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The tension began to flow back into his shoulders. For some reason, the idea of Maya’s imminent departure didn’t make him happy. Plus, it brought back the knowledge that Maya had come to his rescue regarding his car, and he didn’t know how to feel about the kindness. On one hand, he was embarrassed that she’d come to his aid again. But moreover, he was grateful to her, though a little confused about why she’d done it. Fair enough, she didn’t want to car share anymore because they still found each other’s company prickly, but she kept showing this generous nature that he’d forgotten existed.

Cat began to massage his scalp, and he let out a contented breath as the tension reversed again to flow out of him.

“Remember years ago, when you two had a bit of a thing?”

Sam sighed as the flow about turned yet again. It was up and down more times than a yo-yo.

“And remember how you guys argued because she slagged off your job? Pretty hypocritical, when she worked there at the time. Not a real job my arse.”

Sam stayed silent, partly in the hope that Cat might think he’d fallen asleep and stop talking about Maya so that he could lull himself back into sleepiness. But also, because remembering that fallout was still painful. Plus what Cat was saying didn’t ring true with the Maya he’d gotten to know a little over the past week.

“Anyway.” Cat’s voice was lower, soothing. “I know how hard you’re working at the moment. I hope having her around isn’t making it too much worse.”

In an attempt to achieve some peace, and hopefully end this one-sided conversation, he shook his head against her chest. “It’s fine.”

Chapter

Nine

The bell on the tearoom door jingled, and Maya looked up from her and Liv’s table in the corner, jumping up and nearly sending their plate of scones and teapot flying. “She’s here!” She practically ran between the tables and threw her arms around both a stunned-looking Elise and a smiling Jack, who was on Elise’s hip.

“What a lovely greeting!” Elise said as Maya pulled back to meet her gaze.

Maya’s heart clenched. Despite Elise wearing a smile, her normally bright blue eyes projected a dull appearance, reinforced by the dark circles underneath. Her blond hair was scraped into a ponytail, leaving a pinched look to her face where a rosy glow would usually have been present.

Liv arrived at Maya’s elbow to give Elise and Jack a hug. “Come and sit. We’ve got a table in the corner with a high chair.”

They led Elise to their round table, and Maya reached out to take Jack while Elise removed her jacket.

Addressing Jack, she gave him a big smile. “Come on, handsome. Let’s get you a treat.”

“What about me?” Elise complained as she took a seat. “Don’t I get a treat?”

“You can also have one, if you behave yourself,” Maya replied with a wink.

Elise laughed, watching Maya get Jack settled in his high chair.

“Tea?” Maya asked, trying not to let the sadness infuse her bones. Even Elise’s laugh hadn’t lit up her eyes.

“Yes please,” Elise said, glancing around the room, which was done out in a cozy Christmas manner, with mismatching tables and comfy chairs. Each table sported a central decoration made of dark green holly and ivy leaves studded with bright red berries and glossy brown pine cones. A wreath strewn with twinkly white lights made its way around the cornicing, and Christmas music tinkled quietly in the background. “This place is gorgeous. How long has it been here?”

“About six months,” Liv replied. “We ordered the special Christmas tea. And the scones are cranberry, cinnamon, and orange.”

Elise’s eyes widened as she admired the scone Liv had placed onto her plate. “That looks, and sounds, amazing.”

“We aren’t too sure what’s in the Christmas tea, though,” Maya told her as she passed the milk. “Could be apple spice, or possibly juice squeezed from an elf.”

Liv nodded sagely. “Or perhaps a sprinkling from Santa’s beard.”

Elise arched an eyebrow as she stared into her cup. “Not sure you’re selling this, guys.”

“Ach, it’s fine,” Maya told her, waving a hand. “No elves were harmed in the making of this production.”

Elise chuckled.

“Are you going to stay on, Elise?” Maya asked. “Or just here for Christmas?”

Elise sipped from her cup. “I’ve decided to stay.” She sighed. “I feel like a bit of a failure, but there you go.”