Page 38 of Welcome to Ero-TEA-Ca: We’re Open!

Now, Lolita Beaufort might have had a man at every port over the years, but she’d never once declared being in love. This was new. “Right. Okay.”

“Would you meet him?”

It wasn’t the way the conversation was supposed to be going, but Cass rolled with it. “Of course. But I’d like to talk first. Just me and you. Is that okay?”

“Sure, honey. Is tomorrow too soon?”

Not soon enough! “Tomorrow’s perfect. Bye, Mum.”

Letting out a long, slow stream of air, Cass slumped against the nearest tree.

What a morning. Shaking away her emotional fatigue, she started towards the café.

Before entering, though, she detoured to Ero-Tea-Ca.

There was only one person she wanted to share her morning with, and that was the blonde beauty serving behind the counter.

Harriet lit up as soon as she saw Cass. “Hey, I didn’t think I’d get to see you until later.”

“I just wanted to see you.”

“Well, that’s sweet. Hang on.” Harriet whispered in Nabi’s ear and then ushered Cass into the back, where she promptly pushed her up against the wall and devoured her mouth.

Cass couldn’t get enough of Harriet like this. So open and wanting. But they were in a place of business and Cass’s responsible side kicked in before she plunged a hand down her girlfriend’s pants.

“We can’t do that here,” she panted.

Harriet pulled back, her lips swollen. “I know. Sorry.” The grin and mischievous flash in her eyes said she wasn’t sorry in the least.

“Will you come over tonight?”

“If you want. I can bring dinner.”

Cass licked Harriet’s bottom lip because…she could, and it was right there. “Can we talk?” Timing wasn’t Cass’s strong suit. Harriet reared back with panic in her eyes. “It’s about my mum,” Cass blurted.

“Is she okay?” At least Harriet didn’t look on the verge of an anxiety attack anymore.

“She’s getting married!”

“Oh. Um…what?”

Cass laughed. After hours of talking, Harriet knew all about Lolita and her man-eating ways.

“Yeah, that was pretty much my reaction. Anyway, can we talk about it tonight? I need to get to the café now. Kendal will tan my arse if I’m late again, especially if she sees me coming out from your shop.

She tends to start making kissy faces.” Cass screwed up her face. Kendal was really annoying sometimes.

With a bark of laughter, Harriet gripped Cass’s cheeks. “She knows what we get up to on your visits, methinks. And of course we can talk tonight.”

With one last kiss—okay, three more kisses—Cass left for work. As predicted, Kendal spotted her exiting Ero-Tea-Ca and instantly began mocking her. “You’ve got lipstick on your mouth.”

Cass stupidly wiped her lips, even though Harriet didn’t have lipstick on today. “You’re a child,” she grumbled, walking past Kendal to deposit her bag in the back.

Wiping the counter, Kendal shrugged. “Maybe, but I find it highly entertaining.”

They worked side by side for a solid half an hour as an unexpected rush descended on the café.

After Gordon, the last one in line, was served, Cass had time for an espresso.

She and Gordon chatted about the price of tea bags, which validated Cass’s ire at the supermarket, because he, too, was suitably miffed.

Kendal just rolled her eyes and changed the subject.

The afternoon passed with no fanfare. It had been just a steady day. It was only when they were upturning chairs and wiping down for the night that Cass approached Kendal regarding her session with Dr Herman. She felt she owed her ex-wife an apology. “Hey, Ken. Can we talk?”

“Sure thing.” Patting the barstool next to her, Cass waited for Kendal to get comfy. “Everything alright?”

Cass took Kendal’s hand and held it between hers. “I wanted to say I’m sorry.”

“What on earth for?”

“For not sorting myself out sooner. I’m back with Herman.”

Kendal shuffled in her seat until they were facing each other. “Is this a good or bad development?”

“It’s good. Really good. But I’m now realising I should have done it years ago. Maybe then you wouldn’t have had to put up with so much.”

“Cass, you make it sound like you were a monster, which you weren’t. We had a good marriage. A great friendship.”

“We did,” Cass agreed. “But you deserved more.”

Kendal furrowed her brows. “Cass, I didn’t lack for anything.”

“Maybe not. And I know there’s no point wishing for do-overs. I wouldn’t even if I could, because I think we’re both where we’re supposed to be. With the people we’re supposed to be with.”

“That’s true. You’re my best friend, Cass. Always. But Shauna…she’s my person. Is that awful to hear?”

Maybe a few months ago it would have been, but all Cass could think about was how that statement rang true for her and Harriet. “No. I…shit. I think Harriet’s my person. It’s far too early to be thinking like that. But I feel it here.” Cass laid a hand over her heart.

“She’s turned you into a big softy.” Kendal laughed, causing Cass to scowl playfully.

“Poppycock.”

“Hey. It’s a good thing, Cass. If Harriet’s the one who has inspired this growth, I would wholeheartedly agree she’s your person. As for us, I need you to stop putting blame on yourself. Let it go, sweetie.”

Bringing Kendal’s hand up to her lips, Cass laid a delicate kiss on her knuckles. “I will. I’ll let it go. And, for what it’s worth, I think Shauna’s great. I’m thrilled for you.”

“Thank you. It means a lot. Now, stop being a coward and tell Harriet how you really feel. That woman is bonkers about you. Whether it’s weeks or years, if you love her, tell her.”

The L word made Cass’s mouth dry up. Not because she didn’t feel it.

But because it was such a big thing to declare.

And until Cass could walk into Ero-Tea-Ca and meet Harriet’s friends and family without a shred of self-doubt, she just couldn’t voice that word.

Harriet deserved her to be the best she could be.

And that wasn’t Cass right now. No, she just had to work a little longer and harder and then she’d tell Harriet exactly how she felt.