smells of freshly baked goods and perfectly brewed coffee, and got to work.