'What is it that you do?'

'I work for the university library.'

'I see why novels aren't your kind of thing.'

'I find nonfiction easier to comprehend.'

Midsummer was shimmering on the horizon and the table had been sanded, varnished and decorated with daisy stickers. They were keeping the table suspended over the two balconies because it was nice weather and why shouldn't they eat together in the sun? Dimity whistled when she saw it.

'Looking cosy. First the washing line of treats and now the dinner table of delights. You'll be proposing next.'

'Shut up' hissed Ada, not wanting Hecate to hear. She was reticent about matters of intimacy.

'You could slide across to each other for an assignment at dusk. If she doesn't sleep in the rafters after turning in for the night. As a bat.'

'Don't make me tip you over the edge.'

Dimity waved to Hecate who had glided onto the balcony, nodded to her.

'Not a word' warned Ada.

Lunch was a mezze platter. Ada had arranged many things in small bowls and Hecate had provided the drinks. They shared the bowls around and chatted. It was the most convivial lunch date Hecate had ever had.

'I had a request for fifty roses for an anniversary this week. I suppose I was lucky he compromised from a hundred. Apparently they weren't all matching in shade. I told him for that quantity, occasionally not every rose will be the exact same. Of all the men who had to walk into my shop, it had to be one who wasn't colourblind. They're so much more demanding.'

In turn, Hecate volunteered stories about the more challenging students, including the pothead that continually saw ghosts around the library. She was adept at throwing a lot of drunken students out. Ada thought she was marvellous. Suggested that she add security guard to her CV.

'A woman of many talents.'

Hecate blinked modestly.

'I don't have the ability to turn into a bat although that would be useful in several situations' she said mischievously.

Ada raised her eyebrows.

'That's a shame.'

So Hecate was aware of what Dimity had said. Whoops. She didn't seem too annoyed about it though.

'Speaking of bats, did I tell you about the Halloween wedding bouquet I arranged last year? We decorated the hall in orange flowers and ivy but in the bride's bouquet she wanted ornamental bats and skulls nestling among the foliage.'

They agreed that Halloween had become far too commercialised over a luxurious jug of sangria.

Ada messaged Dimity later.

She's not a bat. Although she would find it a useful trick.

Dimity's response was swift.

Well now you know her well enough. GET IN THERE.

Shut up.