Placing the menus back in the stand, Miralynn says, “You’re welcome to head to the bar, Rose. Kit, I’ll check on your food and be right back.”
“I’ll come by the tea shop later this week,” Rosalie promises before she heads to the bar. “It was nice talking to you.”
The door opens as I’m waiting, and I step aside so the customer can request a table, smiling on autopilot. That smile freezes when I realize the new patron is Mr. Eastwilden.
“Hello, Kit.” The hotelier’s eyes are sharp, and the smile he offers feels calculating. “I didn’t expect to find you away from your shop during business hours.”
“Rowan is watching the counter.”
“I’ve heard he’s returning to school this autumn. I suspect you’ll find it difficult running the shop alone.”
He’s heard a lot of things. Though we just met, I think it’s safe to say the man has been keeping tabs on me.
Highly uncomfortable, I say, “My friend from Washington is thinking about moving here. She’s going to help while he’s finishing his degree.”
“Only while he’s at college? I can’t imagine Rowan will want to return to the tea shop once he becomes a sorcerer. In fact, I doubt he’ll return to Moss Hollow at all. You’re close, aren’t you? What will you do if he doesn’t come back?”
I have no answer for that, so I offer him a shrug and a smile, hoping Miralynn hurries with my order.
“Have you thought about my offer?” he presses.
“There really isn’t anything to think about,” I say, preparing myself for his irritation. “I’m sorry, but I’m not interested in selling the tea shop. It’s a family business, and it’s going to stay in the family.” I clear my throat. “Thank you, though. It was…kind of you.”
The leprechaun narrows his eyes, displeased with my response. “For your sake, I hope you’re able to weather the consequences of your hasty decision. Business ownership is not for the faint of heart.”
“Perry just finished up your order, Kit.” Miralynn returns with a bag, thankfully interrupting the conversation. “Hi, Mr. Eastwilden. Your usual table?”
I thank the young hostess, offer the leprechaun a nod goodbye, and then hurry outside, yet again making a hasty getaway.
“What a day,” I mutter to myself, proud that I at least stood my ground against Mr. Eastwilden, even if I ran away from Keira like a coward.
The tea shop is moderately busy when I return, with several tables occupied and a short line of customers at the counter.
“Ryder called to ask if you’re okay,” Rowan says when he finishes up with his customer, allowing Nadine to help the next.
He directs me into the back hall, and I shift the takeout bag in my hands.
“He called?” I ask, feeling ridiculous.
“He did, and he told me what Keira said.”
Feeling a little defeated, I sigh. “I’m fine.”
I wasn’t planning on telling Rowan about seeing Keira at the bakery, nor the humiliating way I ran away.
“I don’t know why she’s still here,” he says, frustrated. “I’m not sure how to make myself any clearer that we’re not getting back together.”
“Where is she staying?”
“When we talked, she said she leased a vacation rental house while looking for a home to purchase.”
“How long is her lease?”
“Through the end of the month.”
“She hasn’t put an offer on anything, has she? So one more week, and then she’ll go home?”
“Unless she books another month.”
