Page 66 of Storm in a Teacup
“Cool,” I say. People with RP have a higher likelihood of developing cataracts at a young age. My dad had to get his cataracts out when he was in his forties. I’m expecting the same.
Then we finish up. “I’ll send in a refill of your eyedrops, and then we will see you again in six months.”
“Sounds good,” I say, hopping up from my seat. “Thanks.” I head back to reception to schedule my next appointment, then exit the office.
I exchange my glasses for my sunglasses because the sun is extremely intense with my dilated eyes. Can I see well enough to walk around without my glasses? No. The world is a big old blur and fellow humans are oblong smudges. Am I going to anyway? Yes.
I walk back to the shop, slowly, but find myself bypassing it in favor of Somewhere Special. As I enter, I switch my sunglasses and glasses back out. Gemma is behind the counter and Isla is in the corner chatting with a customer. I catch her laugh before I catch sight of her.
“Hiya,” Gemma says when the customer in front of me departs. “What’ll you have?”
“An americano, please,” I say, offering my regular order. “Let me pay for it this time.”
“If you insist.”
I tap my card quickly before Ben or Isla notice me.
Isla spots me then because I hear her shout, “Ben! Linny’s here!” She pops up next to me and says, “I like the glasses.”
“Thanks,” I say.
She looks both ways before she whispers, “You’re good for him, you know. He’s been sohappysince he met you. Or,re-met you, I suppose. It’s obnoxious, but I’ve missed him being obnoxious.”
Before I can respond to that, Ben sweeps out of the kitchen in his apron and throws his arms around me, surprising me and spinning me a bit. With a smug expression, Isla moves behind the counter.
I laugh out, “Someone’s in a good mood.”
“I am! Made these gorgeous orange and cranberry scones. They turned out incredible. I’ll fetch you one when they cool,” he says, then looks me over. “You’re in your glasses. I love when you wear your glasses.”
I blush involuntarily at the comment and accept the coffee Gemma reaches over the counter to hand me. “Eye doctor. Easier with the glasses.”
“That explains why your pupils are gigantic.” His voice lowers, ensuring this conversation is now one only for us. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, yeah. Just a normal check-up.” I mean, technically things are worse because that’s how it works, but not aggressively, so good news in a way only not-terrible news can be. “Work going all right?” I ask, determined to shift the subject away from my eyes.
“Yeah, yeah,” he mimics. He grabs my hand. “Come to the kitchen with me.” I wave goodbye to Isla and Gemma as best I can with my coffee as Ben pulls me into the back.
“Don’t tell me you need my help again. I feel like I ruined all your food that day.”
“Are you kidding? My pride is still recovering from all the compliments we got on your muffins.”
I settle in a spot that is hopefully out of the way as he taps a scone with his finger, determining the temperature. It’s cool enough, so he picks it up and hands it to me, watching me with hopeful eyes as I take my first bite. The scone crumbles slightlyas I bite into it, but it is delicious.
I cover my mouth as I chew before swallowing and saying, “Amazing, Ben.”
He simpers. “Thank you.” He refocuses on the scones, moving them one by one from the cooling rack to a sheet to take out to the case in front. “Do you want to chill here for a bit or do you need to head back to the shop?”
I finish another bite of my scone before answering. “I can stay for a bit. At least while I drink my coffee. Give my eyes time to un-dilate.” I take a swallow. “Is everything alright?”
“Yeah, I’m all good,” he says, opening the fridge and taking out butter. “It’s been a while. I wanted to spend time with you.”
Only the inside of my mug sees my grin. “Are you saying you miss me?” I joke.
He rotates to look at me seriously. “Yes. I am saying that.” He swivels back to his work.
I find myself somewhat dumbstruck, as I always am with him.
We don’t talk as he works and I finish my scone, but I like watching him. He seems so happy as he bakes. And it’s fun to see him stop what he’s working on to pivot and make a sandwich or avocado toast or anything someone comes in to order for lunch. Because he does so quickly and efficiently, then goes back to whatever he’s baking.
