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“It’s fine. This is all fine,” Wynona mumbled to herself as she filled another teapot for her latest customers. It had been a week since Prim had come in to inform Wynona about Miss Theramin opening a copycat tea shop.
At first, Wynona had only heard a few rumors from her patrons, but as time went on, things were starting to get more bold. Some of her customers were openingly talking about the shop, though Wynona had yet to find one who had actually been yet.
She spent her time correcting the assumption that the shop was hers. Most of her guests were shocked to hear that it was owned by a completely different person.
Today, however, Wynona had run into a particularly obnoxious patron who refused to believe that Wynona didn’t own Saffron’s House of Tea. No matter how much Wynona tried to dispel the inaccurate information, the woman, an older geni, claimed she knew best.
Wynona put the pot on the stove and turned up the flame to heat the water. Stepping to the side, she leaned her hip against the counter and forced herself to take deep breaths. Waiting for the water to heat was the perfect time to take a break and try to calm herself.
A slight tugging at her pants had Wynona aware that her familiar was working her way up to Wynona’s shoulder, a favorite place for the mouse to reside.
You’re upset.
Wynona sighed. “I’m tired,” she replied. “Sorry. I’ve probably been a little grumpy lately.”
Well, it’s no wonder with that nasty elf stealing your business.
“She hasn’t stolen my business,” Wynona corrected.
She’s certainly trying. Violet huffed and began to clean her face, her tiny paws rubbing and grooming her purple fur.
“I know,” Wynona said. She wasn’t kidding when she said she was tired. Between practicing her magic and stressing over the new shop, Wynona felt as if she hadn’t had a decent night’s sleep in a while. “But what am I supposed to do about it?”
Maybe you need to go talk to her. Anyone can see that she’s trying to copy you. Take her to court.
“I don’t want to sue her,” Wynona stated. “I just want to go about my business.”
Sometimes the status quo changes, Violet said wisely.
Wynona gave her mouse a look. “I feel like things change too fast for me to even have a status quo.”
Violet snorted her agreement. Why aren’t you using your magic to heat that water?
Wynona bit her lips. She didn’t want to admit that she was still a little scared of using her powers. They were so strong and it took a lot of concentration and energy to control it. She had been terrified of bringing her newfound skills into the workplace. What if she hurt someone? Or blew something up? Or simply made a big mess?
Lusgu would never forgive her.
Violet grumbled under her breath. You’ll never get the hang of it if you don’t give it a try. Stop being such a sprite and do it.
Wynona closed her eyes for a moment, then nodded. “Okay. But if I make a mess, you’re helping clean it up.”
Violet ignored her and curled up to take a nap.
Pointing her finger at the stove, Wynona pulled on the pulsing powers that were a constant part of her now. She had gone so long without her magic that trying to find ways to integrate it into her life was proving to be harder than she would have suspected. But this was one way she could easily use it on a daily basis. Provided she could accomplish the task safely.
Closing her eyes, Wynona imagined a wall holding back her magic, then poked the slightest of holes in the wall. A tiny stream of magic began to trickle through and Wynona began to direct it toward the pot.
As the magic warmed the bottom of the pot, she felt herself smile. It was working! But her break in concentration cost her and Wynona gasped as she realized her wall was starting to form cracks.
“No, no, no,” she whispered, frantically trying to reinforce her control, but no matter what she did, she could feel the cracks spreading and it would only be a matter of time before she lost control and had a dangerous burst. “Violet,” she said through gritted teeth, but the mouse didn’t stir. “VIOLET!”
The cracks shifted and Wynona knew there was nothing more she could do. She sent out a quick hope into the universe that nobody would be hurt as she felt her magic begin to explode.
“PROHIBERE!”
Wynona gasped, her eyes shooting open as she fell to her knees, her body feeling weak. “Lusgu,” she breathed. That was the second time the small brownie had stopped her magic from becoming dangerous, though the first time, Wynona hadn’t known it was her magic at all. She had still believed it was her grandmother’s. “How do you do that?” she asked, climbing back to her feet. She pushed her black hair out of her face, sucking in deep breaths in order to try and calm her racing heart.
Violet was clinging to Wynona’s hair, chattering so fast Wynona couldn’t keep up with her, instead choosing to tune her angry ranting out.
Lusgu shook his head. “Should have left you instructions,” he grumbled. With a flick of his fingers, the teapot whistled and he disappeared into his corner.
Wynona watched him go, a sinking feeling in her stomach. She knew so little about her brownie employee, but she found herself wanting to know more. Recently, she had discovered he had known her grandmother, but trying to get any answers out of him was like trying to clip the toenails on a kraken.
Pulling in another deep breath, Wynona walked over and grabbed the pot, putting it on the tray to take out to her customer.
Well, that was fun.
Violet had finally calmed down enough to be coherent, though Wynona wasn’t sure she needed the snarky voice in her head at the moment. “I’m trying,” she said under her breath. “I’m sorry that it’s taking me longer than you’d like, but I’m doing my best.”
Violet sighed, but didn’t speak again, for which Wynona was grateful. She had enough pressure on her shoulders at the moment. Why did it always seem like life went in waves? Just a few days ago, everything seemed wonderful. Now Wynona felt like she was spiraling out of control. She had no idea what she was going to do about the other tea house, she couldn't seem to get a good hold on her magic and she felt as if she was failing everyone around her by struggling so much.
“Nettles with lemon,” Wynona said with a forced smile, setting the tray in front of the genie. “Be sure to let it steep for at least seven minutes in order to rid it of the toxins.”
The woman nodded and waved Wynona away. “I’ve been drinking this since before you were born,” she said imperiously. “Even if you do own two tea houses.”
Wynona opened her mouth to argue, yet again, but snapped it shut. At this point it just wasn’t worth it. “Enjoy,” she said tightly, then walked away to check on her other customers.
As she wandered, her cell phone rang and Wynona walked to the hall to answer the call. “Saffron’s Tea House,” she said, her voice less angry than before. “How may I help you?”
“Yes, I’d like to cancel my reservation,” a soft voice said on the other end of the line.
Wynona frowned. The voice was familiar, but Wynona wasn’t sure. “I’m sorry to hear that. May I ask who’s calling?”
“Suaren Melez,” the voice replied.
“Mrs. Melez,” Wynona said, shock coloring her tone. “I’m sorry to hear you’re canceling. This is for your appointment next week?”
‘No, no, the one today,” the elf replied.
Wynona frowned. She headed to her office. “Hold on just one moment, please.” Arriving at her desk, she pulled open her appointment book. Usually, Wynona had all the reservations for the day memorized and she didn’t remember Mrs. Melez being part of that. “I don’t have you down for today, Mrs. Melez. Are you sure you’re thinking of the right date?”
“I called just yesterday,” Mrs. Melez snapped. “I spoke to someone named Alavara.”
Wynona threw her head back, but held in her groan. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Melez, but that’s not my tea shop. You must have a reservation at Saffron’s House of Tea, which is a separate business from mine.”
“How is that possible?” the elf argued. “The names are the same.”
Wynona slumped into her desk chair and pinched the bridge of her nose. Even Violet was grumbling under her breath. “I understand that they’re very close and I’m sorry for the confusion. But Mrs. Alavara Theramin opened a tea shop called Saffron’s House of Tea. My shop is Saffron’s Tea House.”
“And you’re telling me that they aren’t the same company?”
“Yes, Mrs. Melez. Two separate companies.” Wynona held the phone away from her ear and cringed as the normally sweet elf shouted about how they shouldn’t confuse customers that way and how unfair it was that they didn’t work together. “Again, I’m sorry for the confusion,” Wynona said when she could get a word in edgewise. “We’ll see you soon.” Wynona quickly hung up, then dropped her forehead to the desk. “Violet...what am I going to do?”
About your magic or the tea shop?
Wynona straightened. “Thank you for reminding me how messed up my life is at the moment. I had almost forgotten.”
Violet snickered, then crawled off Wynona’s shoulder to land on the desk. I think you need to get a lawyer. This lady is messing with your business. As for your magic, I’m not sure how to help. I can help you focus, but you need to learn to do it on your own and whenever I interfere, you aren’t strengthening your ability to do that.
Wynona nodded. “I understand.” She tapped her fingernails on the desk. “I’m not ready to get a lawyer,” she said softly. “I don’t want to take things that far if I can avoid it.”
Violet shrugged.
“But—” The phone rang again and Wynona was almost scared to answer it, but she put it to her ear anyway. “Saffron’s Tea House. This is Wynona.”
“I am never coming to your shop again,” a voice cried. “The last tea you gave me made me break out in hives! Hives! Do you have any idea what it feels like to itch all over your entire body?”
Wynona held the phone away from her ear. She had never had anything like this happen before. What in the world had happened? “Um...I’m so sorry to hear you had a bad reaction to the tea. Could you please tell me your name and what you drank? I’ve never had anything like this happen before and I’d like to figure it out.”
“This is Cir Tesh. I came in yesterday and that Theramin woman gave me oolong. And now I’m covered in red, itchy spots. Nothing is making them go away.”
Wynona’s heart sank and her eyes met Violet’s, who was giving Wynona an “I told you so” face. “Mrs. Tesh, I’m so sorry to hear of your troubles. But Miss Theramin and I don’t work together. You will need to call her if you want a refund or any other kind of recompense.”
“You better not work with her anymore,” Mrs. Tesh shouted. “You’ve never steered me wrong, Wynona, but if you continue to keep company with that, that...elf, then I’ll be forced to take drastic action.”
Wynona’s heart sank and she dropped the phone to her lap as Mrs. Tesh continued to argue. “You’re right,” she whispered to Violet. “We need to do something.”
Violet nodded. And?
“Let’s try talking to her first,” Wynona continued in her soft voice so Cir wouldn’t hear. “If that doesn’t work, then we’ll take more serious action.”
Violet folded her arms over her chest. Fine. But we’re bringing Prim.
“Why do we need to do that?”
Because she’s not afraid to get in people’s faces, Violet pointed out.
Wynona started to argue, but stopped. “Okay,” she agreed. “We’ll bring Prim.” Wynona had a feeling she was going to regret this, but the situation was getting out of hand. And Violet was right, Prim would do a better job of fighting for their rights. But if a confrontation didn’t work, Wynona knew she was going to have to take other steps. She couldn’t keep trying to separate herself when Miss Theramin had obviously gone to such great lengths to link the tea houses.
It was time to fight for the future she was building. It wouldn’t be the first time Wynona had had to stand up for herself, and though she didn’t like doing it, she also refused to let go of what she had built. Miss Theramin had no right. And it was time someone told her so.