2. Emmerson

Chapter two

Emmerson

I was eight years old when I told my mom I wanted to own a business. And when I was fifteen, I decided I wanted that business to be a video game shop. I even majored in business with a focus on operations and management.

By the time I graduated, I realized the world didn’t work like that. I couldn’t just roll out of bed and suddenly own a shop. I needed experience. When I was twenty-one, I told myself I would own a bookstore before I turned thirty. And by the time I turned thirty, reality and life hit me hard. Both of my parents passed in a car crash. In all honesty, it took me a while to get back up on my feet after that. I ended up doing a lot of soul-searching.

Trying to open your own business is more difficult than I could have imagined. It only took me about seven more years, but I’m finally here.

I glance around at my space with pride. Sure, it’s a shop in the mall, but it’s still mine. Maybe someday I can expand into a bigger building, but for now, I can take pride in the fact I made it.

Of all the different types of businesses I dreamed of owning, a tea shop is definitely the most fitting.

Pretty jars filled with loose tea leaves adorn the back wall. Colorful shelves are stocked with packages of my favorite brews. Elegant cloths and sets of teacups and teapots are displayed on small tables in the center of the shop. Anyone looking for a good brew can get a prepackaged bag I prepared, or they can come up to the counter and order any of the various flavors by the ounce.

My dreams evolved and changed as I got older. However, my love of tea continued to blossom with each passing year. Hot or iced, loose leaf or bagged, I adore all kinds of tea. As a child, my mother taught me the art of brewing tea. Mixing ingredients in a bowl, I would play make-believe and pretend I was a mage brewing spells. Even though it may sound strange, I enjoyed creating and brewing unique tea blends as a teenager. During college, I dried my own ingredients as a budget-friendly alternative to store-bought ones. That memory still makes me chuckle. My dorm’s floral and fruity scent made me popular with the ladies.

“Looks pretty damn good in here.”

I glance up and grin when my brother Finn walks into the store. “Hey, bro. What are you doing here? And how the hell did you get into the mall before opening?”

He waves his hand around at the store. “Are you kidding? It’s your grand opening today. Of course I’m going to show up. As for getting into the mall early... Don’t worry about it. I have my ways.” He winks.

When he begins assessing my store, a wave of anxiety washes over me. He’s quiet for a long time, taking everything in. He points to the display I have set up near the register. “Are those for free samples?”

“Yup. This table here is for hot tea,” I say as I pour him a sample of a brew I know he’ll love. “And the table next to it is for iced tea. This week I’ll focus on giving samples of our festive brews for the holidays.”

“Yeah, it’s pretty ballsy of you to open up on Black Friday. Let me know if you get slammed and need any help.”

“I appreciate it.”

He sips his tea. “Damn, what is this? It’s fucking delicious, man.”

I grin and pour a cup for myself. “It’s a fine black tea infused with apples, cranberry, and spices.”

“I love this. Can I get a box? This would be perfect for the mornings when my stomach can’t handle coffee.”

“Already got one packed.”

He barks out a laugh. “You sneaky fucker. Don’t think you can give this to me for free.”

Damn. He totally called it.

Finn and I chat while we sip our tea, and I give him the full tour of the shop. The more I show him, the more excited he gets. His enthusiasm is contagious, and by the time my employees show up for their morning shift, I feel confident that I can do this.

“This little shop has a lot of personality. Like you. It’s cheerful, yet soothing, somehow. Mom and Dad would’ve been proud of you,” Finn says, clapping a hand on my back. “Especially mom. She loved all this stuff.”

My cheeks heat, but despite that, a sense of pride washes over me. “Thanks, Finn. That means a lot. I feel like it’s a way of connecting with her.”

Finn nods, and I can tell we’re both choked up and need a moment.

We stand there awkwardly for a moment before I finally break the silence by changing the subject. “How’s Allie?”

A smile spreads across Finn’s face when he hears his girlfriend’s name. “I’m thinking of proposing.”

I blink, trying my hardest to not let the shock show on my face. I knew they’ve been dating for almost a year, but I didn’t realize they were serious. I never really imagined my brother as the settling down type. Not to mention he’s only thirty-two. Shouldn’t I be the one settling down and proposing before him? Not that my love life has seen much of anything lately.

“That’s amazing. Congrats, man.”

He shakes his head. “Don’t congratulate me yet. She still has to say yes.”

I’m lost in thought as he tells me his plans for a fancy Christmas night proposal. It’s so romantic and thoughtful, I can’t help but feel a little jealous. I want that. Always have. I want someone I can spoil and treasure. Someone I can shower in praise and do romantic gestures for.

Shaking myself out of my thoughts I smile at my brother and hand him his bag. “You are officially my first ever customer. Now, let’s just hope I can sell more today.”

Finn laughs. “I don’t think you’ll have an issue there.”

“Excuse me. Sorry to interrupt, boss. But we’re opening in two minutes.” Judy points at the front entrance. My mouth drops open. A line has started to form as people outside of my shop chat eagerly. I can’t believe they are here to visit my shop first thing on Black Friday. Of all the stores in the mall.

“Like I said, not an issue.” Finn claps me on the back. “Looks like all that social media and promoting you’ve been working so hard at has paid off. Good luck.”

Placing a huge smile on my face, I walk over to the entrance and open the door.

“Welcome to Tease Me, Teas . Come on in.”