Page 33 of A Spot of Tea
“I thought those were all for me,” Mackenzie said, looking over her shoulder.
Granny waved a dishtowel in the air. “Don’t be greedy. I’ve got plenty to go around.”
“I had no idea you were coming to visit, Mackenzie!” Mom paused, studying her face. “Is everything okay? You look upset.”
Mackenzie shot a look at Eliza, who put her hands up. “Hey, I didn’t tell her anything.”
She turned back to Mom and heaved a sigh. “Everything’s fine. Steve and I broke up and I wanted to get away for a bit. Eliza made me come.”
“I’m so sorry, sweetheart. Do you want to talk about it?”
She shrugged. “Maybe later.”
Russell reached them and Cora stepped forward, sticking out her hand.
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Cora, Eliza’s childhood best friend and film enthusiast.”
“And fashion icon,” Mackenzie added dryly.
“Yes, and fashion icon,” Cora said.
Eliza rolled her eyes. “You can ignore her.”
He was too polite to do so and accepted her handshake. “Nice to meet you, Cora.”
Cora pressed on. “You’re very handsome in person, did you know that? Taller than I expected.”
“Taller? That’s not one I get often.”
“Coincidentally,” Cora said, leaning closer, “I recently broke up with my boyfriend, too. Do you know anyone single and looking?”
Eliza chortled a laugh. “Cora. Please go sit down.”
She raised her chin defiantly. “You have to go after what you want in life. I’m always telling you that, Eliza.”
“Yeah, I know. Right now, I want you to stop talking.”
A smile broke across Cora’s face. “Touché.”
Granny herded them onto the patio and they enjoyed an early dinner. Everyone talked all at once, shouting over each other about the tea shop and the sea pen and Cora’s new passion for theater.
The one thing they didn’t talk about was Steve. Mackenzie didn’t bring him up and they knew better than to ask.
After they’d cleared the table, Mom and Russell had to discuss some details with the contractor, so the girls were left outside to themselves.
“What do you do here all day, Eliza?” Cora asked. “It’s pretty and all, but it looks super boring.”
Eliza shrugged. “I like boring.”
“It is so beautiful here.” Mackenzie stared out at the horizon, her eyes blocked by oversized black sunglasses.
“Seriously, though.” Cora stood and stretched her legs. “Is this whole island like a retirement community?”
Eliza laughed. “No, Cora. Just because there’s no nightclub doesn’t mean it’s a retirement community. I have a couple of friends in town.”
Should she mention Joey? It seemed unwise. Best to keep their relationship to herself, away from scrutiny.
That was what she decided, yet in the next moment heard herself say, “I’ve been hanging out with Russell’s pilot, Joey. He’s awesome.”
