Secrets And Tea

Chapter 7

Rionna was opening the tea shop at her normal time. Just before the sun rose over the ocean. Isabelle was in the back baking up orders from the night before along with today's selection of goods to be sold.

The tourist season had come into full swing and they were going to be busy. Her usual staff would arrive shortly.

Wiping down the tables and setting their daily menu cards up she hummed a song she had loved since she was a child. It always gave her a boost of confidence. She flipped the open sign and stepped back to look down the hill towards the ocean. 

It was a magnificent sight to see. Stepping behind the counter she began to organize boxes of baked goods and pour the hot water over the tea in the usual to-go orders for the morning. She was just placing the last cap on when the chime above the door sounded. 

"Hi Welcome to Magical Tea and Boutique," she said, looking up to find the man who had given her the urn with Thomas's ashes standing in the doorway. Her mind and heart dropped along with her smile.

"Hi, I was told you have the best muffins in the town," the man said, "I need four dozen of mixed muffins."

"Four Dozen mixed muffins. Would you like tea to go with those muffins?" she inquired writing down the order.

"Uh... sure. I guess I think you are the only person in town open at this hour and close by the hotel. I wanted to treat the landscapers working in my yard." the man said, "I just bought a house and needed help cleaning it up."

"Which company did you hire?" inquired Rionna.

"Leaf It To Me... Sounds strange but that's the name!" Damien said with a shrug.

"Oh, then I know exactly what they would like," Rionna stated, "It might be a bit. Take a seat."

She turned and delivered the order for the muffins to Isabelle in the back. She turned back to the customer and rang up his order and had him pay.

"It'll be a few minutes while Isabelle packs your muffins and I'll work on the tea," Rionna commented, gesturing to the chairs. 

She watched as the customer turned and took a seat. She went to work labeling the cup lids and pouring the tea into the bags and then setting them into the cups. 

"Damien... great to see you hear," Abigail said as she walked into the shop, "Hey Rionna, sorry I'm a bit late. I was sidetracked by Freddie again at the bookstore. He was complaining about a group of teenagers who came into the store making too much noise."

Rionna looked at Abigail and shrugged, "You always get sidetracked by Freddie. It's not enough he died but he thinks the bookshop is his home. You two know each other?"

Abigail looked at Damien, "He was the one I took donuts and tea to a few days ago. He's new to Witch's Cove. Decided to give him a greeting and formal welcome." she said, "Thomas is happy he is staying here. He thinks Damien could use the peace of this little town."

Rionna nodded, "In that case welcome to Witch's Cove. I'm Rionna Woods, I own this tea shop and boutique." 

"Pleased to meet you. I wish it had been under better circumstances," stated Damien. He extended his hand for a handshake.

Rionna carefully put her hand in his and gave a quick shake, before separating her hand from his she felt a jolt of electricity run up her arm. She dropped her hand quickly staring at the man before her. 

He turned to talk to Abigail about references for someone to do electricity. Abigail gleefully gave him recommendations. 

"Order's ready," Isabelle called out.