"I figured that's what she meant." Eris lets loose a sad chuckle.
"Just making sure everyone was on the same page," Nyx reaches for another pastry.
"I appreciate that." Her smile fades. "If I'm being honest, I'm doing better than I expected. Obviously, her coming to Tronovia is a bit stressful, but I have faith thedissimulowill keep my identity hidden from the Hydrans. Finn has never failed me before. I don't expect him to start now."
"So," I dare a glance at Nyx before asking, "You're really ok?"
"Yes," she nods, but I don't believe her.
Nyx elbows me. "And you thought this was aTreatsworthy emergency."
"Excuse me for being concerned about my friend," I bite back.
He furrows his brow. "Like I'm not?"
"I appreciate your concern," Eris interrupts before Nyx and I bicker again. "Both of you. AndTreatsis always a welcome surprise."
"Well, I'm glad you're doing all right." I smile, dusting the powdered sugar from my hands. "Now, how can we help clean up?"
Eris shrugs. "I've basically done everything already. In fact," she takes note of the clock, "it's almost time to lock the doors. I'll sweep and restock items once I've finished eating."
"I'll sweep," I offer, hopping to my feet.
"Nonsense!" She fusses. "Come eat with me. I feel like I haven't seen you two in days with your dragon training and all."
"You should come watch us sometime, Eris," Nyx wipes the corners of his mouth with a napkin. "You'd be impressed."
"I'm sure I would be," she chuckles.
"Ok, seriously," I interject, rolling my sleeves up, determined to help. "Where is the broom? I'll start sweeping."
Nyx shoves the last of his pastry in his mouth and hops to his feet. "Put us to work, Eris."
"Fine," she rolls her eyes. "Nyx, I need some glass jars from the back room and Shaye, the broom is there, too. But you two don't need to help – "
"Too late," Nyx wipes his hands on his pants. "Just accept the help."
"Well, thank you." Eris grabs a towel to wipe the counter tops of the crumbs and sugar we left behind. "The best part is, I won't have to walk home by myself tonight."
Nyx and I push through the curtains and find ourselves in the storage room. It's just as neatly organized as the main floor. I shouldn't be surprised. It's Finn's shop after all. With each shelf and hook labeled, we find the jars and broom.
The bell jingles above the door when it opens. Nyx moves fast to see who came in so late, but I slap my hand to his chest, halting him when we hear Eris greet Finn.
"Finn! I didn't expect you to come in tonight." She plops the towel down on the counter. "I thought you were with your parents – "
"I need to talk to you." His voice is laced with a seriousness that sends goosebumps down my arms. Nyx and I glance at each other, silently agreeing to stay behind the curtain for now.
"Is something wrong?" Eris asks, a slight tremor in her tone.
"Eris – "
"You look pale." I watch through the flaps of the curtains as Eris reaches for Finn's face. "What happened? Is your mother all right?"
"Eris." Finn grabs her hand before she can touch him. His eyes are filled with so many different emotions I can't read. My heart begins to gallop, even though this has nothing to do with me. "Please," he exhales, releasing built up anxiety. "I just need you to listen."
"You're scaring me."
"I'm sorry." He stares down at the floor. "I don't mean to frighten you. It's just…" Finn inhales deeply and I grab ahold of Nyx's forearm in anticipation. "I don't want to lose the nerve to tell you what has been on my mind for a very long time."
