“You don’t mind?”
“I’m heading that way anyway.”
“Let me say goodbye to my parents.” I pause. “Have you met them?”
“No.”
“Do you want to?”
“Not particularly.”
“Too bad.” I lead him into the kitchen. “Mom, Dad, this is Ansel. He and his sister own the rock shop. He’s going to give me a ride to town.”
Dad eyes him. “May I ask you a question, Ansel?”
The sorcerer glances at me, unsure, but reluctantly nods.
“If you changed into an owl, would you consider it proper to live in a house alone with a young pixie woman?”
“Dad!” I exclaim. “We’re going now.”
Ansel chuckles as we walk through the living room.
“Not a word,” I warn him.
“I didn’t say a thing.” He opens the door, delighted. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen the ornery mage in a better mood.
Ryder walksinto the tea shop at fifteen minutes past two, finished with his shift at the bakery. He pauses in the doorway, assessing the chaos that is our Friday afternoon. Everyone and their brother decided to stop in for tea, probably because they’re hiding from my storm.
He makes his way to the counter and slips into a recently vacated stool.
“Would you like tea, or are you here for Kit?” Nadine asks him.
“Both,” the elf says. “I’ll have my usual.”
“The cinnamon apple,” I tell her, finishing up my current customer’s order. “But do you mind if I make it?”
“Go for it.” She smiles at the next customer, leaving us to talk.
“Has Rowan returned yet?” Ryder asks when I join him.
“I’m not sure. We’ve been swamped all afternoon. Do you want to go upstairs and check?”
“Sure,” he leaves the stool and heads to the back. Not even a minute later, he sends a text.
Ryder: He’s here. Can you come up?
The line is down to two customers. I help one and leave the second to Nadine.
“Can you manage by yourself for a few minutes?” I ask her.
But I know she can. She’s in her element, happy as can be, her peaceful magic blanketing the tea shop.
“Of course,” she says. “Do what you need to.”
I take off my apron and leave her to it, feeling nervous as I walk into the apartment.
I’m so relieved when I see Rowan on his perch, I nearly burst into tears. “You’re back.”
