He took a seat at the large round table in the middle. The lace tablecloth and fresh-cut roses that appeared to be from the Bennetts’ own garden made the setting look a little fancier than he remembered. A dark red rose, the exact colour of EJ’s favourite shade of what she called “power lipstick,” drew his wry smile. He wished she were here instead of doing whatever she was doing.
“So, welcome to The Silver Teapot,” Katie said, breaking into his musings. “I know you have all been here many times before, but in case you’d like a change from your usual tea or coffee preferences, please peruse the menu so we can help you with that.”
“Just my usual, thanks, love,” Dad said.
“And I’m happy with the Southern Highlands blend, thank you dear.”
“Of course, Mrs. Bennett. And you, Jordan? What would you like?”
EJ to be here.He blinked, then peered at the menu. “Uh, I’m happy with the Darjeeling. Thanks, Katie.”
She grinned. “Coming right up.”
Music played in the background as the sounds of cooking and preparation came from the kitchen. He glanced around, remembering those instances when he and EJ used to meet here after school, enjoying milkshakes or scones while he’d waited for his parents to collect him. He usually had to catch the school bus, but occasionally when a school event went on too long, or he’d had an orthodontist appointment, he’d managed to savour a little more time at The Silver Teapot with the Bennett girls after it closed at four on weekdays. Liv would always enjoy hercustard tarts, EJ preferred lemon tarts, Elinor liked any baked goods containing apples, while Katie was a cupcake girl. He’d always be happy with whatever was on offer, grateful for the sense of inclusion. His only sibling, John, was ten years older and had joined the army and moved away as soon as he’d finished high school. The Bennett girls were the sisters he’d never had. EJ was closer than his brother.
The wooden double doors that led to the kitchen opened as Elizabeth was followed by her daughters and husband.
“Here we are!” Elizabeth beamed, placing two tiered trays of pastries and sandwiches on the table as Elinor and Katie placed teapots and cups and saucers at the various settings.
“Here you go,” Elinor said, placing Jordan’s pot of Darjeeling next to where Katie had placed a flower-decorated porcelain plate.
“Thanks.”
The sisters finished, then returned to the kitchen. “They’re not joining us?” Mum asked.
“I wasn’t sure if you’d want them. And Katie has an assessment she’s preparing for.”
“Oh, but I’m sure Jordan would appreciate a young person to talk to.” Mum glanced at him. “Wouldn’t you?”
Put on the spot like this, he wouldn’t argue with the birthday girl. “Sure.” Otherwise he knew he’d be fending off questions about EJ from both sets of parents. “Parentals,” EJ called them.
Mrs. Bennett moved to get up, but he was faster. “Mrs. Bennett, you stay seated; you’ve worked hard. I’ll go tell them.”
“Thanks, Jordan.”
He nodded and hurried to the kitchen door, pushing it open.
“—he really seems worried about her, and—”
He paused, as Katie’s eyes caught his. Katie nudged her sister, and Elinor turned around. “Oh.”
Judging from the pink filling her cheeks, he didn’t have to try too hard to guess who the “he” might be.
“Is everything okay?” Katie asked.
“Yeah. Mum just wanted to know if you were going to join us.”
Katie’s nose wrinkled. “We didn’t want to impose, and I’ve got some work I need to get done.”
“Could you stay for five minutes? That means I don’t have to listen to them going on about their aches and pains.”
Elinor grimaced. “I hope when we’re that old that won’t be all we ever talk about.”
“It’s what you focus on, right? And I guess in your dad’s case, he needs to be a little more aware of his body and what’s going on, considering what happened to him last year.”
The door opened, and Mrs. Bennett poked her head in. “Are you coming? We were beginning to wonder if you’d been kidnapped by the girls again.”
Like Jordan had when he’d been twelve and EJ and the others had insisted on keeping him overnight for a slumber party. Somehow in the fun chaos, nobody had remembered to tell his parents where he was, which had resulted in some frantic phone calls, until they’d finally turned up at the shop to find him playing hide-and-seek in the old rickety attic. The attic was remodelled and used as a special tea party room now.
