“Mrs. Drummond? That old bat was my teacher in sixth grade. She hated me.” Gavin laughs.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, dismissing his memory.
“First, tell me how you work here.” He looks around the shop. A wood cabinet with bins of fresh tea leaves for customers to self-serve measure stands near two tables for sitting on one side of the door. The cabinet’s upper portion displays an array of tea items from cups to kettles and tea-inspired decorations. On the other side of the door is a small sitting area, complete with a couch and two chairs plus a low table. Our pre-packed bundles are on display near that area with more tea accessories. The interior of the place is simple with dark hardwood floors, bright white walls, and dim sunlight through the front two windows that bracket the front door. At the counter, I serve tea both morning and afternoon, along with an arrangement of pastry items. Scones are our specialty. For special occasions, like bridal showers or birthday parties, we host high tea although the space is small for such a thing.
I don’t just work here. “I own this place,” I proudly state to him. It’s been a labor of love and a passion since moving back to the area.
Gavin’s mouth falls open as his eyes scan the place a second time before returning to me. “What happened to ballet?”
Nervously, I wipe my hands along the half apron over my skirt.
“It’s not that I don’t do ballet. I still take barre classes, but I haven’t danced professionally in years.”
Gavin notes the stiffness of my voice, and his eyes narrow. “Why?” Gavin knew my dreams as I knew his. I’d seen a stage production of The Nutcracker one Christmas, and it was all I could think about for years. I wanted to dance professionally with the New York Ballet or Joffrey Ballet in Chicago. When an audition never happened, I took the dance position with Dance Midwest downstate, finding fulfillment in just being able to dance every day. However, life got in the way of continuing my career.
Gee’s life, that is.
“Gee was born.” It’s just that simple.
“And what about this place?” His brow creases, proving he doesn’t understand, and I have left out the fine details.
“When Patrick died, I wanted a change of scenery, as I told you last night. Leo was getting older, and I wanted to be closer to him. Gee and I moved here, and I decided to open this place.” I leave out the fact Patrick knew I’d need something in my life after he passed. He helped me as best he could set things in place before he went, should I want this adventure.
“I don’t remember you being into tea,” he says, and I shake my head. He’s isn’t letting anything go.
“I’m sure you don’t remember lots of things about me, and as it’s been years, a person is allowed to change.”
I hadn’t always been into tea, but Gertie was into a holistic lifestyle, and I’d taken up drinking tea when I was pregnant. It helped settle my stomach and restlessness at night. Thoughts of my difficult pregnancy clash with Gavin’s presence.
“Of course, a person can change,” he says, a sting to his tone. He swipes a hand through his hair. “I’m just surprised.” He looks around again. “By so many things.”
I don’t think he means just my tea shop, and before I can stop myself, I ask, “Like what?”
He shrugs, turning back at me. “Everything.” His dark eyes are black tea with a hint of sugar as he stares at me longer than necessary.
Thankfully, Jenna exits the backroom, saving me from the staring contest. She has beautiful dark skin and deep, soulful eyes. Her puffy lips curl as she eyes Gavin. She quickly turns her back on him but catches my eye. “Wow,” she mouths, but I shake my head at her.
Jenna Davis is a great summer addition to my store as she’s a teacher the other months of the year. Other than her constant attempts to set me up on dates, we have a great relationship as friends.
“Anyway, what are you doing here?”
“Maybe he wants tea,” Jenna sarcastically speaks for Gavin, looking at me like I’m silly for asking the obvious.
“Actually, I was just walking through town to my brother’s girlfriend’s place.” Gavin points over his shoulder, and I note the clothing store across the street. “She owns Fabulously Flawed.”
“I love that place,” Jenna states, laying it on a bit thick as she leans on the counter, letting her eyes lift and lower over Gavin’s physique. He’s picture-perfect in jeans and a dress shirt again. I’ve seen him in nothing else so far, which is a big change from the teen in shorts and tees and a man in a hotel room who wore nothing for two days.
“Yeah, Ella’s great.” Gavin’s eyes remain on me, and I decide to fix him a black tea regardless of the fact he hasn’t ordered anything. “But the real reason I’m here is to ask you to attend my film tonight.”
I almost pour hot water over my own hand, drifting outside the cup for a second before looking up at him.
“What?” I gasp.
“What film?” Henry Santos, my other employee asks, stepping through the entrance to the back. Henry is roughly mid-thirties and, unfortunately for him, between jobs. With his blond hair and dark eyes, he looks more like a surfer than the professional he once was. His big city business had significant layoffs in the spring, and Henry, like me, decided a change of pace might do him good.
“I’m showcasing a film at the festival in Traverse City.” I don’t know if it’s some strange guy code, but Gavin eyes Henry as if saying help a guy out. Fortunately, Gavin doesn’t need to ask Henry because Jenna is all over the suggestion.
“A filmmaker.” Jenna draws out the word, like isn’t that interesting—the most interesting thing she’s ever heard—and she tips her head to emphasize her excitement. She actually nods in Gavin’s direction as if Gavin can’t see this entire interchange of Jenna pushing me on Gavin.
“I can’t. I have Gee.” It’s a simple enough excuse and the one I use often. I don’t date because of my son.
“Ask Theo to babysit,” Henry interjects, reminding me of his presence. “That’s what he’s here for as your summer boy.” He winks at me, knowing Theo is not here to be at my beck and call. “Or I’ll come hang with the little beast.”
Henry doesn’t care for children.
“Thank you, Henry, but no.” I turn back to Gavin, holding out the cup of tea, and speak. “And thank you for the invite, but I can’t.”
“Can’t? Or won’t?” There isn’t much difference, but Gavin seems to think there is.
Suddenly, the bell over the door jingles, and another customer enters.
“Hello, beautiful.”
I bristle at the greeting, and Jenna groans next to me.
“Good morning Gabe,” I mutter, wondering what’s worse—Gavin finding me here or Gabe Carpenter entering. The answer comes quickly. Gabe. He doesn’t live in the area but visits his parents often enough, and upon discovering my tea shop and remembering me from summers long ago, he makes it his mission to enter my shop whenever he’s in town and ask me out.
“Gabe?” Gavin questions, looking from Gabe to me and back again. There isn’t a lot of contrast between the men in their appearance. Both have dark hair and eyes. Both wear a dress shirt and expensive shoes, but it’s the aura of the two that separates them. Gavin is all arm porn, sexy jeans commercial in his apparel while Gabe is just what he is, a stuffy lawyer from Detroit. “Gabe Carpenter?”