Page 22 of Welcome to Ero-TEA-Ca: We’re Open!

Was she really contemplating telling Harriet about her life?

Fully? No holds barred? Since Harriet came into her life, Cass was doing things she’d never ordinarily consider.

She might as well go along with the flow because it didn’t seem she had much control over her actions where Harriet was concerned.

So, over the course of half an hour, Cass took Harriet on a nonstop tour of her childhood.

She opened up about her lack of confidence and how anything sexual left her feeling awkward and uncomfortable.

How that led to pressure in the bedroom with partners.

Kendal was the exception, but even then, Cass explained how she felt guilty for not being able to give her ex-wife what she needed.

At one point, Harriet asked if Cass knew about the term ace . She did, but it wasn’t a term she felt identified her. She felt sexual desire. She experienced sexual attraction towards people. It was all a mental block.

Never once did Harriet laugh or make snide comments. Not that Cass expected her to, it was just a fear. Cass’s experience with people understanding her was never positive. Even her own mother couldn’t get her head around why Cass was the way she was.

“So, there you go. My story.” God, Cass felt knackered.

“Thank you for sharing with me.”

“I’ll understand if you want to run away screaming.” Cass laughed humourlessly.

Harriet simply shook her head and took Cass’s hand in her own. “I’m not going anywhere. In fact, I have an idea. Well, more like a proposition.”

“A proposition?”

Harriet nodded. “I’d like for you to work in Ero-Tea-Ca.”

Cass choked on her own spit. “I beg your pardon?”

“Hear me out. A swap. Nabi will work at The Beanery, and you will work in the tearoom.”

“Why on earth would I do that? Did you not just hear everything I said?”

“I did,” Harriet replied calmly. “And that’s why I think it’s a good idea. Exposure therapy, in a safe space, with no judgement.”

“But…how? I mean…”

“Just think about it. No pressure, I promise. I just thought it could be a way for you to be around people who are more comfortable with sex. You’d be in the vicinity of erotic art and toys without it being in your face.

I know you’ll find that hard to believe, but I promise the tea shop isn’t about peddling sex.

Ninety percent of my customers simply sit and enjoy learning about tea. ”

Cass wasn’t entirely convinced.

“Not everyone comments on the toys, or the teapots. Ero-Tea-Ca is a haven for everyone. A lot of people just want to spend time surrounded by their own people. As you can imagine, there are a lot of queer people who visit because they feel welcome and safe. Sure, there are a few customers and groups who want to talk about erotica, but I know them and wouldn’t expect you to interact.

Plus, Kevin works part-time, and he loves running any events like that. ”

Could she do it? Work in Ero-Tea-Ca? Cass’s first instinct was to withdraw, even bite back at Harriet for suggesting something so far out of her boundaries, but she wanted to be different. Cass needed things to change. If she ever wanted a chance at love again, she needed to face her fears.

“I need to think about it, Harriet. It’s a big ask.”

“Like I said, no pressure. Maybe you could talk it over with Kendal.”

Cass shook her head. “No, I’ll talk to my therapist.”

“Whatever you need, Cass. And that includes me backing off. The idea just popped into my head, but I’m fully aware I might have just crossed a line. If you want me to leave, I will. Whatever you need.”

Cass didn’t know what she needed. Thoughts of walking into Ero-Tea-Ca played on a loop.

It’s not like the tearoom was anything like what she’d expected.

Sure, the toy had tipped her over the one and only time she’d entered the shop, but now she knew what to expect.

Could she take it a step further? Expose herself to something that made her skin feel itchy? All in the name of growth?

Because Cass had to grow if she didn’t want to become a spinster with a million cats. Overcoming her sex issues wouldn’t guarantee a great love, but at least she’d feel capable of offering a partner everything she had, without holding anything back.

There was a lot to consider.

“I’m going to go,” Harriet murmured. Cass realised she’d been sitting silently for an uncomfortable amount of time. Harriet probably thought she was upset.

“No. Don’t go. Sorry, I was just processing.”

“Understandable.”

Cass took a few deep breaths. “Would you like to watch a film or something?”

She waited as Harriet assessed the situation. Was she expecting Cass to have a breakdown or something?

“I’d love to. Although, if you haven’t got popcorn, I may rethink my decision.”

A weight lifted from Cass’s mind. Harriet’s natural ability to make things comfortable was a godsend.

“Of course I do. I’m not a monster. Salted or sweet?”

“Both. I like a bit of variety.”

Cass grinned. “Me too. Do you trust me?”

“Yes,” Harriet said with such ease.

“I’m gonna blow your mind,” Cass replied. “My popcorn is legendary.”

“I look forward to it.” Harriet’s smile was almost shy.

Cass bit her lip. If she took this chance and worked at Ero-Tea-Ca for a little while, she’d get to be close to Harriet. That was definitely worth it.

“I’ll do it,” she blurted.

Harriet cocked her head. “The popcorn?”

“No. I’ll work in your shop. If Kendal and Nabi agree, I’ll do it.”

“I thought you wanted to discuss—”

“I don’t. I’ll do it.”