Chapter 3
Since he met her, Daphne was on Niles' mind a lot. He spent the last few days trying to work up the courage to go visit her store. His confidence when it came to social interactions was never the strongest, so everything ended up over analyzed. How soon was too soon? Would I seem like a stalker? Did she mean it when she invited me to visit? Niles was doubting everything.
Thankfully, most of this doubting only occurred in the afternoons and evenings. His mornings were generally busy enough to distract his thoughts, the store full of tasks that needed attention first thing. Taking delivery of the day's fresh flowers; rotating current stock; preparing the previous day's orders for collection or delivery. Usually by the time he was done, it was close to midday. That's when the real overthinking began.
It was the third day since he met Daphne, while Niles was in the middle of preparing the orders for delivery that afternoon, when the bell above the door rang and Daphne entered. His heart had skipped several beats at the sight of her, and his mood was immediately lifted.
"Morning, Niles!" Daphne beamed at him, seemingly bringing inside with her all the warmth and sunshine of the spring day outside.
Niles paused what he was doing, smiling back at her. "Hello, Daphne."
"I've come to return your umbrella." She leaned it against the counter. "Thanks again for everything the other day."
"Don't mention it - it was nothing. I mean, I was happy to help." He moved to put the arrangement he was working on to the side, when Daphne waved her hand to stop him.
"Oh, don't mind me - continue what you're doing. I'm just going to browse a little."
Ignoring Daphne was impossible. Niles continued prepping the orders, but he watched Daphne from the corner of his eye as she walked around the store, pausing every now and then to smell the various flowers.
"Were you after more flowers?" No way she's here to see me. She just stopped by to return the umbrella.
"I think I would like some more, yes. The ones I bought from you brightened my little shop up nicely, and they're still looking healthy and beautiful. But I thought I'd add a few more."
"Well, feel free to select whatever you like and bring them over. I'll put them together for you."
They spent the better part of an hour together. Niles finished up with the flowers for delivery, set aside and ready to be collected by 11am. For Niles, online orders were the main source of his business, but with the cost of hiring a local company to do the actual deliveries, he turned only a very small profit in comparison to the rest of his rather low in store sales.
But that was fine. Niles didn't open this store to become rich. Just to distract his mind, and to escape his old life. Something that seemed slightly easier at this moment.
Daphne had brought over the various flowers she had selected in an armful, and leaned against the counter, watching Niles as he fastidiously selected and arranged them into piles to create four bouquets, each perfectly sized for a small table. Daphne handed the flowers to Niles as he worked, chatting away as she did so about the trivialities of her morning in general. Things that didn't seem important, but Niles enjoyed listening to regardless, if only to just hear her voice.
The day outside was glorious - sunny and bright; bringing with it the first warm hints of early spring in the air. It was the complete opposite of the weather three days ago when Niles met Daphne, but he already considered that first day to be equally glorious, even though he wasn't sure why.
Niles glanced at Daphne every now and then, at her position at the end of the counter, and smiled. She's wonderful. So positive. So beautiful.
"They're looking wonderful, Niles!" Daphne's attention was on the flowers, pleased with his work.
He smiled, and went to respond, when a buzz sounded from the back of the store. Niles frowned, confused as to what that could be for a second; he was so wrapped up in Daphne's presence.
"Oh! That'll be the delivery driver. I'll just be a few minutes." Niles started to pick up the completed orders.
Daphne joined him, taking a couple of the orders in her arms. "There's too many for you to carry at once. Let me help."
Niles gave her a grateful smile, and led the way to the back of the shop. The driver, a man in his late 20s or early 30s, nodded at Niles when he opened the back door.
"Mornin', Dr Crane. How many orders?"
"Uh, there's seven today." Niles handed over the delivery list and the first couple of orders to the man, who started to load them into his van.
The driver noticed Daphne as she started to hand over what she was holding. "Hello. I don't think we've met. Did you just start here?"
"Oh, I don't work for Niles." She smiled. "I'm just giving him a hand while I'm visiting this morning."
Niles waved introductions at them absentmindedly as he signed a delivery receipt. "Ah, yes. Joe, this is Daphne Moon. She has business in the area. Daphne - Joe, my delivery driver."
"Well, not his delivery driver. I run my own delivery business, servicing several stores in the area. What kind of business do you have?"
"I've got a tea shop just a block over. I sell tea and some other things, but it's also set up like a British tea room."
"Have you thought about offering a delivery option?"
"I had, but I wasn't sure how I would manage that by myself."
Joe grinned, leaning against the side of the van as he spoke. "Well, that's where I come in."
Niles left the two of them chatting business as he headed inside. Maybe it'll work out for Joe, who'll get another customer. And for Daphne, who'll get extra business. Niles grabbed the last couple of orders, and made his way back out. Their conversation had moved away from business and into more polite small talk.
"So, you're from England?"
"Yes, Manchester originally. I moved to Seattle just a couple of months ago."
"Enjoying the city so far?
"I am. It reminds me a bit of home, with how much it rains. And everyone has been so lovely so far, making me feel very welcome."
"Glad to hear it." Joe took the last items from Niles, barely acknowledging him standing there. "So I'll give you a call a bit later to confirm a time?"
"Sounds lovely. Thank you, Joe."
"I'll see you later then, Daphne." He nodded at Niles. "And I'll see you tomorrow, Dr Crane."
"Right. Thanks, Joe."
Niles and Daphne headed back inside as Joe drove off.
"Dr Crane?" Daphne asked, curious.
"Um, yes. I was a psychiatrist, you see. Before I bought this store. Still a doctor, just not working as one."
"Psychiatrist to florist is a big change. What made you switch careers?"
Niles paused, unsure how to answer. It was something he tried to avoid thinking about. "I... just needed a fresh start, after my divorce."
He felt a warm, soft hand on his. "I'm sorry, Niles."
He glanced up at Daphne, noticing that their faces were quite close. He felt his heart start to beat faster. Who is this woman? Why does she make me feel this way? Then the moment passed. Daphne gave his hand a squeeze before letting go, and headed out to the front of the store again. Niles swallowed, calmed his nervous thoughts, and followed.
"How much do I owe you for the flowers?" She was looking over the arrangements.
The flowers Daphne had chosen were beautiful, and worked nicely together. She had picked out several different colors for each, and Niles had managed to work them together so all the arrangements were similar, yet different. He didn't want to charge her full price. He wanted to just give them to her. But of course he couldn't do that. She wouldn't allow it. So Niles pulled out a calculator and tallied the amount, discreetly applying a 15% discount before giving Daphne the total. She paid, and started to gather the flowers up in her arms.
"Here, let me help you carry them back."
"Oh, I can't ask you to do that, Niles. You've got a shop to run."
"It's fine. Besides, I don't get a whole lot of foot traffic. I'll just close it for a bit while I help you."
Daphne relented, and waited as Niles locked up and put a 'Back Soon' sign up on the door. They walked slowly down the ally, turning left out onto the street, enjoying the warmth of the sun on their faces. This time of year was one of Niles' favorites, when the weather was still cool in the mornings, yet warm enough to enjoy being outside. Not that he spent a lot of time outdoors. But maybe he could, with Daphne...
"So, Joe seems nice." Daphne's voice brought Niles back to the present moment.
"Hmm? Oh, yes, he is. I can't say I've interacted with him much outside of work related matters, but he does local business deliveries as a side business while studying. He wants to be an architect, I believe."
Daphne nodded, seemingly deep in thought. "I'm meeting him a bit later this afternoon for drinks. I was thinking of taking him up on his offer - being able to offer delivery on orders will definitely help with my sales."
"It's a good addition. I won't lie - it's probably my main source of income."
They turned down another alley, and Daphne pointed to a building near the end of the street. "That's my tea room."
Niles looked up. It was a building similar to his (a lot of the buildings around this area were). Not as handsomely finished as Persephone was, but Daphne didn't have the money Niles did to throw into a full renovation. Adorning the brick exterior was a large sign; bright yellow with black lettering.
Golden Moon Tearoom
A stylized outline of a crescent moon and teacup completed the look.
"Yellow, or golden, moons are supposed to be fortuitous, and represent optimism and letting go of the past." She blushed, as if embarrassed about the explanation. "It's also a play on my surname. Moon," She added, as if there was any question.
"Seems like a perfect name." Niles smiled. "Well thought out, and well chosen".
Daphne smiled at his response. As she unlocked the door, Niles noticed a smaller sign in the window next to the entry.
Golden Moon Tearoom
Serving tea and light refreshments - Traditional British High Tea by reservation
Curios and loose leaf tea for sale - create your own unique blend
Tasseography and tarot readings by request
"Tasseography?" Niles enquired as they entered. "You read tea leaves?"
"Uh, yes. It's actually quite popular - I have a few return customers specifically to have their fortune told." Daphne turned to look at Niles, the same slightly embarrassed look on her face as before. "I'm quite good at it actually, as women in the Moon family are psychic."
Niles blinked at this revelation, but to his credit didn't let anything else slip. "And you also have this... ability?"
"I do, as did my grandmother." She smiled, as if certain Niles was humoring her. "But you're not interested in that. Let me put together a little something to eat before you go."
She disappeared into the back before Niles could protest (not that he was going to protest. Any chance to steal a few more minutes with Daphne was welcomed). He placed the flowers he was carrying down, and looked around properly.
The store itself was quite attractive and welcoming. Matching the sign outside, the walls were a deep mustard yellow that complemented the dark brick and black trim. Several tables and chairs were set around the store, and along one wall was a large selection of different loose leaf tea. Another shelf held the aforementioned curios; mostly related to tea and tea services, rather than the mysticism that Niles was suddenly worried about after mentions of tea reading and psychic abilities.
He turned around to find Daphne had returned, watching as if trying to gauge what he thought.
"You've got a lovely store, Daphne. You said you don't get much business?"
Daphne sighed, and started placing her newly purchased flowers on the tables. "Apparently Seattle prefers coffee over tea. I've not been here long, but I need to try and work out how to drum up a bit more business."
"I'm sorry."
"Oh, it's okay." She brightened again, seemingly positive despite everything. "If it doesn't pan out, at least I tried."
"That's an admirable mindset."
Daphne grinned. "I thrive on being positive. Now, would you like some tea?"
Niles accepted her offer, and she brewed him a cup of Earl Grey as per his request. Not an adventurous choice, but Niles thought he would return and select something more daring next time. With no other customers, Daphne joined him and they sat at a table together with their tea and some English scones with jam and cream.
Niles was in heaven. The smell of tea and flowers - intoxicating; the drink - brewed perfectly; the scones - warm and delicious; and the company - exceptional.
He watched Daphne as she sipped her tea, staring out the window, lost in thought. Niles felt like he could watch her forever. The way she held her teacup in both hands. How she inhaled the steam. The way her lips pursed before she blew on the hot tea before sipping. The subtle changes in her face as she watched the world pass by, the way her hair fell about her face. Her eyes, a warm, rich brown that he felt like he could just fall into-
"You'll have to let me read your tea leaves one day." Her voice snapped him out of his happy daydream, back to reality.
"I'd love to." He returned to sipping his tea.
I'd love any excuse to spend more time with you.