Secrets And Tea

Chapter 19

Damien placed the last dish on the drying rack.

It had been a great evening and even though he wasn't an avid tea drinker he had enjoyed the tea and company tonight.

Rhionna was sorting through the cards and sorting them into stacks.

"What's the verdict?" He asked, as he dried his hands on a spare cloth.

"It looks like Pineapple Sunset wins," Answered Rhionna, "With Berry Blast as a close second. Isabella's Blueberry Bramble and Apple Explosion muffin are the winners for the pastry."

She stretched and sighed, "Now I can plan the menu for the fall."

She pulled up her laptop and started working on the graphics announcing the new flavors.

Damien leaned against the counter watching her work. She was dedicated to the things she needed to get done.

He told her good night and left despite the heavy rainfall outside. He drove home slowly, his wipers working overtime to clear the deluge of water off his windshield.

Living on the island was going to take some time to get used to. The weather was bi-polar in its complexity.

Pulling up to his house he saw the old woman who used to own the house standing at the living room window. She waved a large smile on her face.

Damien looked around before waving back and entering the house.

"Good evening," he greeted the elderly lady.

"Hello dear, you best be getting yourself something hot to drink and a fire going in that hearth. The wind will knock out the power soon." Warned the ghost.

Damien did as she said. He had gotten used to listening to the woman. It still felt strange to be seeing and speaking to someone who was already dead.

At about one in the morning the power went out and Damien found himself in complete darkness. Deciding rather than going to the bedroom he would make himself comfortable on the couch.

The ghostly Mrs. Joplin had said her goodbyes and disappeared. He wondered what kept her here in her old home. If it was the memories or did she feel she had to stay. He considered asking her the question at a later date.

He let his eyes close. Dreams of Rionna sitting by his side on her porch swing laughing and holding hands. Them whispering softly as they watched the sunset over the ocean.

Peace filtered in and his body relaxed as deep sleep came to him for once since leaving the army and coming to the mysterious Witch's Cove.