Herman wasn’t doing a bad job, though. He might have a future in body-guarding. The patrons continued to part, giving me a wide berth as I strode toward the door and out of the tea shop.
Chapter Seven
EMMA
My heart pounded as I raced across the dirt road, almost getting run over by a horse and cart.
A witch stuck her head out the window. “Oy!” she yelled. “Did no one teach you to look both way before crossing the street?”
“Sorry,” I replied, continuing toward my father’s shop. I couldn’t believe I’d forgotten about him. I got so wrapped up in Riven, in seeing him again.
Guilt gnawed at me. One look at the handsome bard, and I’d dropped all my responsibilities. I wouldn’t let it happen again. I just hoped my father was okay. I had a strict schedule, checking in on him four times a day, bringing him tea and healthy meals.
I wrenched open the door to the familiar little shop, animals peeking out at me from their cages and places where they perched on the shelves.
My stomach dropped. It was silent. Eerily silent. Oh no. Had my father slept in this morning? I usually woke him every morning, but now that I ran the tea shop, I had to get up extra early to make the walk from our cottage to town. I wrung my hands together, walking up and down the aisles while all the animals stared.
“Looking for something?”
I jumped, putting my hand to my chest and turning to see a bright-eyed boy, no more than sixteen, staring down at me with his wide brown eyes. His brown hair hung to his shoulders.
“You scared me,” I admonished.
He scratched his head. I didn’t recognize him. Maybe he was the baker’s son? I couldn’t be sure.
“I’m sorry, we have a no loitering policy here.” He pointed to a sign hung on the end of one of the shelves that read NO LOITERING. That was new.
I frowned. “Who put that up?”
“Oh, it was Mr. Thorne. Brilliant idea. He was tired of people coming in and just staring at the animals but not adopting any. We have specific play dates for town folk to interact with the creatures here.”
“You do?” I asked.
“Oh yes. Also Mr. Thorne’s idea.” He stroked his jaw. “Did you want to come for a play date? We have them every full moon on the second bell of the day.”
Just as he said that, the afternoon bell rang in the distance, letting everyone know it was time to lunch.
“I’m not loitering, and I’m not here to sign up for a play date.”
The boy raised his nose. “Well, then, I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”
“No!” I protested. “I’m Emma.” He stared at me blankly, and I huffed. “Emma Thorne.”
His eyes widened. “Oh, Ms. Thorne. I’m such a fan. You know, you’ve put some brilliant systems in place here. Thanks to you, everything runs so smoothly.”
I felt a little mollified at that. “I’m glad to hear that. I take it you’re my replacement?”
“A job I take very seriously.” He stood straighter now, face growing sober.
“Good to know.” I patted him on the shoulder. “Where is my father?”
Just then, laughter rang out from the back room.
“Oh, he’s back there with Ms. Hallow.”
“Thank you...” I gestured, not knowing his name.
“Grimm!”
