Chapter 18

Later that day, as they gathered around the kitchen table for dinner, Kay shook her head in disbelief at Reese's claim. "What did Tabitha say when you accused her of being a witch, Reese?" Picking up a French fry from her plate, she waved it in the air in a broad gesture before bringing it to her mouth. Her brown eyes sparkled with wicked mischief when she asked, "Did she show you her broom?"

"Brooms aren't always a witch's favorite mode of transportation," Reese replied, oblivious to Kay and Simone's silent laughter across the table as he turned to Jessica with an earnest expression. "She neither confirmed nor denied the accusation, did she, Jessica?"

Desperately trying to stifle her own laughter at the fresh memory, Jessica couldn't help but let a small giggle escape. "Oh, I think denial was explicitly implied."

Brow furrowed, Reese looked to Miguel for support. Frowning when he found his friend taking part in the general atmosphere of mirth, he mumbled, "I get it. I'm dealing with a bunch of skeptics."

Entering the kitchen and pulling up a chair beside Reese, Hank grabbed a French fry from Jessica's plate, dabbed it into some ketchup, and popped it into his mouth. "Tough crowd, Reese?" In reply, Reese launched into a mini-rant, but Hank was only half-listening. Grinning at Kay and Miguel, he let them in on the latest gossip. "Antonio and Luis told me Noah made some impression on one of the Princesses Crane when they delivered a tree up there today. Said he hasn't been capable of talking in anything but monosyllables ever since. Sounds like someone's got a crush."

"He's not the only one," Kay smirked, staring at Jessica, who sneaked a panicked glance at Reese but found him once again fascinated with his palm pilot. "So, Uncle Hank," Kay returned her attention to her uncle. "I hope you're not going to the Tree Lighting Ceremony in that get-up."

"This old thing?" Hank glanced down at the admittedly ugly brown uniform he sported and shrugged. "Beth doesn't mind it. Why should you?"

"I think you look…responsible in your uniform, Hank," Simone stated supportively.

"Hear that, Sam?" Hank said to his brother, entering the kitchen with Grace. "Simone thinks I look responsible."

"It's the uniform," Sam retorted.

"I think it's the uniform," Kay agreed with her father, smirking again at Hank.

Grabbing another French fry from Jessica's plate, Hank pretended to grow reflective. "Sam, I forgot. What's your policy on boys in the girls' room?"

Distractedly, Sam answered, "Door open at all times. And only one person seated on the bed at a time. Why?"

"Oh nothing," Hank shrugged, trying not to let a satisfied chuckle escape his lips when he saw Miguel blanch and felt Kay kicking furiously and futilely at his shin underneath the table. "Just wanted a refresher on the rules so I could be an exemplary uncle."

"Ouch!" Reese exclaimed suddenly, Kay's boot having made contact with his shin. Rubbing the sore spot gingerly, he mumbled something about the likelihood of there being a bruise already.

"You okay, Reese?" Grace gave the young man a concerned smile.

"He's fine," Kay interjected before Reese could launch into another one of his long-winded diatribes. "So Luis is okay with you and Beth? I'm assuming you've told him. That's what a responsible person would do, after all." Smirking when his mouth fell open, only to have no words escape, her nose crinkled up as she considered him for a moment. "I still think it's the uniform."

Gotta love those Bennett family dinners.

And poor Reese, hehe.

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