Falling for the Enemy (Sun and Moon Book 1)

Chapter 38 - Lost Pet

"So you're the genius behind this incredible brew! The whole city is buzzing about you! I hope Pau pays you well."

I look up to see a tall, well-dressed man standing in the middle of the shop. He's rich, that much is obvious from his clothes, and from the two attendants who stand behind him. Rings flash on his fingers- I know Uncle is happy about having so many different types of customers.

I smile and return to wiping down the corner table as Uncle replies.

"Good tea is its own reward."

"But, it doesn't have to be the only reward. How would you like to have your own tea shop?"

Uncle freezes. I freeze. Across the room, Zuko freezes. We are all staring at him. Uncle's eyes go wide, and I can practically hear the joy buzzing through his head.

"My own tea shop?! This is a dream come true!"

Pau runs up to them, and I feel kind of sorry for him. If this guy is for real, Uncle, Zuko, and I won't be here much longer.

"What's going on here?" Pau steps in front of Uncle, as if protecting him- or should I say his interests- from the rich man.

"Are you trying to poach my teamaker?"

"Sorry, Pau, but that's business for you, am I right?" He looks to Uncle, raising a brow in silent question.

"Mooshi, if you stay, I'll... make you assistant manager. Wait! Senior assistant manager!"

Poor Pau.

"I'll provide you with a new apartment in the Upper Ring. The tea shop is yours to do whatever you want, complete creative freedom."

"I even get to name the shop?"

"Of course!"

Pau can see his prospects floating away down the river of life, and I feel sorry for him. But at the same time, a new apartment in the Upper Ring is amazing! This is a deal I know Uncle won't pass up.

Pau tries again. "Senior executive assistant manager?"

Uncle just hands Pau his tea pot, and I shake my head slightly. I stand and stretch, then remove my apron as Uncle bows to the rich man.

Pau groans.

Uncle turns to Zuko. "Did you hear, nephew? This man wants to give us our own tea shop in the Upper Ring of the city!"

"That's right, young man. Your life is about to change for the better."

Zuko heads for the door. "I'll try to contain my joy."

I sigh. Ever since that night with her, he's been totally unreachable. Nothing I try gets through to him. I don't know what to do.

If I tell him the truth, I don't know how he'll react. But I miss him. And if I'm being honest, I'm still a little angry at him for even going out with her, but I'm slowly getting over it.

Mostly, I just miss Zuko. I miss my friend.

I shake my head as he closes the door of the tea shop behind him. I wonder what's going through his head.

This is a great opportunity for us, and for Uncle!

I touch Uncle's shoulder. "Maybe we should put cocoa in his tea to make him sweeter."

Uncle laughs. "That is a very good idea, Kara. Cocoa in his tea...." He shakes his head, laughing quietly still.

I pat Pau on the shoulder as I hand him my apron. I step outside after Zuko, but when I look around, he's gone. I take a step and something scrunches beneath my foot.

I look down to see a piece of paper with a strange animal printed on it. I pick it up. It's a lost pet poster. Someone has lost their pet... flying bison?

Huh. Whatever that is.

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Sooo. Can anybody see where this is going? Lol... it's okay, I know I'm evil. COMMENT and vote, people!

So I'm starting something... every time I update I'll give you a time, and if I have 5 comments by then I will update another chapter. :) Today's time is 3:00 PM

-Eon