He chuckles. “Yeah, it was a surprise for us as well. This little tyke wants to come early.”
“But—”
“So she’ll be starting her maternity leave a little earlier than planned. I’m just calling to let you know. See ya.”
The phone slips from my hand and dangles from the corded wire attached to the wall. My heart races, and I rub the stab in my temple. The door dings. Glory enters with her usual smile. “Hey, Cam.”
“Trudy’s in labour.” I lift the phone and place it back in the receiver. Still dazed, I continue to set everything up, ready for Felix.
“So it’s just us?”
“Your brother is doing some kids periwinkle coaching or something.” I huff out the words.
Glory laughs. “It’s pee wee league. Daisy got him the position a few years back. It’s actually the one thing he looks forward to every week.”
“Daisy?” The daisies on his chest flash through my head, and I’m sure I turn green.
“Yeah, all the mom’s fancy him. Probably why he likes it so much.” Glory throws on her apron that says ‘The Glory of Christmas’ and sets out the fresh batch of scones from the bakery ready for our guests.
She hasn’t noticed the steam spouting from my ears at the thoughts of Gray flirting with the periwinkle mums. With a tight lip, I set up a display of Felix’s books on the cabinet behind his table. If this goes well, we can offer this type of event to others. People can pay us for hosting talks, hiring the space for club meetings and special occasions.
I stare at one of his books in my hand. Something tugs at my heart, strumming a sad tune on a harpsichord, and I realise I can’t leave this place. This past week, working more in the tea shop has been an exciting challenge. Being my own boss is definitely a refreshing change, even if Gray thinks he’s in charge. There has to be a compromise.
There’s no wonder Betty lived into her nineties. Living and working here, doing something she loved, is so much more rewarding. I do love web developing, but I was on a treadmill that I couldn’t get off. The pace of life is so much slower here, and the people treat you like an actual person and not just a number that can be so easily replaced.
A smile pushes my cheeks up as I place Felix’s book on the display. I could definitely get used to this way of life. The bell dings and in walks our first customer.
“Do you have a ticket?” Glory asks, then serves the tea and cake from the welcome table we set up near the door. I help and before we know it, we have a full house. The tearoom has never been so full. Even in all my years coming here as a kid, I never saw it even half full.
Everyone natters amongst themselves, clinking their cups against the saucers balanced on their knees. The doorbell dings and in walks Felix, his usual handsome but straight face that gives nothing away. Gray said Felix only smiles when Harlow’s around.
“Mr Mercer. I set up a table for you at the back so you can give your talk and sign your books.”
“Thanks. Let’s get this over with,” he mutters under his breath, then walks over to the table and dives right into his welcome speech like he’s flicked a switch on his personality.
Glory and I listen from behind the till. He almost has me wanting to buy one of his books. I feast on a tray of chocolates that we set out for the guests. But they’re so morish, I absentmindedly inhale half the tray. Oh bother. If Gray finds out I love Tizzy’s chocolates, he’ll make me eat my own words.
It’s funny how I was so frightened to come back here. The memories of my mother were too painful, but now, being here actually makes me feel a little closer to her. It’s almost like I’m getting a piece of her back, and I can't bear to leave this feeling behind. I’ve even got used to Bing Crosby on the radio.
The meet and greet goes on for much longer than expected, which is good for us as people purchase more tea. With a little more room to breathe as some guests clear out, Glory and I set the tables back up for our regulars and work around the fans.
Grayson enters the kitchen with a huge smile on his face. “Looks like everything went well. “Felix actually smiled. I’m impressed, Cam. Good job.”
“I’m exhausted. Here, take this out to table three.” I hand him a tray of tea and sandwiches. “Can you bring back the rest of the tables and set them up again?”
He glances at the time on the wall. “Okay, but I’m not staying. I have a thing.”
“Oh?”
“I told you, I don’t work Sundays. Where’s Trudy?”
“She’s in labour.” I dig my fists into my hip. “Can’t you cancel your thing? Glory and I haven’t stopped all morning.”
“I can’t. This is the only free time I have.”
I hold a teapot under the hot water urn and fiddle with the temperamental spout, yanking it a little harder than usual out of annoyance. Boiling water spurts out, scalding my hand. “Owe!” My skin pulls tight, turning red. The pot slips from my fingers and shatters on the floor.
“Cam.” Gray’s voice comes out hoarse as he slides the tray onto the worktop, then shuts off the valve to the urn. Rushing, he takes my wrist in his hand and drags me to the sink, running the scald under the cold water. I wince, sucking the air through my teeth. My flesh stings like a hundred pin pricks stabbing me all at once.
