Rowan falls silent.
“I’m sorry?” I ask, befuddled.
“You’re a nice young pixie—too young to be saddled with such a large responsibility. I, however, am already tied to the town. One more asset will not be a burden to me.”
“Are you saying you want tobuythe tea shop?”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying. I’m aware you’ll lose your aunt’s estate unless you run the shop for several years, and that’s why I’m willing to make you a generous offer so you don’t take that loss. Instead of waiting for the money, you’ll have it now.”
“But…but this is theMerriweatherTea Shop. It’s my family’s business.”
“The name means little to me. If it’s important to you, I’m happy to carry on as your aunt established.” He leans forward, his expression hungry. “What do you think? No more fuss, no responsibility. No leaky roofs, destroyed attics, or…gnomes.”
I exhale all at once, feeling a little dizzy. Then I whisper, “You know about the gnomes?”
He nods knowingly and then stands. “Think about it. You, of course, would retain your cottage. I only want the shop.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I enjoy running the tea shop. Yes, there’s been a bit of a learning curve, but it’s rewarding as well. I cannot imagine selling it.”
“We can work with that. If you like working here, I would consider hiring you.”
Incredulous, I ask, “You want me to sell you my tea shop and then work as your employee?”
“As a financially set young woman, it would be a hobby at that point.” He holds up a hand when I shake my head, asking for silence. “Don’t make any hasty decisions. We can discuss it again later. I need to return to work.”
“What about your tea?”
He wrinkles his nose at the tin. “I don’t consume anything that could be considered abyproduct.”
Dejected, my shoulders sag, and any argument I might have had is lost to my disappointment.
“That man,” Anna says when he walks out the door, relieved that he’s gone.
“On paper, his offer might sound smart,” Rowan says to me carefully. “But Mr. Eastwilden wouldn’t be interested in adding the tea shop to his properties if he didn’t believe he would make back his investment and more in a reasonable amount of time. You would lose money, Kit.”
“I have no desire to sell the shop,” I say, and I mean it. “If all goes well, I should be able to fix the roof by the end of the summer.”
Satisfied, Rowan nods. “Kukicha was a solid suggestion, by the way. He was trying to ruffle you. No matter what you picked, he would have complained.”
“I know you’re right, but…”
“I’ll try it,” Anna says. “Since Rowan hasn’t started my fog yet.”
“Are you sure?”
“Very sure.” She smiles, and it feels like a warm show of solidarity.
Grateful, my magic swells, chasing away the clouds that I felt looming.
As I prepare the tea, Anna sighs. “He’s been giving us a fair amount of trouble, too.”
“Sounds like he’s suddenly decided he doesn’t like the Saturday night fireworks?” Rowan rubs one shoulder, then the other. He rolls them several times, looking mildly uncomfortable.
“That too, but no. It’s the miniature golf course drama again. He’s now put in his own offer for the property.”
“What does he want to do with it?”
“Apparently, he plans to put in a hot springs pool and spa.”
