Page 6 of A Spot of Tea
The other two stood, nodding. “Yeah.”
“Let me know if you need to fly anywhere!” Joey yelled. “Or rob any banks!”
They ran, pushing each other, their laughter carrying until the door shut it out.
Mission accomplished.
The rumor of the bank robber escaping the island by seaplane had reached these boys, it seemed. That wasn’t good.
Joey stood from his seat as someone emerged from the swinging door. Her long hair was pulled into a ponytail over her right shoulder, her black-rimmed glasses sitting high on her nose.
He stopped.Patty’s grandchild wasn’t actually a child. She was an adult woman – and a pretty one, too.
Maybe there was more to this tea shop than unruly kids.
Joey gawked at her gliding through the tea shop, a black apron tied around her waist. She stopped when she reached him.
“Thanks for that,” she said, smiling as she loaded a tray with cups and plates. “They’d paid almost an hour ago but refused to leave.”
“No problem. They seemed like they were up to no good.” He cleared his throat and thrust out his hand. “I’m Joey, by the way. Russell’s new pilot.”
“Oh!”She wiped her hand on her apron before shaking his. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
He raised an eyebrow. “All good things?”
She laughed, reaching to gather the last plate from the table. “It wasn’tbad, exactly. My mom, Sheila, is Russell’s accountant. She’s also his girlfriend, but that’s another story.” She stood, balancing the tray on her hip. “She didn’t think Russell’s idea to hire a full-time pilot was the most economical decision.”
“Ah.” Joey smiled. “No, she’s right. I’m a horrible waste of money.”
She put a hand up. “No! I don’t – that’s not what I meant. She was hesitantat first,but she said you’ve been so helpful with getting people to the sea pen site and dealing with some of the divas coming through.”
He nodded. “Yeah, those whale researchers really expect the red carpet rolled out for them.”
She laughed again. “Right.Them.”
He knew what she meant. There was a certain pop singer who had thought she could show up and secure a photo-op by the sea pen site without actually being involved. Joey had flown her around the island for an hour until she agreed to at least make a donation.
“Can I get you a menu?” she asked.
Joey slipped into a nearby seat and smiled up at her. “Yes, please. And your name when you have a chance.”
She frowned. “Oh, sorry. I’m Eliza.”
“Eliza. Nice to meet you.”
“I’ll be back to get your order.”
She disappeared through the swinging door. He pulled out his phone and searchedPebble Bay bank robberies.
A video with edited security footage popped up –FAINT AND FURIOUS: HILARIOUS BANK ROBBERY REACTION!
“Here’s the menu.” She handed him a thick spiral-bound booklet. “You’ll find information about all of our teas, and on this page, we have our food specials.”
Joey tucked his phone away. “Thanks.” He paused. “Those kids were trying to tease you about the bank robbery, right?”
“They tried, but the joke is on them.”
He set the menu down. “Oh yeah?”
