Page 26 of Restless Ink

And that meant talking to him over coffee as the first step.

The first step to what, though, she didn’t know. But it was at least something.

Thea pushed those thoughts to the side, though she knew they would be on her mind all day, and went about getting ready to open the bakery. Since they were the first stop for many people on their way to work, she had horribly early hours according to her sister, but Thea had learned long ago to adjust her body to bakers’ hours.

Both of her staff members came in on time, and soon, the place was bustling with people on their way to work in need of caffeine and sugar. Thea had a few healthier options like fruit and whole grains, but mostly, it was all about the bread and pastries this morning. When her next phase began, she’d have healthier options for sure, but first, she needed to get to that part. That wasn’t for today, however, since they were busy, and she had countless specialty coffee orders to fill.

By mid-morning, the lines hadn’t died down, and Thea couldn’t help but smile. Shelovedher job and loved the fact that her life’s dream meant she could earn a living. They were still bustling as Abby walked into the place, holding two cups of hot tea that Thea knew would be divine.

When Abby had moved into the building a few doors down with her tea shop, Teas’d, Thea hadn’t felt like the other woman was encroaching on her territory at all. In fact, the two of them had not only become friends but almost business partners. They weren’t anywhere near something official, but they had a great working relationship.

Thea mostly did coffee and baked goods, but the tea she had on site was from Abby’s place. And any baked goods Abby had at her place were from Thea’s bakery. Teas’d was where one could buy loose leaf tea in bulk or just sit for a single cup or take one to-go. Abby also sold handmade teapots and other accessories made by local artists. Apparently, one of them was married to Thea’s cousin.

It seemed Colorado was a lot smaller than Thea thought.

“I brought tea,” Abby said with a grin. “I’m sure you had like four cups of coffee already, but I have a new blend of white chocolate and other goodies that I wanted you to try.”

Thea’s mouth watered, and she held out her hands. “Gimme.”

Abby just laughed and handed over the mug, no paper cups for the two of them if they could help it.

As soon as Thea blew over the surface of the tea and took her first sip, she knew she was in Heaven. “Oh my God. What’s in this?”

“A new rooibos blend I’m trying out. I’ll give you the specs if you decide you want it in the shop.”

Thea nodded, sipping some more. “I’m in love. And, hell yeah I want it in the shop. It’s perfect for the season. Oh, and I have some of those cream cheese-frosted, red velvet cheesecake cupcakes you love if you want a dozen for the shop today.”

Abby groaned. “Maybe only a half dozen or I’ll eat them all and end up rolling around and not serving tea.”

“That’s my problem with them, as well.” Thea winked, setting down her mug. The bakery was slowing a bit before the mid-afternoon rush, and she was grateful. It gave her time to get other things done around the place. “Want me to walk them over to you, and we can grab some lunch?”

Abby looked over her shoulder. “If you can swing it, sure. I actually brought my own sandwich today since I’m on a budget.”

Abby never hid that she was still at the beginning stages of her business, and as a single mother, every penny counted. As Thea was possibly about to make more than one significant life change, she totally agreed.

“I brought in a sandwich, too,” she said with a laugh. “I think I know us too well. I bet Adrienne brought hers too if we want to stop by and see if she has time.”

During lunch times, the bakery sold a small variety of sandwiches with their baked bread, but they weren’t equipped enough to do full salads or soups yet. That would change, though. At least, Thea hoped.

One thing at a time.

And that one thing was her coffeedatethat afternoon. Not that she was going to mention it to Adrienne and Abby during lunch. Not at all. She needed to keep this to herself, at least as much as she could for now while she figured out what she was doing. Yes, they all knew—including Molly—what had happened, but the next stop should be hers and Dimitri’s.

Maybe.

Everything was far too complicated, and she really needed one of those damn cupcakes. And because she was a glutton for gluttony today, she grabbed three of them for their dessert along with the six for Teas’d and headed out of Colorado Icing, leaving her staff in charge. They were good at what they did and handled the place expertly. She worked long hours because she loved it, not because she had to anymore.

Adrienne did have time to eat with them and she had brought lunch with her, so the three of them took one of Abby’s tables in front of Teas’d. Abby only had two bistro tables. Thea had four. And though they needed more for good-weather days, until something changed, that wasn’t going to happen.

Plans first, she thought. Then, they’d see.

By the time they finished their lunch and talked about the tattoo Adrienne was working on, as well as Abby’s new tea, Thea was ready to head back to work, a container of tea in her hand for brewing. She could already smell the sweetness and couldn’t wait to serve it in her shop. The day Abby came to Colorado Springs had been a blessing, even if Thea knew it had come from a place of heartbreak.

That wasn’t Thea’s story, however, so she never pried. She just hoped that one day, Abby would want to tell Thea the whole tale, at least to lessen that burden from the other woman’s shoulders.

Thea was working on setting up a display case when Molly walked in, all class and bright smiles, looking ready for the runway and not what most people would be doing in Colorado Springs at this time of day—working or running errands. But since Molly always looked like that, sometimes even at home, it didn’t really surprise Thea.

Whatdidsurprise Thea was that Molly was actually here in her shop so soon after everything had happened. Thea was still on the fence whether the conversation she’d had with the other woman was a dream or not. It wasn’t as if Thea had time to ponder what it all meant. However, since Molly was walking toward her, Thea needed to act like nothing was wrong.