“I’m going to head downstairs,” I say reluctantly. “You’d best stay here. I’ll check on you in a few hours.”
This time, Rowan screeches, not liking that.
“Not ‘check on you’ like you can’t take care of yourself.Check in with you. Is that better?”
He lifts his wings in a way that looks like he’s shrugging, which I can only take for a yes. He looks so frustrated.
I study him, my heart breaking. “Just so you know, I don’t love you any less when you’re an owl. And yes, I know it’s the first time I’m saying it directly to you, and no, it’s probably not the best timing. But I feel like you need to know. I love you, Rowan. And we’re going to figure this out.”
He stays silent, watching me.
“Okay, I’m going.”
I could really use a hug, but that’s impossible right now.
What if you can’t fix it this time?the morbid voice of unfounded anxiety whispers in my ear.What if you never get to hug Rowan again?
But no, I’m not going to give in to it. We fixed this once; we can fix it again. Yes, things might be different now that Rowan can access his shifter magic. But surely that can only make things easier?
Pushing the panic back, I walk down the stairs. When I enter the tearoom, I find Ryder at the counter sipping tea and chatting with Nadine, his face solemn and worried.
“Thank you for calling Ash,” I say to the elf when I join them. “I couldn’t have managed that meeting without him.”
“He comes in handy sometimes.”
I look around the shop, my heart pinching when I see the people at their tables, everyone chatting over their tea and enjoying themselves. I’ve come to really love this place, and I don’t want to lose it.
“What happens now?” Nadine asks.
“One more inspector must come in and look at the garden. Ash said he’s going to try to request a relocation. I hope he can manage it.”
“What’s the alternative?” Ryder asks.
“They might demand we close the tea shop.”
The elf’s eyes go wide. “Can they do that?”
“I’m afraid they can.” I sigh. “But it’s a worry for later. For now, I’m going to get to work.”
Ryder smiles as he jerks his chin toward me. “Like that?”
I look down at my outfit again. “It’s bad, isn’t it?”
Nadine laughs gently, her eyes concerned. “Go home, take a nice, hot shower, and then come back.”
“The morning rush is a lot for one person to handle,” I say reluctantly.
“I’ve got this,” she assures me. “Go.”
I’m already edging toward the door. “You’re sure?”
“One hundred percent.”
Relieved, I nod. “I won’t be long, okay?”
“No hurry.”
Before I leave, I realize I should tell Rowan that I’m headed home.
