Dying for Tea Time Read online

  “We’ll let you know soon,” Alex said. She and her sisters needed to have a serious discussion about this. She knew Chelsea and Dani each had reasons for not moving back to Citrus Beach.

  Being together again as a family wasn’t something she expected after they’d gone out of state for school and stayed for work. Would they want to leave their big-city lives and run the family business?

  “Let’s get out of here and get ready for tonight,” BevAnne said. “It’s Chelsea’s day.”

  They cleaned up and left for home, locking up behind them.

  They celebrated Chelsea’s birthday with dinner at The Ocean Grill in Vero Beach. Their table was in the corner on the south side of the restaurant, so they all could enjoy the ocean view. Saturday nights were always busy, but they’d been able to make a reservation.

  Delicious food, attentive service, and fun conversation added to the celebration. Most of the birthday gifts had been exchanged at home. Chelsea wore new earrings from BevAnne and carried a new shoulder bag from her sisters.

  Nana Jean’s gift came in a small box and she handed it to Chelsea. Removing the ribbon and paper, Chelsea opened the box and saw the jade ring that Grandpa Hal had given Nana Jean for her 40th birthday. Chelsea had loved the ring since she was small, and touched the top of it gently.

  “Thank you,” she said. “This is so beautiful, and I’ll treasure it.” She put it on and the weight of the jade made it slide around. “I’ll need to get this resized.”

  “Do you want me to have it done? Or would you rather have it done in Los Angeles?” Nana Jean asked.

  “I’ll leave it here. We’re working on a big project and I won’t have time to get it done. Besides, I wouldn’t know where to take it.” Chelsea admired the ring on her finger, closing her fingers to keep the jade on top. Pulling it off, she tucked it away in the box and handed it to Nana Jean. “I love you, and I love my new ring. Thank you.” She hugged Nana Jean. “Should we order dessert, or have cake at home?”

  “Cake at home. We can watch another movie, too, if you want,” Dani said.

  The trip home was short and chocolate pound cake was soon a memory. Everyone except BevAnne changed into casual clothes; she cleaned up the kitchen before taking a cup of coffee into the family room.

  The birthday celebration ended much as the previous night had, with Nana Jean and BevAnne falling asleep before the movie ended. Goodbyes were said to BevAnne and she went home. The birthday celebration was over and everyone went to bed.

  ~*~

  Sunday was bright and sunny. A trip to McKee Botanical Garden was a family tradition, and the weather wasn’t too hot when it first opened. It wasn’t busy, and the five women strolled around the grounds enjoying being together. They liked coming in the morning before the heat of the day sapped their energy.

  Talk about Knox Finch’s offer was short. Alex, Chelsea, and Dani would talk more in the afternoon. For now, they wanted to spend time with their grandmother and BevAnne.

  “I’ll treat for lunch,” BevAnne said. “I’m ready to sit down and have a cool drink.” The others agreed, and they settled on sandwiches from Panera.

  They had lunch and went home for afternoon naps. The day felt lazy, and having Chelsea and Dani home was as good a reason to relax as any. Dinner would be at BevAnne’s house, and would cap Chelsea’s birthday weekend.

  ~*~

  Monday started with a morning shower. Dani and Chelsea were heading to the airport. Alex and Nana Jean were at Beach Tea Shop getting ready for the ten o’clock opening.

  Tapping on the window drew their attention to a man ignoring the Closed sign on the door. He smiled and mimed unlocking the door.

  Nana Jean grunted. “He’s persistent, I’ll give him that.” Standing up and motioning to him, she turned to Alex and said, “That’s Knox Finch. Should I invite him in?”

  “Might as well. He can answer any questions you might not be able to.” Alex continued setting tables; anyone coming into the tea shop before it opened should expect that work would go on.

  Nodding, Nana Jean moved to the door and let him and a younger man in. He came in and introduced himself to Alex, shaking hands with her and hugging Nana Jean. “And this is my son, Chad,” he said.

  Chad smiled at Alex and shook her hand. “Pleased to meet you both,” he said.

  “I’m sorry for your loss,” Alex said. Chad looked at her. “We heard about your mother.”

  “Yes, of course.” He frowned. “Thank you.”

  Nana Jean extended her hand to Knox. “I’m so sorry. When I lost my husband and my son and daughter-in-law, it was devastating.”

  Knox and Chad looked solemn, and Knox thanked Jean.

  “Our grandmother told us you want to buy this property,” Alex said. Although she was the youngest of the three, she’d stayed in Citrus Beach and worked in the family business. If she wanted to do this, it would be up to her to persuade Chelsea and Dani to come back. If she chose to do something else, then further discussion wouldn’t be necessary.

  “Yes I do. I’ll make you rich,” Knox said. His voice felt too loud in the quiet space, making his presence felt. He seemed confident that money was all the incentive the women needed.

  Alex looked at Nana Jean. Who was this guy? He didn’t know them, or he’d know the family aspect was more important to them than money. His wife just died, and he’s conducting business as usual?

  He handed Nana Jean a gift bag. “A little birdie told me you liked this.” He winked at Alex, who was confused. Did he want Nana Jean thinking Alex talked to him about her?

  Nana Jean pulled a bag of hibiscus tea out. “Thank you. I do enjoy this.” She looked at Alex, who shrugged. “I’ll take this home, since I have plenty here.”

  Alex wanted to laugh. If she hadn’t suspected Knox Finch of being clueless with his comment about money, she did now. Who gave tea to the owner of a tea shop? While they were in the tea shop?

  “My grandmother said you wanted to buy Beach Tea Shop for development,” said Alex.

  “Yes. I plan to tear everything down and start fresh. I’m bringing Chad into the business and he’ll be helping me. These old buildings are outdated, and renovating them will cost more in the long run.” Knox looked around. “Did she mention I have another property I can move you ladies to? It’s out by the mall. Shopping and tea go together, right?”

  Alex was put off by his attitude. Beach Tea Shop wasn’t just the building; they’d relocated after Hurricane Gordon destroyed the original Beach Tea Shop. And shopping at the mall wasn’t the same experience as shopping at the Citrus Beach Shoppes, with its high-end stores and relaxing ambience. Being at the beach was part of the Beach Tea Shop DNA, not just being in a beach town.

  “I’ll be talking to my sisters about this opportunity,” Alex said. She looked at the clock; almost time to open. Knox didn’t notice, or take the hint if he did.

  “Weren’t they just here? I thought Jean mentioned something about seeing everyone. Didn’t you talk about it then?”

  “It was my sister’s birthday. We celebrated that and being together. We didn’t talk much business.” Alex was annoyed. Customer service was a natural part of being a business owner, but she felt her patience strained by Knox Finch and his cavalier attitude.

  “It’s time to open. We’ll get back to you later this week,” Nana Jean said.

  “Come on, Dad, let’s go,” Chad said.

  If Knox Finch noticed the bum’s rush he was getting, he didn’t let that stop him. “It’s a terrific offer you won’t get again. Once the other shops are torn down, what’s that going to do to your business?” He walked to the door. “This is a very generous offer, ladies. Don’t make a mistake by turning it down.” The tinkle of wind chimes were a counterpoint to the noise of the slamming door.

  “Mistake? What a clown,” Alex said.

  Nana Jean said, “It comes across loud and clear. He doesn’t need the red nose and big shoes, does he?”

  ~*~r />
  Home after a busy day, getting texts from Chelsea and Dani that both had arrived safely, Alex and Nana Jean ate a dinner of leftovers and relaxed in the kitchen.

  Alex had coffee and Nana Jean fixed tea from the bag Knox Finch gave her. They sat in companionable silence; living together for so long, they were comfortable with quiet and each other.

  Missing her sisters already, Alex thought about the offer to buy Beach Tea Shop. There were things she’d thought about doing if she wasn’t working with her grandmother, but was now the time? She couldn’t do it alone, and if not with her sisters then with whom? She decided to wait until Wednesday when she and her sisters would have a conference call to discuss the offer.

  “I’m tired,” Nana Jean said. “It’s always fun seeing the girls, but their energy just takes it right out of me.” She rose and took her mug to the sink, rinsed it out and put it in the dishwasher.

  “Good night, Alex. I love you,” she said.

  “I love you, too. See you in the morning,” Alex said.

  She puttered around the kitchen, straightening up and wiping down the counters. At loose ends and not sure why, she thought about going out. No, she didn’t want to be around people. She just wanted to move. This unexpected offer made her itchy. The possibilities…she didn’t want to think about that now.

  Alex took herself off to bed.

  ~*~

  Alex was shaken awake early Tuesday morning by a frantic BevAnne.

  “Get up. Jean can’t get out of bed.”

  “Did you call 911?” Alex asked. She threw off the covers and got up, quickly dressing in yesterday’s clothes and slipping her feet into sandals. A siren came closer and cut off.

  BevAnne ran to the front door to let the EMTs in and Alex went to Nana Jean’s room. Her grandmother was awake but lethargic, and she held Alex’s wrist with a feeble grip. Alex was shocked at her grandmother’s appearance. She’d seemed alright last night. Was she having a heart attack?

  A man and a woman bustled in, carrying equipment and supplies. They took Jean’s vitals and asked questions.

  “How long has she been like this?” The EMTs recorded information on a computer.

  “I don’t know,” BevAnne said. “We usually meet at six o’clock to walk on the beach, and I came over when she wasn’t there. Jean’s never late. I knocked on the door and let myself in when no one answered.”

  “I was asleep. I didn’t hear anything until BevAnne woke me up,” Alex said.

  “What time did she go to bed?” The questions helped calm BevAnne and Alex.

  “She went to bed about ten o’clock. I stayed up a little longer.” Alex looked at BevAnne. “She didn’t say she didn’t feel well, she just said she was tired. After the weekend and all we did, I was tired, too.”

  “What did she last eat or drink?”

  “Tea before bed. We had leftovers for dinner.” Alex worried about her grandmother. She was in good health, but wasn’t a spring chicken.

  “She seems dehydrated. We’re going to take her to the emergency room. You might want to pack some things for her in case they decide to admit her for observation. Do you know what medications she takes? We can get it from her doctor if you don’t.”

  “She doesn’t take anything. She sees Dr. Romano. I’ll get you his number.” Alex took a small bag from Nana Jean’s closet. BevAnne took it from her and started putting clothes and toiletries into it.

  “You get the doctor’s number, I’ll do this,” BevAnne said.

  The EMTs put Jean on a gurney and rolled her out to the ambulance. They took off with lights whirling but no sirens.

  Alex and BevAnne followed in BevAnne’s car. By the time they parked and went in, Jean was already out of the ambulance and in the emergency room.

  Alex walked to the admitting desk. “My grandmother, Jean Powell, was just brought in by ambulance.”

  The woman at the desk pushed a clipboard with a form attached to it at her. “Fill this out and bring it back to me. Do you have her insurance information?”

  Alex bit her tongue, not wanting to take her fear out on this woman who was doing her job. “Yes.” Alex had brought Nana Jean’s wallet with her, knowing she’d need a driver’s license and Jean’s insurance cards.

  Sitting next to BevAnne, Alex completed the form and took it back to the desk.

  A doctor came to the waiting area and asked for the family of Jean Powell.

  Alex and BevAnne hurried over to him, and he took them back to a small room.

  “I’m Dr. Aron. I’m sorry. We did everything we could, but she died.”

  Chapter 3

  Alex and BevAnne looked at Dr. Aron and then at each other. Jean was gone? They had just seen her ten minutes ago.

  “Was it a heart attack?” Alex asked. She hadn’t seemed sick, but her tiredness and weakness bothered Alex.

  “We don’t know.” Dr. Aron paused for a moment. “There will be an autopsy. It’s standard in any unexpected death. We’ll know more after that. Again, I’m sorry for your loss.” He half-turned to go, and said, “You can stay here as long as you need.” He left them alone in the room.

  “I need to call my sisters,” Alex said. Tears coursed down her face and she turned to BevAnne. “What will we do?” They cried together and hugged, then pulled themselves together.

  “Let’s call from home. Ten more minutes won’t make a difference and I need to wait to call Chelsea.” Alex mopped her face with tissues from a box in the room and blew her nose.

  BevAnne used a handkerchief from her bag to tidy up her face. “We’ll get through this, dear,” she said. “Whatever we have to do.”

  ~*~

  BevAnne pulled a fresh handkerchief from her bag. Holding it, she breathed in and out as she’d learned to do. Sudden death wasn’t a stranger to her, but it always made her feel like she’d been slammed sideways by life. Her husband, Jean’s husband and son and his wife, now Jean. She’d lost so many she’d loved too soon. She hoped she was a comfort to Alex as Alex was to her – with Chelsea and Dani out of state, they’d have to rely on each other to get through this.

  Home. The mess left by the EMTs needed cleaning up, and doing that helped settle Alex. She didn’t think about what or why she was doing it, she just picked up one thing after another and put it in the garbage. Heading to the kitchen, she sat down.

  BevAnne brought her a mug of tea and sat next to her. They held hands to comfort each other, but Jean’s loss hit them both hard.

  Alex looked at her watch. “Time to call Dani,” she said. Most likely she’d be waking her sister up, but after traveling the day before Dani might not have gone to the restaurant where she worked.

  She called her sister. The phone rang and went to voice mail. Alex couldn’t leave a message; she was crying again. Taking deep breaths to control the tears, Alex texted Dani to call her ASAP. Tissues were in a box next to her, and she used quite a few.

  She dreaded having to say the words. When their parents were killed in a car accident with Grandpa Hal, the sisters were together when Nana Jean and BevAnne broke the news to them. She hated having to do it over the phone, but the distance to Los Angeles and New York City was too great to do it any other way.

  Her phone vibrated in her hand. Dani, calling back. Alex took a deep breath and let it out. In. Out. In. Out.

  She answered the phone.

  “What happened?” Dani asked. She sounded like she could be annoyed at being woken up, or afraid to hear bad news.

  “Nana Jean died.” Alex couldn’t say more. Breathing wasn’t helping the knot in her throat that prevented her from speaking.

  BevAnne took the phone from her. “Dani, I’m so sorry. Jean didn’t come for our walk and I came to the house. She couldn’t get out of bed. I called 911 and they sent an ambulance. The emergency room doctor told us they did everything they could.”

  Dani sounded dazed. “Nana Jean’s dead? I just saw her yesterday morning.”

  “I know, dear. The doctor
thinks it might have been a heart attack.” BevAnne held Alex’s hand. They looked at each other, not knowing what to say. Alex took her phone back.

  “I’ll come back,” Dani said. “I’ll get a flight tonight or tomorrow.” A pause, then she said, “Have you told Chelsea yet?”

  “No. I’ll call now,” Alex said. “Be careful. I love you.” She was crying again – still – but was able to control it enough to talk.

  “Love you too, and tell BevAnne.” Dani hung up the phone.

  BevAnne looked at Alex. “Chelsea now?” Alex nodded.

  Another call, going to voice mail. A text to call ASAP. Waiting to break bad news to another sister.

  Breathing, in and out. In for four beats. Out for four beats. The counting helped her, helped take her mind off the terrible news. Plans needed to be made. Arrangements. Friends notified.

  Her phone vibrated. “What?” Chelsea asked. She knew it was bad news. Good news can always wait for daylight; bad news came in the dark.

  “Nana Jean died,” Alex said. She could hear Chelsea crying, and they cried together with BevAnne.

  “How?” Chelsea asked. One word at a time was all she could manage now.

  “Possibly a heart attack. They have to do an autopsy.” Alex said the words without concentrating on what they meant. Right now, it was the only way she could manage to talk.

  “Does Dani know?” Chelsea asked. Alex heard her blow her nose and waited until she came back to the phone.

  “Yes. I just talked to her. She said she’ll try to get a flight tonight or tomorrow.” Alex didn’t know what else to say.

  “I’ll call her. Maybe we can coordinate our flights again, to make it easy.” Chelsea hung up.