She woke early each day to start off with her own cup of tea before she opened the doors to customers. She shuffled down the stairs in an oversized sweater and comfortable pants and slippers. She didn't need shoes really. It was her Shoppe after all. Water on first she then went to the door and unlocked it, swinging it open so she could collect her delivered paper. She smiled at the candle maker who was just arriving for the day across the street. The old man would probably be over later for tea. He usually came about ten in the morning and then again about three. He liked to share the latest on his grandchildren and once a week bought a tin of ginger cookies for them all to share. She turned back into her shop, the door closing behind her with a tired squeak reminding her again she needed to get some oil for that hinge. It was always something if not another.

As Katie turned from the door, her eyes landed on one wall and she smiled just like every other time her eyes landed on that one picture situated between hanging shelves of tea. It was a landscape of some far away land and it was dear to her because it was from her best friend in the whole world. What she wouldn't give to be able to share tea in the morning with him and hear all about his latest adventures. She envied those adventures but would never say so. It brought him some bit of happiness and she couldn't, wouldn't, deny him that.

With the paper under her arm she returned to the pot. Just right. She set out a cup and added a little infuser filled with her morning preference; a rich herbal tea with lots of cinnamon. The water was gently poured over it then the pot returned to the counter by the fire. A touch of sugar and a splash of cream and then she was ready to take the paper at the little desk by the front window. Threading her way back through the narrow walkways between the shelves of teas and novelty goodies, she set herself down. She opened the paper to the section she preferred first and let herself get lost in the comics for a few minutes while her tea steeped.

A not-so long distance away, a young man woke. Mornings were never usually favored by the young man curled in his bed; sheets haphazardly tangled around his body. The alarm went off with that usual buzz and light green eyes opened slowly, when the hell did he set that bloody alarm? Arms moved this way and that to finally get over and smack his hand down on the Snooze button. Though, London was climbing out of the bed and throwing the sheets back, without much care, to the bed and striding on to the bathroom for his usual shower and brushing teeth routine. After he was clean and sent a hand through his wet messed hair, he went to the bedroom and into the dresser, gathering his jeans, shirt, boxers, and lastly socks. Getting dressed was always quick, throw it on and give another tussle of his hair. Messed up and all over the place was truly the understatement of the morning.

The paper lay on the island counter, right there next to the kitchen; it was open to the pages of small advertisements, small businesses around the Market. That was when he had seen about Katie's Shoppe. Been a month or so since he wrote her and he must have missed out on this little endeavor actually coming to be, sure he knew that she wanted to open a Shoppe, however he had no idea it would be here and not even that far from his own apartment. Keys and wallet grabbed from the counter, he set out through his front door and down the stairs, new stride taking him towards the Market. He really did hope she would be happy to see him, he was a wee bit nervous, they had written one another but yet to actually meet since he left home years ago and went on to travel.

Turning down a few corners, casual nod to those few merchants and customers as he passed, until he stopped and asked directions, making sure he was headed the proper way. Being pointed towards the next corner, he set off and gave a few tucks of his shirt, dusting off his jeans and blowing out a breath. To see his best friend again after all this time. As he got the door, he stood there for a moment, hand rose to push at the door and he grinned as it gave a small squeak. He stepped inside with another squeak of the door shutting behind him. He did not know if she would recognise him after all this time, would he know her? Her eyes and smile, he was positive he could always spot her by her eyes and smile.

Her eyes didn't leave the paper when she heard the squeak of the door. Most knew she wasn't open yet but once or twice people happened in before she had things up and open. "Not open yet but I could get you a cuppa if you have a few minutes to spare for the pot to get hot." Fingers delicately gathered her tea cup to lift it for a sip. The morning air had cooled it enough to take a sip.

Chuckled breath that she mentioned that the place was not open yet, he did not move back for the door however, instead he stood there, arms at his sides and a brow quirked up. He waited for her to actually look at him before his own smile grew into a more London type smile from back when they were kids. In the look over he gave her before she looked his way, he noted that she really had not changed at all, still the most beautiful girl he happened to lay eyes upon. That smile and those eyes, something he kept close to him when he felt things were tiresome or rough. His own appearance was more adult, of course, his height taller than last, more filled out and not as lanky, hair still a mussed mess, but that was pure London at his best.

She didn?t hear the door creak the second time to hint the person had left. Odd. She shifted her eyes from the paper toward the door as the tea cup made it to her lips. There it froze. There it hovered and then finally lowered without a sip being taken. As the cup went down, her brows went up and a smile started tugging at her lips. With a little tink of china cup against saucer the cup found its resting place before shaking fingers dropped it. The paper rustled as it was laid to rest on the desktop carefully. Her dark hair was shorter than it had been as a child but just as dark. She wore it in casual layers that were easy to tend to. Her face was devoid of makeup except for some slightly pink lip-gloss; long lashes had never needed make up to look good. She was a bit more slender than she had been as a child, or perhaps her face was just a bit more 'adult'. Either way, she was still Katie just all grown up. And there was her London, all grown up.

Teeth caught her lip as the smile reached full radiance. She only let go of her lower lip when she whispered that one name. "Lundy." It was partial question and partial statement. She wasn't sure if he was really there or if this were some sort of imaginary visitor. Or even some trickster in the town. As she studied him she realized that no, this was nothing but the real thing. She got up from her chair and moved toward him with her arms open. As long as he didn't rush to leave at her approach he was going to be squeezed in a huge hug and hear her squeal a very real, very happy "Lundy!"

From her lips came his nickname. It was the name that only she called him. Head bowed to acknowledge it, almost afraid to speak and ruin this moment for her. Then Katie was up and coming for him, his own arms lifted and went around her, held her close for the embrace and from him came a laugh and her name with it. "Katie." Giving her a tight hug back, he leaned his head to the side and gave her another long glance. "I cannot believe this. How are you? When did you open this?"

To feel the hug and to hear him say her name, her day was already complete. Her eyes closed and the smile continued to hold her lips captive as she squeezed him so tight. One hand moved up to stroke the back of his head, fingers through his hair like she had when they were kids. Only when they parted a little for him to start asking questions did her arms release him but hands stayed on his shoulders. Cheeks flushed prettily under his scrutiny. "I dared not say a word. I feared I would jinx myself and something would happen." There were still things that needed to be finished but at the very least the Shoppe was clean and packed full of teas and curiosities. "And tales of cleaning cobwebs is surely not entertaining."

It was wonderful to feel his hair being touched as it was once very long ago, brought back fond memories of them together, idle chat and spending time together, other times she had done it to ease his worries or help him through a tough moment. "Well, might I say that it is a lovely place. I feel very at home even walking through the door, granted that is what you wanted to go for; otherwise I will say something else." The teasing in his tone was obvious, as was the smile he held. "You should have told me, I would have visited earlier, Katie. But no point in speaking of what we could have done, I am here now and very happy to see you again. For a while I thought I may go mad without seeing your dear smile."

She laughed under his teasing, the light girly giggle that she had when they were young and hiding out in his bedroom. "You deserved to go mad not coming around or sending pictures!"

"At times I thought I was mad, love. No laughing about it." Though London was laughing himself. London was usually a man of few words, quiet and subdued, but when faced with his best friend again, it was like he was that child again, able to say anything to her and not worry how he would be perceived or judged. "Look at you." He laughed again and moved his hand up to touch at her cheek. "Stunning as always, Katie. I have missed you." Hand dropped back down to go around her waist and all but lift her from the floor in another embrace.

She laughed as she went back into the embrace after that sweet cheek brush. "Only you say that." Fingers curled around behind his neck and she gave another fierce hug. "I haven't changed at all but you, you've gotten all dashing and tall!" She let the embrace last as long as it could then she tugged him toward the counter.

"Dashing and tall." Light green eyes gave in for a small roll and his head shook. "And only you would say that, love.?

"Shush, you. You are.? There was tease in her voice. ?You want a cup of tea, Lundy? Or something else?" She couldn't imagine having anything else so she didn't really expect a negative answer. "My treat, eh?" She paused to lift her own hand and press palm against his cheek, fingers lightly touching his ear.

London let out a chuckle and let himself be tugged to the counter, one of his arms moved to rest on top of it. ?Tea would be great."

"Tell me you are here for a good long visit." Teeth caught her lower lip again. "You have a lot of stories, I'm sure. I want to hear them all."

He nodded some and leaned on the counter, head turning to glance around the Shoppe again before he settled his eyes on her once more. "I actually have an apartment not far from here, if you can believe it, that I have actually settled into one place for longer than a week. I bought a paper yesterday and had not opened it until late last night to find that sweet little Katie had a Shoppe only a few streets away from me, and I could not believe it. I know I lost track of time and have not written you in a while, but look at what you have done for yourself." His hand reached for hers and tapped at her fingers against his ear. She gently patted his cheek and slipped away to put that pot back on to heat.

When she turned back, her smile came back to bathe him in the joy of seeing him again. He was obviously forgiven for any faults. She bustled about to fetch the tea she knew he would like best and then took down a cup, more of a manly cup than the girly ones she used for some. "An apartment? That's wonderful news. So I might see you on occasion, then yes?" She set the infuser into the cup and waited impatiently for the water to be hot enough.

He gave another nod to her questions and settled more of a lean on the counter. "Not far from here, I can visit any time at all and bother the bloody hell out of you." Lips parted into a larger grin. "I have a few tales to tell, and you had better tell me some as well. No dashing young gentleman going to come in and tell me to keep my hands off his woman?" He teased more and caught her hand when she returned, closed his fingers around her hand.

Her smile faltered at the mention of a young gentleman, head shaking a little at that. She would die before she would give her parents the satisfaction thank you very much.

As she shook her head to his mention of a gentlemen, he did understand that bit and left it alone, letting her take on to the rest of the conversation. If she did not want to talk about such things, he was never the one to push. He held tightly for a moment before bringing her hand to his lips and pressing a kiss to the back of her hand. "This truly is grand, Katie. And I hope that you know if you need anything, I am here, at least for now, you know me, always on the go, trying to stay in one spot for now, however."

After claiming her hand back after the kiss to her hand her fingers tugged at the cuffs of her sweater, smile coming back at the new topic to latch upon. "Oh do tell. This will be the best ever." She brought the pot from the burner and carefully poured the water over the infuser. Set back on the burner she showed she still remembered him and handed him the cup just the way he liked it flavored to the nines for him.

He chuckled and lifted the cup for a sip, blowing at the top to make sure as to not burn his lips.

She gave a nod of her head and then captured the stool she had stashed behind the counter. "Let?s off to the window and sit for a bit." She put the tall stool by the chair, put him in the chair and then claimed the stool for herself with a little smile and hurried explanation, "Makes me taller see?" She waved her hand. "Now spill. Spit spot. Tell me more about your travels more."

London moved with her and sat down in the chair offered. "I do see. Spilling, where shall I start?" His brow quirked up and he laughed. "I refuse to give you sordid details. As fun as it might be to see you blush and giggle." Laughing as he reached for her and nudged at her arm. His smile bright and had the dimples make an appearance. It was the London few often saw.

The door opened silently on well oiled tracks to allow the lone figure to step from the upstairs apartment onto the tiny balcony. Katie took in a deep breath inward, held it for a moment then exhaled the cleansing breath before settling herself into her well-worn comfy chair. She tugged her sweater around her person and then chilled fingers curled around the hot mug of tea. Below was the street and the sounds of late night footsteps of people trying to hurry home and also the sound of barking dogs, the occasional cat and of course the sound of wolves in the distance. That sound always drew a smile to her face, eyes going upward to survey the dark sky.

Her balcony was not large; it only held her comfy chair and a little table right by the arm of her chair. She did, however, enjoy her nightly cup of tea out here when the weather permitted. She tucked her feet under her, eyes looking over the rooftops as she blew across her teacup.

She wondered how London was doing and what trouble Sebastian was getting into. She made a mental note to drop Jude another note, his last had been a week or so ago and she found herself wishing for another. Best way to get one was to send one, right? She tipped her head a little, the breeze playing with the finer locks of her dark hair and causing tickling against her cheek. She brushed her fingers over her cheek to capture the stray strands and tuck them behind her ear.

All her friends were dear to her but upon introspection, she had to admit that London held the spot of 'best' friend. Sure that usually went to another girl, did it not? But Katie could not name a single female who was closer to her than London was. He was there when she started having issues with her parents. He was there to see her through her dark times struggling with the medications and 'therapy'. Sebastian and the others were supportive but London was the one who seemed to understand the most. Of course, there was Tia. Tia had done a lot to lighten the mood and stand up for Katie and for that she was thankful. And of course there was no Tia without her twin brother. She wondered what the twins were up to even now. Tia was probably off trying to seduce whoever it was that had caught her eye. Her brother was probably still being the more level-headed of the two. Katie smiled into her tea at that thought, eyes closing for a moment.

Memories had a way of taking advantage of fatigue. Katie felt herself slipping away into her past.

...

Voices in the distance, echoing the sterile halls. Footsteps. Always footsteps. The smell of disinfectant spray and air freshener. Itchy polyester robe. Thin sheets. It was always cold.

She sat in a chair, eyes trained out a window. She always was in the chair in the afternoon. She didn't understand the why of it but they didn't seem to want her lying in bed all day so they put her in the chair about two o'clock just after mid-day medications. Later in the afternoon a bird came to the branch outside the window. She didn't know why but it did. It had a brown beak, black feathers and a bit of red and yellow on each wing. It would sing for a while and then leave. She always felt alone when the bird left. Dinner would come soon then and then bedtime.

"Time for our walk."

She didn't seem to notice the figure in the doorway. He was hard to miss really but she didn't take her focus from the window long enough to notice she had a visitor. It wasn't until she saw movement right next to her that her eyes left the window on a lazy arch that finally settled on the figure kneeling in front of her. Two or three blinks and then she gave a little smile. "Lundy."

She looked down to see his fingers around her cold hands. She couldn't even feel the touch.

...

The memory faded; Katie's eyes opened slowly. He had visited her several times during that very short stay. At the time it had seemed an eternity but rather it was only five days. Sebastian had even come once. In retrospect, she wondered if either of them had even had permission to be there or if they had just simply done their own thing and did what they wanted rather than what everyone expected.

Katie shook her head, smiled to herself and took another sip. That had been the start of a difficult period between herself and her parents but she never liked to complain to people about it. London knew though. He understood.

There were plenty of good times with her parents. She had a lot of happy times with London and the crew. She didn't count her childhood as 'troubled'. She reserved that for those people who really did have major problems. She just had a few uncomfortable bumps here and there. Bumps. Everyone had them. Some more than others.

Her slender fingers dug into her pocket, cell phone retrieved after only a little bit of digging. She didn't have to press the full number. The quick dial was 1 and it rang through to his phone quickly enough. She waited to hear his voice.

"Lundy, hey." She smiled to herself. "Just wondered if you were interested in a bit of tea."

With the rain gone, Katie found herself feeling much better. She worked outside the shoppe to clean up the inevitable damage the thunderstorm and rain left. Little branches and leaves knocked from trees had to be swept up and gathered for disposal. The flower pots had to each be inspected and in more than one case emptied of excess water so the plants within did not drown. She found two of the pots cracked so a trip into the marketplace saw her searching for new pots. She still had soil enough from the original planting that she did not need to purchase more of that. It was just the pots.

The pottery place that Katie had found before by chance alone was nice. It was also tucked out of the way but down another alley that made up the twisting winding market. The old crone had a rather frightening look about her the first time Katie had happened into the little shoppe. On that first trip Katie had been rather nervous to ask any questions but upon working up the courage to do so, Katie found the old woman's voice was mellow and sweet. The wild gray hair was simply too full and too wirey to keep under control and Katie also found that day that the old woman's mud splotched face smiled easy enough and the woman was very knowledgeable about planting, pots and the like. Katie had visited a couple of more times just to bring little bits of tea to the woman, one Jerrala by name.

Katie smiled when she returned to the shoppe. She bore a gift for Jerrala and when she stepped inside she drew in a deep breath. The smell of pottery clay and wood permeated the little shoppe. The bell danced to announce her and caught the attention of the woman at the wheel. Just like before, that old face broke into a smile that softened her fiercesome wrinkles. Just like before too, she had clay on her cheek, on her clothes and even in her hair. "Katie-dear!" Gnarled hands came away from her latest creation and Jerrala maneuvered herself up and away from the wheel so she could greet the younger woman. "So good to see you, yes yes, good indeed."

Katie endured the hug. She'd long since figured out how to get the mud from her clothing and had also taken care not to wear anything special. She returned the hug and then presented Jerrala with the gift. "Sootenberry Tea. I remember you said you'd had it as a child." Katie watched the old woman's smile grow as she took the gift. "Yes yes. Sootenberry with a touch of cream. Ate toast with it with m'mum. Thank you, Katie-dear." Another hug then, this one a little tighter. "Such a sweet girl."

That drew a laugh from Katie. She couldn't help it. She loved to see people enjoy the memories that went along with a good cup of tea. Most people didn't realize that it wasn't just the tea, it was what went with it that made having tea so special. In the morning, any old drink would do if you wanted to wake up alone. If you wanted to wake up with fond memories and good feelings, then tea was the only option. Katie stepped back after the hug and gave a quick glance around.

"What brings you here today, other than the tea, Katie-dear?" The old woman was busy shuffling toward the counter so she could stash away her new tea treasure. She would have to have toast later and it would be a grand afternoon tea.

Katie's eyes tracked back to Jerrala, a sheepish grin on her features. "I need a couple of pots, ma'am. Seems the rain gave two of mine a good whollop and they're cracked." She fiddled with the cuff of her sweater as she followed Jerrala to the counter. "I'd been thinking of getting larger ones anyway so now the choice is made for me. What do you suggest for those native Dragon Lillies that I have?"

The old woman tsk'd her tongue at the mention of the storm. "That rain shook my very store. Had a pot fall right off a shelf I did. Found it broke right there on the floor when I came in. Three pieces it had broke into. No shattering for my pottery. Clean breaks all when it doesn't bounce, right?" Having pottery break was a loss felt by the old woman more than just seeing a piece of her wares unsellable. Each piece was like a child to her. She only wanted her wares to go to good homes to grow old with the owners and become a part of the families that bought them. She tapped muddy fingers against the counter. "Native Dragon Lillies, you say? They will grow to fill any space. How many of those beasties do you want girl?"

Another laugh at the mention of 'beastie' applied to the lovely flower. "Perhaps double it? I saw three hummingbirds fighting over them the other day. I'd like to avoid any hummingbird wars in the future. If I can encourage the Lillies to grow enough, I could set another pot on the other side. Those little things are vicious when they're trying to eat. Did you know that?"

Jerrala joined in the laughter. "Oh yes. Sweet little things until you get in the way of their nectar." She lifted a finger. "I've got just the pots for you dear. Come on. Come on, yes yes."

Katie did as she was told and followed. She was given two very fine pots and later managed to get the Dragon Lillies separated from their damaged pot into the two new ones. It was late afternoon when she was done. Hands clean except for some stubborn dirt under her nails, the flowers arranged and a pot of water heating, Katie sat herself down on her stool behind the counter of her own store with a smile.

There were not many things she could put to mind that would make her life much better. She dug into her pocket for her cell phone and dialed that number one. She waited for the voice to answer then said, "I have tea and flowers and you have to come visit." She grinned wider. "Of course I said so, Lundy. Come on. I have those cakes you like too." She giggled softly to herself when she heard his reply. "Mm..Of course. No hurry, Lundy. When you can, I'll be here."

It was not overly difficult to get Portia on her way out of the shoppe. Well, it was but she managed it after only one threat of a water bottle and two empty threats about no more treats. Portia finally excused herself and laughed her way down the lane. Katie locked up and then scampered up to her little place to get ready. It wouldn't matter if her shoppe were locked up for a bit while she tended to herself. She wanted to brush her hair out without wondering if anyone were wandering in the shoppe and she certainly had not wanted Portia tending to things in her absence. Katie found herself staring at her bland face in the mirror for several moments before opting to give her eyes a little shade, her cheeks a bit of blush and just a little color to her lips. She chose a flowery sweater, lightweight for summer together with a long flowing gauzy skirt that fluttered around her ankles when she walked. Casual sandals finished her overall look. She went down once more and moved to the front of the shoppe so she could unlock it until Jude arrived.

The day started out much like it always had for Jude, waking up, climbing into the shower and getting out, towel around his waist while he gathered the clothing for the day. Something simple, pair of jeans and a nice blue shirt to go with them. He had asked Katie out for lunch and soon would need to head over to her shoppe. But of course, the first order of morning business, he was on the phone, checking back home that all the hotels were running smoothly. He had few doubts, the people he had put in charge were good people. As he pulled on his jeans, he continued to talk on the phone, having it tucked under his shoulder and pressed to his ear, while he buttoned on his jeans. He woke up a bit late this morning, so lunch was right around the corner, or perhaps even a brunch. Giving a toss of his phone on the table, he grabbed his keys for the Inn room and headed out, down the stairs and out into the Market, he was not that far from where Katie was and even passed by Sebastian's building on the way there, which Bast did tend to gloat about. Jude would laugh and shake his head, all his friends had not changed a bit in the years. Sure, they were more grown up but personalities were all pretty much the same and he was actually pleased about that. On the way through the crowded street, Jude stopped and bought a single white lily, holding it in his hand as he got to Katie's shoppe, he knocked, not knowing if Katie would be ready or not, so he leaned against the frame, lily brought to his nose for a smell of it as he waited.

She didn't expect him to be standing there when she tugged open the door to let in a breeze. Her brows went up and rosy lips circled into an 'oh' as she caught her breath inward in surprise. "Jude." The smile leapt to her lips as she stepped back for him to enter. "Good to see you again." She would wait for him to get into the store to plaster him with a hug.

When the door opened and there was Katie, dressed nice, her eyes and smile just as pretty as Jude always remembered. It was something he and London often talked about, Katie's way of lighting up a room with those eyes and smile alone. Jude was quick to move back to standing, not to be caught leaning, hopefully. "Hello, Katie." Lips formed a smile and he looked down at the flower and laughed. "I hope you like the lily, I thought it might be nice to bring at least something for you." Jude stepped in the door and wrapped his arms around Katie as she plastered him with that hug. "Since I have only been here for a few days, I am not entirely sure of the places around here to eat, thought we could walk around until one caught our eye?" He leaned back and smiled down at her, hand brought up with the flower to hold it for her. "You look lovely, Katie." His voice deep, but not rough, more smooth and calm. "Were you ready to go or did I come by too soon?" Jude slipped his fingers up to tuck some hair back from Katie's face then turned to give the selection of tea a small glance, that and the shoppe in a whole. "This is a very nice place, Katie. Do the rest of us come over here often? Maybe sometime we can all get together over some tea and talk more." Jude turned mover and leaned back on the counter, his smile only growing as he looked at Katie.

It was cute the way he straightened up so quickly as if leaning against the door frame was a bad thing. Her eyes darted from his eyes to the flower he mentioned. "Aww, that was sweet, Jude." Her eyes danced back up, way up, her smile growing. He was certainly not the scrawny kid Katie remembered. She let herself get all buried in the hug and felt a certain sense of peace in it. They were complete again. She stepped back from the hug so she didn't crowd him too much. "There are plenty of things around, some more rustic than others." Her gaze had a hard time wandering around when he was looking right at her like that. She took the lily trying not to grin too wide but there went her lips curling into a deeper smile at his touching her hair back off her face and oh the compliment! "Thank you, Jude." Her face reddened just a fraction under the light dusting of blush she'd chosen to wear. Delicate fingers took the flower from him.

"You are most welcome, Katie." He nodded and smiled as she seemed to really like the flower. Jude thought of roses, but Katie did not seem to be that sort of girl that needed big and grand, maybe just like him, simple was just fine.

Teeth caught her lower lip briefly then she gave a soft laugh. "I'm ready but um, maybe I should put this in a spot of water first." She led the way back from the door to the counter.

"Oh, sure, yes. Cannot take it with us after all." Jude chuckled, pushing away from the counter, fingers curled together in front of him as he walked around the small shoppe and gave everything a curious glance.

"It's nothing too grand, Jude but I love it here."

When she spoke, he turned to face her. "It is wonderful, Katie. A nice place that suits you so well, smells wonderful, pleasing to the eyes."

Katie continued, a smile dusting her lips again. "London's stopped in. Bast has yet to make an official appearance but I think he snuck in one day when I was in the back and then again during the middle of the night. I can't be sure but .. you know how you just get these feelings?"

Jude laughed at knowing all about Bast sneaking in places, he did get into the all boys school once or twice to give Jude some dirty magazines and beer. "Yes, I know Bast can be a sneak."

She snickered a little. Yes, Bast the sneak. Katie had wondered when certain teas were gone and she found cash stuck into the arms of one of the stuffed animals sitting on the shelf. Either it had been her long time friend or some thief had taken the tea and then gotten a rush of conscience on the way out and had left payment in a curious location. Katie gave another laugh as she set a filled teacup with water on the counter. She snipped the lily's stem and set it on the water. "There. Perfect." She tossed the stem into the garbage and reached for her purse. "My doors are always open to you and any of the crew. I'd love to start a get together sort of thing, you know once a week or so everyone just drop in. We could talk and have tea. We could call out for food or better yet, just bring stuff for London to cook."

He grinned and turned to face Katie. "You can count on me to come here more often, now that I am back it feels wonderful, having all of my friends around me again, I missed you all so horribly much." It was still fresh to him, to have them there and a few times he woke in the morning not even believing that it was truly happening. "London has become an even better cook?"

Hazel eyes drifted down to meet with Katie's eyes and he smiled more deeply. But then as he was helped around a cart, he gave each shop a glance and did notice that leather shop, he chuckled that Katie did seem to be avoiding to glance that way. Though, Jude himself would not go in there, not unless Sebastian or London probably coaxed him. At words from Katie and his eyes were right back on her. "I am staying, Katie. There is nothing keeping me away this time. I have others taking care of the businesses, and if I need to fly back, it would only be a short while that I would be gone and come back here again. Perhaps sometime I could take everyone with me, to visit back home for a bit, though I know Sebastian and London do not want to be around the families, but we could stay in one of my hotels instead, they would not need to know we are even there. Would love to show you some of them." Jude glanced away, towards some man yelling in the distance, then back to looking at Katie. "Might not be able to convince them to go with me, but, perhaps you would come with me for a couple of days? Would not keep you from your shop long, I promise. But that can be spoken of later, no need right now, since I am here and no need to go back just yet.." This is where Jude realised that he was rambling. "Pardon me, I did just yammer on." He chuckled softly.

Katie's grin once more sprang to her lips. "I'm glad you're back, Jude." So she'd already said it, so what? Her brows went up at the idea of going back. She wasn't entirely eager to spend time with her own family but she could see some of the excitement in Jude's eyes. "If you would that, I'm sure the boys would do it. It's you, Jude." Stop it! She tried to tell her heart to stop beating so wildly in her chest, face flushing that the flutter had started at the idea of going with Jude for a couple of days. It was the idea that they had a lot of catching up to do that caused it, right? She firmly told herself that, eyes wandering up to him again. Her lips moved of their own accord. "I'd love that, Jude." A soft laugh later she continued, "You can yammer on all you want. It's all good between us, yes?" The wind tossed the rich scent of fresh steak grilling out of doors somewhere. Laughter followed and then the sound of someone singing off in the distance. The street performers were at it again it seemed. She lifted her chin and indicated a direction. "That way then?" If taken, 'that way' would lead them to the mom and pop steak shack.

"I am glad too." Nodding in agreement with her. Then he caught that rather surprised look when she spoke of heading home for a few days. "I could always talk them into one thing or another, not sure how persuasive I am now but I could give it a go." He chuckled and then his head tilted more, hazel eyes giving her a close inspection. "Are you all right, Katie?" Murmured with a smile. The added flush of her cheeks was not helping the case that everything was perfectly normal, was she maybe feeling some of the same things he was? He cleared his throat and stood back up straight again, moving his gaze away to not crowd her too much. "We would not have to visit any parents, all stay in one of the hotels and have some more time to chat and catch up even more. And if they do not want to come, I would be happy for it to be just us, I mean, it would not .. you know what I mean, yes?" Jude laughed that he himself was getting all caught up in the words and in Katie. Hazel eyes landed on her face again, the tipping of her chin he realised that they needed to go a certain way. Taking the lead, he kept her arm around his own and walked with her to the steak place. "I talk too much and I will lose that air of mystery." Jude looked back over at her and smiled. "Not that you do not already know me through and through. I can always pretend that I am some dashing fellow on a date with a beautiful woman and sweeping her off her feet." His smile deepened again and he chuckled along with it. "As if I could ever be dashing."

In spite of the faint falling of her heart that came in the moment he got tripped up on his words first about it being just them and then the but not in that way sort of correction, Katie found herself murmuring, "You're quite dashing." Her smile remained steadfastly in place as her eyes eyes darted away, tipping her head to pretend interest in a cloth fluttering in the breeze, a banner of some sort for a local business. Her throat felt tight but she resisted the urge to clear it. A slow breath in and then out, a vain attempt to control her heart. Silent admonishment to herself had her concentrating on the cobblestone path they followed to the eatery. She found her voice after but only a few moments of silence. "I don't think there's a one of us that I don't know through and through." That was the benefit of being the quiet listener and faithful penpal now wasn't it? "I think we're all better for knowing each other. You know, the 'got your back' and so? Never alone." Her eyes flickered up briefly and once more ended up lost for a moment while studying him. She barely noticed when the awning of the eatery finally came into view. There were tables outside and some inside, the scents of savory food was rich in the air as were the accent odors of wine and fresh bread. A busty serving girl was busy taking care of people with efficiency. She cleaned a table and passed the dishes off to a youth who was on hand for just such a task. He spirited the dirty goods off to the kitchen so they could be washed and made ready for the next need. The serving girl swiped a towel over the table and flashed a smile at the two of them. "Out and aboot for a hearty noon-time meal, are you? Sit you down right here and you get some of the best home cooked meals this side of heaven."

Unlike the other two men in the group, Jude was not in the least vain or overly sure of himself. Of course he had some understanding that he was an attractive man and had good qualities that women looked for, but he never entertained the thought that he could capture someone as beautiful as Katie, not even when they were younger. But there was something about the way her heart sounded and yes, he heard it and saw the way she turned her gaze from him when he had said that it was not that sort of alone time. Perhaps there was something deeper here, he felt it, but did she? Just as he was to open his mouth and speak on it, she mentioned knowing all of them through and through and of course he had to agree with a smile. "Yes, well, you kept me in the loop very well, Katie. I am very happy for that, it was as if I was always there if not in person but spirit." He nodded again and turned his attention to the woman wanting to seat them. "Thank you." Said gently with a smile, his eyes did not stay on her for long, instead he moved to the table and pulled out a chair for Katie to sit in. His fingers stayed on the back of it until Katie sat and he helped to scoot her closer to the table, then moved around to sit himself down. "Katie, would you.. " And then more moving around, people sliding past him to get back towards the streets. Jude cleared his throat again and smiled at Katie. "Perhaps a trip just you and I first, would you like that? I would enjoy showing you what was left to me, show you what I do.. perhaps have dinner together tonight and discuss it more?" Yes, he did just ask her out on an actual date, not a little lunch, but an actual date. It came out more like a business proposal and he chuckled more at himself than anything. "I mean, will you go out to dinner with me?"

Her smile grew under the warm rays of his compliments again. It had been her pleasure to keep him in the loop, to let him know that they hadn't forgotten about him. True she never heard back half as much as she wanted but she knew it was not of his own free will that so much time passed between the letters back. Did she ever admit that she checked the mail more frequently as the time between letters grew longer with the certainty that surely that day would see a letter from him? Never not once not even to herself. Katie cherished each of her friends in their own way. London, Sebastian, Portia .. so when had the way Jude got cherished changed? She dared not try to think on that. Instead she took her seat and smiled across the table at him as they got comfortable. The menu was small and hand written on stiff parchment. She accepted hers and gave it a quick glance before she heard Jude speaking again. Would she.. what? Her brows went up in question as he completed the question this time. She couldn't help the smile that tried to blossom and finally took her expression. It only grew when he amended his initial proposition into something less formal business-wise and more formal personal-wise. A quick catch of teeth to her lower lip, the smile still quite visible in spite of the nibble. She nodded first and then murmured a rather pleased sounding, "I would like that, Jude." She cleared her throat and forced her eyes to her menu again. "On both counts." She tried to sound casual about accepting the trip with him but she was fairly certain there was some excited wavering of her voice .. perhaps caused by the rush of her heart once more fluttering so strangely inside. She slid her eyes back to him, expression softening. "I don't think I could ever tell you no." She cleared her throat again and cheekily added, "And you should be thankful for that. I find telling Sebastian no quite easy."

Well, there came a large smile from Jude when Katie agreed and he tried not to look too overly joyed about it, try to keep it cool and calm, what London and Bastian always told him to do when asking a girl out. Do not look too desperate, though, he was not desperate, just excited about it. This could blossom into something more than the close friendship and that was a very attractive idea to Jude. He hardly noticed the menu until she was looking at her own, his fingers reached for it and he gave it a short glance then eyes lifted to meet with her again. "I will keep that in mind. Though, I will try to be sure to use that wise, such a gift of always getting a yes from you." But the words of Sebastian had him laughing. "I believe everyone has had to tell Sebastian no, on more than one occasion." He nodded again and looked back down at the menu. "I believe I will have just a simple rare steak, and you?" Hazel eyes were hardly ever anywhere other than on Katie, though he tried his best to not make it too obvious or make her uncomfortable by it, hopefully. "What would you like, Katie?"

"Even you've had to tell him no?" Her eyes rolled a bit as in a 'that's Sebastian' sort of way. A gift of always a yes. She never thought of it quite like that. Katie continued to regard her menu even though her smile betrayed that she'd snuck a look at Jude and saw his smile. She finally set the menu down and let her eyes wander to him again. "I think I'll just go with a shepherd's pie with a side of gravy." The serving girl was right on hand to take their orders. She didn't bother with asking about side dishes since the sides were rather plain and came with: potatoes and veggies. She hurried off and only returned a few moments later with a mug of ale for each of them with a reminder that the first one is on the house, refills will cost. Apparently they'd never heard of 'just a glass of water' or 'a nice hot cup of tea' .. it was noon and therefore ale time. Katie regarded the ale suspiciously for a moment then finally dragged the mug over for a sampling of it. It was rich and malty but had enough sweet to it that it was actually not too bad even for her delicate sensibilities. "I do want to get to know all those parts of you that I don't already know." She laced her fingers around her mug, eyes now openly intent on Jude. "You're my friend and I've known you forever and yet," here her heart jumped again slightly, "there are parts I don't think I know at all." After a brief pause she murmured softly, "I've truly missed you. I didn't know how much until I saw you again."

"Yes, many times." Jude chuckled then realised that perhaps that question was meant in a sexual nature and Jude laughed even more. "I mean no about other things, not that he has ever tried anything like, well, like that with me, no. I meant that he usually is a trouble maker and loses control a lot, that is what I mean. Sebastian knows I do not enjoy my time that.. way." He was trying to be very polite about it and just not seeming to get it out correctly. So, he opted to leave it alone. He nodded to her order and smiled at the serving girl as she took the order. "Thank you, miss." As the girl was off, his eyes went back to Katie. The ale was untouched by him but he was watching while Katie was examining her own. Once she took a sip, his hand reach to his own cup and fingers curled tight around it and lifted for a sip as well. "You can know anything you like about me, Katie. I want to know everything about you as well." His smile grew and he had that feeling by the end of the night his cheeks would be hurting with how much he could not stop smiling around her. "I missed you horribly, Katie. I truly did." Free hand moved to lay on the table and settled to the middle of the table though his palm was up, fingers curled slightly and he hoped that perhaps she would put her own hand in his. "I am here now and not leaving again."

Again at his attempt to correct his statement, Katie found laughter spilling from her lips. She'd not intentionally meant it quite like that, or rather perhaps not consciously and yet she found it tickled her how he answered. Was there a bit of curiosity that perhaps he was more like the other boys than not? Was there a lifting of her heart when it was perhaps confirmed in a round about adorable way that he did not share some of the same likes as Sebastian and London. His open hand was a magnet for hers. Delicate fingers found their way lightly across his fingers and into his palm, tips dancing slightly across the skin of his palm until her hand settled palm to palm with his. Her fingers curled lightly around his wrist, holding with a gentle grip. "Good." She didn't address if the good was for missing her, for wanting to know everything about her, or for promising not to leave. Let him figure that part out on his own. "We have a lot of things to catch up on and I don't feel like writing another letter." Where did the burn on her cheeks come from? The statement had meant to be cheeky and almost saucy and yet she felt like she stammered her way through it. She rolled her eyes; exhaled a quick breath. "How are you doing this to me? You're making me all blushy and flustered." Make no mistake, the glint in her eye betrayed that she was rather enjoying how she felt when he was around.

His own fingers curled around hers once she accepted to place her hand in his, just as he obviously hoped for and it showed right on his features in a larger smile. "No more letters are needed, Katie. I do not plan on letting anyone or anything keep me from you again." He hardly noticed that he said her rather than the group, but he did not bother correcting himself, he would not stay way from the others either, but when it came to Katie, he was damn sure there was nothing that could keep him from her now. Thumb slid over the back of her soft hand and he let out a breath, her skin was as soft as he thought it would be. When Katie was speaking again, he glanced up from looking at their joined hands to meet with her eyes. "I will tell you with all honesty what I believe it is, Katie. I believe that there could be more for us. I felt it the moment I saw you again, that I had this deep feeling I was right where I needed to be." So, he did have some of the characteristics of his other best friends, a romantic. "Besides, the added flush on your cheeks makes you all the more beautiful." He whispered and lifted her hand, pressing his lips to the back of it.

Her breath caught inward slightly at the realization of his choice of words, or rather that he did not try to correct them. Her own eyes dropped to their hands, thoughtful smile dusting her lips. She didn't feel the need to reclaim her hand when he started moving his thumb over the back of her hand, Rather she settled herself into the touch, relaxing deeper into the moment. "Sweet Jude." Another quick nibble on her lower lip came before she nodded at his words. "I saw London for the first time in a good long while and.." And what? Tell him that she felt something like a bolt of lightening through her body when she'd seen him across the room? That sounded a bit to fanciful and Katie thought herself the practical one of the group and tried to keep herself rooted in fact even though half her life was fiction considering the things she'd told her parents as she grew up. She realized her mouth was still open and clamped it tight for a moment. Her eyes went wide in a surprised manner before she blurted without due thought, "I didn't feel the same way with him as I felt when I saw you again." If pressed she would have to try to explain it without sounding the fool but perhaps he would be on to something else and not wonder about it. Her fingers tightened again. "You are right where you belong. Back with us." It was a moment of bold that caused her to add a very quiet but very firm, "Back with me." If he liked her cheeks flushing before the real show was about to begin. The touch of his lips to her hand coupled with the words she uttered caused such a rise in color as to be visibly noticeable. Thankfully the serving girl returned at that moment to deposit the steak dish in front of the very large man and the shepherd's pie in front of the rather slender woman. A loaf of fresh bread joined the table together with a nice slab of fresh butter. The serving girl almost said something but decided the two were more into each other than answering any other questions. She quietly faded away to a respectful distance and busied herself there. If they needed something a word from either of them would get it.

The day of the grand and glorious get together came and went; largely unnoticed by the instigator herself. Katie stayed wrapped up in bed with a cup of tea next to her, a box of tissues and a novel she had been told was rather interesting. Unfortunately, the novel had more of a sleeping aide effect on her than holding her interest and even after a few days of trying, she found herself still in chapter one.

Katie despised being sick and in order to avoid the mischief of well-intentioned friends, she sent notes off to each saying she was frightfully busy with the holiday season and would not be able to attend. She hoped they had a grand time without her and she would see each of them individually prior to the new year after business settled.

Her being busy wasn't a lie per se although it did ride the line of deceitful rather closely. She felt justified when even the tasks of mixing the teas and keeping fresh stock on the shelves was a difficult one. With leaden arms and the urge to sneeze on each and every breath, moving about and fussing with things were almost more chore than she could bear. Rather than stay later in the evenings as she liked to do, Katie found herself closing early and retreating to her bed to sleep until the following day.

She sent gifts to each of her friends though. Teas and little cakes that she knew each would like but never would purchase for themselves. Sebastian also got little candies that she thought he favored while Jude received a larger basket full of fresh cookies and muffins that she believed would make him smile. London was sent a rather simple gift. A shot glass etched with the image of a unicorn. Inside it she penned a simple note, "We love you, London. Have one for me." She wasn't sure if he would even open the present but she hoped so.

The days that followed Christmas, Katie chose to keep her shoppe closed and instead stayed right in her bed enveloped in a thick robe and fuzzy socks. Her nose was red from the constant stuffy but she found that she didn't really care much once the toddy began warming her from the inside out. The raspberry brandy she had created weeks ago was just the right touch to the tea and lemon zest. After starting a day with just such a toddy it was easy to sleep through to evening. By the time the new year was ready to be marked, Katie was starting to feel her old self returning although she fatigued rather easily.

Again she penned off notes to her friends, each one getting well wishes for the holidays and a little sampler of tea together with a tiny bottle of the raspberry brandy she'd made. She also insisted in the note that they all get together soon. She missed everyone and wanted so much to have a party together. Jude got a special little addition to his note. She dusted the paper with the perfume she liked to wear as perhaps a way of encouraging him to visit soon.

She got the notes off in the mail with the help of the eldest of Mr. Potter's grandchildren. The young girl was given her very own silk bag of tea for her kind efforts after which the girl asked if she could apprentice herself to Katie and learn the ways of tea making. This tickled Katie to no end. She didn't feel she was all that special herself but it would be nice to have someone working with her that loved tea as much as she did. Katie accepted the request and shooed her on back to her parents with instructions that they all meet to discuss the arrangements of the apprenticeship.

Katie found herself smiling as she carefully moved up the stairs once more toward her little apartment. The new year was indeed going to be glorious.