They were right. I had done that. I sank my head into my arms, and Layla reached over and patted my back.
“It’s okay.”
“No it’s not. It’s really not okay.” My voice came out muffled.
“You know, there is a solution to all of this,” Herman said. “You could just tell Riven how you feel.”
My head snapped up as I gaped at the dragon. “You know we’re not in a real relationship?”
“I know everything.” He stared at one of his talons. “I thought you two would figure this all out on your own, but as usual, I have to step in and give advice. What would you do without me?”
I blinked. “I can’t leave the shop and travel with him.” I gestured to it. “It’s got such rich history here.”
“It doesn’t even like you,” Herman said, rolling his eyes dramatically.
“That’s harsh,” I said.
“But true,” Herman countered.
Layla ran a finger around the rim of her cup, then her face brightened as she stared at something over my shoulder. I turned to see Althea across the street, waving.
“Go.” I nudged my head. “She’s welcome to come in for a cup of tea.”
“She would love that,” Layla said, getting up from her seat and rushing outside.
The door clicked closed, and the floor started to shake. “Oh, not this again.”
I braced myself for whatever the tea shop was about to throw my way—literally.
“Told you so,” Herman said, flapping his wings and lifting in the air.
“When are you going to accept me?” I asked the shop.
“Well, that’s easy. Never.” Herman flew to the ceiling, hovering right underneath it as all the plates, cups, and cutlery began trembling as well.
I stood, hands balling into fists. “I am not afraid of you.”
“What is wrong with you?” Herman shouted as the shaking intensified. “You should definitely be afraid of the sentient shop that can gouge your eyes out with a fork.”
He had a good point, but enough was enough.
The door opened as Layla and Althea stepped through, and the shaking immediately stopped. I stared at Layla with wide eyes.
She patted her cheek. “Do I have something on my face?”
I swiveled my head around, then slowly turned in a circle, inspecting the shop.
“Excuse her.” Herman floated down next to me. “She’s a little paranoid.”
“Layla,” I said slowly. “Step outside the shop for a moment, then come back in.”
“Um.” Layla wrung her hands together. “Okay.”
Althea looked between us. “Is this some weird ritual? Should I come back?”
“I haven’t the slightest clue,” Herman said.
Layla left and closed the door, and the shop began to shake again, tea cups lifting off the shelves, hovering threateningly. Althea backed uptoward the window, eyes wide as she stared at knives floating into the air.
