Strength In Our Bonds (The Strength in Generations Accompanying Book)

A Persistence of Prudence

"Mom, how do you like your coffee?" asked Aurelie, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I was planning to get something to eat in about five minutes."

Quistis had to smile at Aurelie's "about five minutes;" when it came to her daughter, there was never an "about." Aurelie would be going in exactly five minutes and they both knew it.

"I'd rather have tea," was her answer. "Do you have a specific restaurant you're going to? Palace of Café has a wonderful black raspberry tea."

Luckily, Palace of Café was Aurelie's (and Hope's) favorite restaurant on Grand Avenue. "I'll get it for you," Aurelie said, smiling at her mother. "Are you hungry as well? I can get you lunch too, while I'm out."

"Oh. Hmm..." Quistis had to think about that one. "I usually get the ham with spring tomatoes and havarti, but I don't think that one is in season..."

"Well, it's only the beginning of autumn; I should think it would still be around," Aurelie said, as she checked her bag for her wallet. "They have those Parmesan chips you're infatuated with, as well."

"If they don't have it, I'd be fine with the turkey provolone," added Quistis.

"What's going on in here?" asked Hope, standing in the doorway to the office.

"I'm going to buy lunch for Mom and I." Aurelie looked up at her father for a second. "Do you want anything, Dad? I'm going to Palace of Café."

"In that case, I'd love a bag of Parmesan chips." Hope smiled. "Those things are irresistible."

Aurelie laughed. "Noted. I'll be back, Mom."

"Take your time." Quistis waved to her.

She waved back as she walked away, and Hope walked completely into the office.

"What brings you here?" asked Quistis, fixing the area near her office computer.

"Can't I just check on my wife and daughter every once in a while?" Hope chuckled, sitting down in one of the spare chairs, but not before giving his wife a kiss on the cheek.

"You're always welcome here, Hope." Quistis smiled at him.

He smiled back, taking a quick glance back at the door. "Do you ever worry about our daughter?"

"If we're talking about Aurelie, no, never; Nora does concern me sometimes though..."

"I hear you." Hope nodded in agreement. "I suppose I shouldn't be complaining, as her father, but our daughter is nineteen years old and has yet to have anyone come over to our house."

Quistis frowned. "She has friends over all the time, Hope."

"No, I mean a guest," Hope explained. "A... romantic prospect?"

"Oh." Quistis nodded, but then thought about it. "No, she hasn't, has she?"

"I was looking forward to chasing boys away from our house."

Oh, the dry humor of the Trepe-Estheim family.

"Well," Quistis began, "now that you mention it, at the most recent magic conference, I noticed- there was a young Estharian historian that seemed rather interested in Aurelie. I'm sure she was oblivious to it, though."

"Oh, really?" Hope's eyebrows slightly knit. "I had a different thought."

Quistis turned to him, silently beckoning him to continue.

"Aurelie is nineteen years old and only thinks of her duties, Quistis; she barely has a social life, and that worries me. I was hoping she'd find someone outside of science or history."