I lift the cup and screw the bill up. “No need for a bill.” I glare at Cam. “This is on the house. Call it a wedding gift.”
“That’s very generous of you. Thank you.”
Cam huffs and stomps off back to the kitchen.
“Look, if this isn’t cool, we’re more than happy to pay for our tea.”
“Don’t worry about it. Take no notice of my colleague. She’s British. The female version of Ebenezer Scrooge. She hasn’t warmed up yet, despite the hot weather.” I chuckle to myself, but wipe the smile from my face when Eve stiffens her spine and glares at me.
“What are you saying about British women?” Her lips form a tight line after spitting out her words in a very strong British accent.
Oh fuck.
Liam chuckles, shaking his head. “Man, you didn’t just go there. My wife here is not only British, but she’s on some feminist crusade.”
“Ma’am, I’m so sorry. I meant nothing by it. Only that Cam has been the bane of my existence ever since she arrived here.” Maybe longer. Definitely longer.
Eve fiddles with the cutlery on the table, chewing on the inside of her cheek.
“I hear ya. Been there, done that, and got the wedding ring.” He holds up his hand, sporting a shiny platinum band.
Eve rolls her eyes at him, but a hint of a smile curves her lips.
“Tell him, frosty. Even the coldest of hearts can melt.”
Eve kicks him under the table. “They can also freeze again.” She smiles up at me. “Grayson was it?”
“Call me Gray.”
She smoothes her palms over the tablecloth. “Do not take advice from my husband, but can I suggest you just be honest?” She glances back at Liam as though she’s giving her husband the same advice. “Us women value honesty and just tell her how you feel, instead of beating about the bush.”
Huh, there’s definitely no beating of any bush going on. “Thank you ma’am. Noted. Enjoy your afternoon tea. The cream scones are a personal favourite.” I spin on my heel and head towards the kitchen and toss the receipt in the bin.
Cam empties the dishwasher, glaring at me as though I’m the one in the wrong. “I can’t believe you did that.”
“You heard me tell Julian they could have a free meal, and you went and undermined me. Do that again, and I’ll take you over my knee.”
She huffs out a laugh, then presses her lips together when she sees I’m deadly serious. “You’re never going to make any money when you’re giving away three course lunches. That was a hefty bill you just threw away.”
“Betty was always generous when it was someone’s birthday, anniversary, or whatever. I’m just trying to keep up with her traditions and honour her memory. And guess what, the customers go away happy and they tell others to come here. You gain a customer for life instead of one afternoon.” I drop my hand when I realise I’m pointing in her face. “I thought you knew all about marketing. Didn’t they teach customer relations at that fancy university you went to?”
“Didn’t they teach business studies at that college you went to? Oh, I forgot, you were too busy playing football.”
“Too busy getting my leg busted and getting kicked out, if you must know.”
Her eyes widen. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that, but you value nothing I try to do here.”
My heart drops to my stomach. “I’m sorry if I made you feel that way. I appreciate some stuff you do. Your website is something else. I could never do that shit.”
“I can teach you how to manage it when I’m gone.”
I swallow the lump forming in my throat. My hand rubs at my chest, already feeling the emptiness of her leaving.
* * *
Cam’s been wanting to learn how everything works behind the counter. I had almost given up hope that she'd stay, but then she said she wanted to make the infusion for Betty’s sweet tea. Is it too much to hope she might not leave? Though if she breaks any more pots, we may have to change the name of this place to Calami-tea.
I look over my shoulder as I carry some empty cups to the kitchen and notice her moving towards Felix. He’s not a people person, but his books are great, and I don’t want her upsetting our resident author.
