Page 16 of Welcome to Ero-TEA-Ca: We’re Open!

Harriet

N abi was right: London was just what Harriet needed. The break from constantly thinking about tea bags and the aesthetic look of dildos on a shelf was a welcome one. It had been way too long since Harriet jumped on a train and headed into the capital.

Camden Market was, without a doubt, Harriet’s favourite place in London. Nabi, being the bestest friend in the world, booked them a hotel close by so they could shop, eat, and wander to their hearts’ content. And boy did they ever.

Eventually, they agreed to wander a little further afield.

Nabi wanted to go to the M her mother begging her not to open the shop and save the family from eternal social damnation. Harriet deleted it the second it was over.

As time went on and she got closer to officially opening the door to Ero-Tea-Ca, Harriet became less bothered by her parents’ limited views. It was their problem, not hers. She had the support of the people who were the most important, and that was good enough.

Casting a quick look at the clock, Harriet hesitated. Cass would probably be working and possibly wouldn’t appreciate Harriet disturbing her. But Kendal was also a friend, and she’d be happy to see her. Plus, Harriet was in need of a Danish.

Ten minutes later, Harriet pushed in through The Oxford Beanery door.

It was always so cosy inside. The smell of coffee and pastries was simply divine.

The view wasn’t too bad either. Cass was at the enormous coffee machine.

Her hair was in its usual style, but with a few wispy bits sticking to the side of her face.

She continued without slowing down, despite being flushed.

They’d clearly had a rush, and Cass had been front and centre for it.

“Hey there, lovely people,” Harriet called.

Kendal whipped her head round with a bright smile attached to her face. “The wanderer returns. How was London?”

“Excellent. I spent way too much money.”

“I thought you didn’t like shopping?” Cass said without stopping. Harriet wanted to grin, but she didn’t.