Page 19 of View With Your Heart

“Anyway, Theo is staying with me this summer. Duke is getting a divorce.” It’s all so reminiscent of my own situation. I was sixteen when my mom and dad were separating. My mother needed a break, and I didn’t want to be around their constant fighting. Uncle Leo agreed to take me in just as I agreed to take Theo.

“Jesus, for a second there, I thought he was the man in your life.” The comment feels strange and gives me the shivers. Theo is half my age and a relative. However, I’d been almost half of Patrick’s age when I married him.

“I’m sorry to hear that about Duke,” Gavin breaks into the reminder.

Dismissively waving, I chuckle. “Don’t be. No one ever liked her. As for Theo, just ew, Gavin. He’s a kid and like a second child to me.”

Gavin swipes a hand through his hair, making it stand up a bit. “I’m sorry about that, but you still look like a fucking teenager, so who knows.”

I laugh despite the unsettling thought. “I’m more in the MILF category although I can’t think of any boys who’d be interested in this.” I wave a hand down my body.

Gavin anxiously chuckles. “I bet they all want a chance.”

My mouth falls open at the wrongness of his comment.

“Not like that.” He laughs. “Just, Jesus, Brit, you’re still hot as—”

On that note, I raise a hand to stop him.

“You mentioned you have a man in your life, though.” His voice lowers, eyes narrowing at me, leaving the comment hanging like he wants to know more.

“And that’s why I should get inside now. It was great to see you again,” I say, meaning it a little more. He’s still such a flirt and too good-looking for his own good.

“I’d love to see you again while I’m in town,” Gavin states, persistent in his asking. As I’ve just said, I have a man in my life, so it seems inappropriate for him to ask such a thing.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Why not?” Gavin still faces me, practically begging me to accept.

I bitterly huff. “Gavin, come on. It’s been a million years, and I can’t do this.” I wave between us. “You and I are in different worlds.”

“Who’s talking about worlds? Just dinner. Drinks? Come to my film.” He pleads for anything, but I’m not giving in.

“It’s just not a good idea, Gavin. I wish you tremendous luck with your screening.” I truly want the best for him. He lived a good life with his baseball career. Whatever this new endeavor might be, he’ll be successful again. However, I don’t have time for the Gavin who flits into and out of my life.

“Good night, Gavin.” My hand reaches out for his chest, hesitating. The pull of his dress shirt. The fit of his pants. His body is calling to mine, but I can’t take the bait. Instantly, I drop my hand and nod at him before turning for my small house and entering without glancing back.

Take 8

Scene: TeasMe! Tea Shop

[Britton]

“You work here?”

The strong masculine voice breaks my concentration on measuring out fresh tea leaves, and I spill them, missing the cup as I turn to glance over my shoulder at my newest customer.

“Gavin.” I exhale on his name, surprised to find him standing in my shop. Quickly, I recover myself and return to completing Mrs. Drummond’s order. I ring up the former schoolteacher and current librarian, who nods at Gavin. She narrows her eyes at his interruption of some story she was telling me when I started making her Morning Sunrise Tea, a special blend. The green tea doesn’t have as much caffeine as other teas, but it’s still a fantastic morning drink as it’s light and sweet.

“Thank you, Mrs. Drummond,” I call after her as she exits through the screen door of TeasMe!, sending a second glance back at Gavin like she recognizes him but can’t place him.

“Mrs. Drummond? That old bat was my teacher in sixth grade. She hated me.” Gavin laughs.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, dismissing his memory.

“First, tell me how you work here.” He looks around the shop. A wood cabinet with bins of fresh tea leaves for customers to self-serve measure stands near two tables for sitting on one side of the door. The cabinet’s upper portion displays an array of tea items from cups to kettles and tea-inspired decorations. On the other side of the door is a small sitting area, complete with a couch and two chairs plus a low table. Our pre-packed bundles are on display near that area with more tea accessories. The interior of the place is simple with dark hardwood floors, bright white walls, and dim sunlight through the front two windows that bracket the front door. At the counter, I serve tea both morning and afternoon, along with an arrangement of pastry items. Scones are our specialty. For special occasions, like bridal showers or birthday parties, we host high tea although the space is small for such a thing.

I don’t just work here. “I own this place,” I proudly state to him. It’s been a labor of love and a passion since moving back to the area.