The aroma of tea is thick in the air.
“Why don’t you grab a table and I’ll order?”
“Sounds great.”
“Any kind of tea you want?”
“Surprise me.”
Taking off my gloves, I stuff them in my pockets as I order our tea and sandwiches.
A white, ceramic teapot covered in painted roses, filled with hot water and tea leaves to steep, is set on the tray, complete with two strainers for the tea leaves and matching pink cups.
“We’ll bring the rest out to you shortly.”
“Thank you.”
I pay for everything and grab the tray and walk over to our table.
“English breakfast, or as we like to call it, black tea. You can’t come to England without having it,” I tell her, taking the seat across from her.
“It smells delicious.”
“It’s my favorite.” I arrange the teacups and strainers while the tea steeps. The earthy aroma warms me from the inside out. “I usually take mine with a spot of milk, but you can also do sugar.”
“Milk sounds good,” Natalie tells me.
I nod, taking the pot and pouring the steamy liquid into each cup. The liquid runs dark. Perfect.
I add a splash of milk to each and hand hers over.
“Cheers.” Natalie clinks her pink teacup against mine.
“Cheers.” I take a small sip, letting the flavors linger on my tongue. Holding the ceramic cup, I let the warmth sink into my cold fingers.
“How long have you been working for the team?” Natalie asks, setting her drink down on the saucer.
“Since I graduated in the spring.”
“Big hockey fan?”
I laugh, shaking my head. “Honestly? Not before. It was the first offer that I got in uni, so I took it. I thought it would be a lot harder to find a job, but I’m finding I actually like hockey now.”
Her eyes are searching as she sips her tea. “A particular coach wouldn’t have anything to do with that, now would he?”
“Stop it.”
I drink my tea so I have something to do with my hands. I don’t know why talking about Tag always gets me so flustered. It’s not like I’ve never had a boyfriend before. But maybe it’s because Tag is the first person that could mean something. Sure, the team is doing well, and it’s likely the team will renew his contract, but it’s hard to think about the future when Tag’s is so uncertain.
A three-tier stand arrives at the table—savory, finger sandwiches on the bottom, scones with clotted cream in the middle, and sweets on top.
“This looks amazing.” Natalie is quick to take her sandwiches and set them on her plate. “I’m so glad you brought me here.”
“I like that you can pop in and get tea without having to wait or book a table.”
“For these sandwiches? I’m surprised it’s not busier.” Her face is full of delight.
Conversation with Natalie is easy. She tells me about her family back home—something I don’t really tell her about—while she asks more questions about work and Tag.
