Secrets And Tea

Chapter 13

Rionna bagged the last of the blueberry muffins for her last customer of the morning.

"Is it me? Or are we busier this year than last?" Asked Isabelle as she came out with a new tray of goodies she had backed and switched out the trays.

"I won't be able to tell you that until the end of the season," Rionna said as she wiped the counters and placed fresh tongs and gloves nearby.

"I know dear. This has been a tough month for you. I really think you should take a few days off and just grieve," suggested Isabelle.

"Hello ladies, Isabelle what's on the menu today?" Damien's chipper voice spoke as he sauntered inside the shop.

"Lavendar Lemon Cheesecake" Isabelle said with a smile, "A new recipe."

"Sounds good. Rionna can you spare 4 hours this afternoon? I have a surprise for you!"

"She would be happy to. Abigail can take over and our new part timer will ne in from 1 - 6 today." Blurted Isabelle before Rionna could reply.

"Great. I'll pick you up at one then," Damien said before grabbing the tea and cheesecake.

He turned and waved bye. Excited to start his mission.

He stepped outside and climbed in his vehicle taking off with ease. He had already made two appointments for this afternoon for Rionna.

He had seen Thomas the night before and was able to ask questions about what Rionna may like to do.

Talking with Thomas had been great. The ghost of his former comrade had understood his dilemma and had told him he just wanted him to keep Rionna company. To give her a helping hand when she needed it or just to be there for her to get her mind off of her sadness.

He grabbed a few items for a late night dinner later and put them in the fridge. His bedroom was ready so he set his bed up and then headed back to pick up Rionna.

The moment he parked Rionna was shoved through the door of her shop by Abigail. 

His window was rolled down so he heard Abigail speak to Rionna, who was currently trying to protest. 

"I don't care what you have to do. You are not allowed to come back for at least four hours," Abigail said, "We will be fine without you. Paperwork will wait, and we know who to call if we run low on supplies."

Damien got out of his truck and walked around just as Abigail shut the door and locked it right in Rionna's face. 

Rionna stood with her hand on her hips. Abigail pointed and mouthed 'go' and made a shooing motion with her hands.

Damien waited while Rionna stood there. She obviously wasn't happy with being forced out of her comfort zone. 

Rionna turned and looked at him. Spreading her arms and dropping them with a huff of breath.

"Okay. I guess I am being forced to take some time off work," she said, walking towards him, "I hope this won't take long."

"Four hours tops," Damien promised, raising his hands in the 'I promise' gesture. 

"Alright, what do you have planned?" she inquired. 

"Let's go for a walk," he suggested and took her wrist gently in his hand. Leading her to the hotel. 

Once inside the lobby, he went to where the spa services were given. He stepped up to the desk.

"I have a reservation for Damien," he said. 

"Yes, I have you right here. Rionna, You are one lucky girl," stated the receptionist, "Follow me Rionna. You are getting a treat today."

Rionna quirked an eyebrow at both Damien and the receptionist. She followed the receptionist into the back and Damien sank into a chair. 

He had requested Rionna to have a full workup of massage and special spa treatments. He had selected each one based on some of what he had asked Thomas. Now he was going to sit back and relax while she got pampered. 

"She is all squared away. Did you want a coffee while you wait?" asked the receptionist, when she returned from getting Rionna into the back.

"Sure, that would be great, thanks Becky," Damien said with a smile. 

She disappeared into a room behind the desk and returned with a coffee cup filled with steaming java. He took an appreciative sip of the coffee and opened up the magazine he had picked up. 

As the hours ticked he spent time talking to the receptionist or just some who were waiting for their turn in the spa.

When Rionna finally came out, she looked refreshed and less tired than when he had first seen her today.

"Well? How do you feel?" He asked as he walked with her to his truck. He opened the door for her.

"Limber, and soft," she replied as she got into the truck and buckled in.

Damien nodded, and closed the door.

He got in the drivers seat and merged into the busy tourist street the turned onto Coastal Lane, then merged onto King's Wharf Highway.

He played soothing instrumental music as he drove.

They pulled into King's Wharf and he helped her out.

A waitress stood with a picnic basket and blanket at the door of the restaurant.

Damien gathered it into his arms.

"Follow me," he declared as he made his way to a small staircase built into the rocky cliffs that led up to a plateau of stone.

The wind was light and breezy just as he hoped. He set the basket down and shook out the blanket.

He set out the takeout containers on the blanket.

"Sit and eat..." he said as he took up his spot and started to open the food. Two empty containers served as plates.

They ate in silence watching the waves beat against the rocky walls. Gulls screamed overhead as they dove for their fishy meals. Boats ebbed and bowed in the waves in the distance.

"Wow, that was a great meal. I haven't had one like that for a while," Rionna stated as she leaned back, "Thank you. Today's been a great day."

"It's not finished yet by any means," Damien warned, "I have a few more things for us to do."

Rionna smiled. If the things he had planned remained this good she couldn't wait to find out.