She nodded. “Go on.”
“This place…” He gestured with an open palm, indicating in the whole room. “Where you work…”
“Yeah. What about it?”
“It’s paranormal central. You do know what paranormal means, don’t you?”
Patronizing as usual. “Yes. I’m aware of the term and its meaning.”
“But did you know paranormal beings exist? Vampires and shapeshifters of all varieties live in and around the city.”
Should she act surprised? Mother Nature didn’t want her talking about this with anyone but Anthony. Somehow, she couldn’t give Maynard the satisfaction of being the first to bring this shocking news to her attention. So, she folded her arms. “What of it?”
He paused, obviously examining her reaction. When she didn’t give him one, he cleared his throat. “I don’t think you understand. I work in a research lab studying such creatures. They’re extremely dangerous.”
She sighed.
“Claudia! Are you listening to me?”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
Maynard leaned forward and pounded his fist on her desk. “You need to leave. Get out of here. Right”—pound—“fucking”—pound—“now!”
“And just leave my staff and customers with these supposedly dangerous creatures?”
“Ever heard of self-preservation?”
“Yes. I’m familiar with that term too, but sometimes the world isn’t as black and white as you seem to believe it is.”
“Look.” He dug a piece of equipment out of his pocket. “This registers paranormal activity, and the other night when I was here with my friends, it went nuts.”
“I’m sorry your equipment was defective. Maybe it’s the number of electronic devices in the area. Beacon Hill is a tiny area with a large population.”
“No. That’s not it. My meter wasn’t defective. It was registering some disturbing facts. For instance, your boyfriend is a paranormal. I’ve been trying to warn you away from him ever since that night.” He leaned back in his chair again. “But you haven’t been around.”
“Maynard, I have a business to run. Thank you for stopping by and delivering your message. I’ll take it under advisement.”
“Take it under advisement? Claud, this isn’t a decision to ponder. I told you. You need to get out of here.”
The ugly nickname made her wince. “And I have the right to decide what I need. Right now, I need you to leave.” She rose, ready to walk out and resume her work, leaving him exactly where he was, if she had to.
He leaped to his feet. “For God’s sake. What’s the matter with you? Haven’t you ever heard any of the vampire legends? How about werewolves? Guess what, dear. They’re true. And tonight’s the full moon.”
“Guess what, Maynard. I’m not your dear. And I’ve lived through many full moons right in this very spot. Now run along.” She waved her hand in a sweeping, dismissive gesture. She was being patronizing, yes, but she wanted him to know what it felt like.
His mouth hung open and he didn’t look like he was planning to leave, so she did. She even closed the door behind her.
Anthony came breezing into the tea room, saw Claudia and rushed to her, sweeping her off her feet. His lips captured hers in the mother of all passionate kisses. She twined her fingers in his hair and breathed in the scent that was her Anthony. He tasted a little bit like wine, but at the moment, she didn’t care. He tasted more like love.
Maynard stepped out of the office just as Anthony was setting her on her feet. He glanced up and his eyes narrowed.
“Excuse me, Claudia,” Anthony said. “I need a word with your friend.”
“He’s not my friend anymore.”
Maynard tried to skirt around them, but Anthony placed himself between the researcher and the door. He stared at the weasel and said, “You’re going to come into the office with me and listen to what I have to say.”
Claudia was surprised to see Maynard follow Anthony into the office like an obedient dog.
Anthony told Maynard to sit, and the mesmerized researcher did immediately.
“I have a few things to tell you. First of all, the research facility in which you worked has taken on a whole new direction. You no longer study paranormal abilities. In fact, you and your colleagues scoff at the idea of paranormals. You’ve disproved their existence altogether.
“Your grant is now funding a whole new area of research. You and everyone you work with are planning to build ultra-realistic sex dolls.
“You use robotics, as well as your expertise in computer technology and biophysics. All of you will learn a great deal about plastics and manufacturing in the coming months. You’re working with a model named Ruxandra to make sure you get it right.
“The pharmaceutical company is no longer funding your group. I am. You will report your progress to me via email. Do you understand all of this?”
Maynard nodded.
“Any questions?”
Maynard shook his head woodenly.
“Good. You’d better get back to work. Your coworkers are drawing up plans and making lists of what they need as we speak. You enjoyed your short visit with your old girlfriend, but you’ve achieved closure. You don’t need to bother her again.”
“Yes. I should get to work,” Maynard said.
“That’s right.” Anthony rose and buttoned his suit jacket. “You enjoy your job and can’t wait to get there.”
Maynard walked out of the office without a backward glance. Smiling, he practically skipped out the front door and down the stairs to the sidewalk.
Anthony found Claudia behind the register, writing down the names of the prepackaged teas they needed to order.
“Wow. He looked like he couldn’t wait to get out of here. What did you say to him?”
“I’ll tell you all about it later. We’ll have to wait until we’re alone tonight. After closing, we’re having a celebration for Tory.”
Angie rushed over. “Did I hear you say something about Tory?”
Anthony smiled. “Yes. We found him. He’s alive and well.”
“Oh, thank God!” Angie laid her order pad over her heart. “When can I see him?”
“Right now he’s calling his family to put their minds at ease. He said he’ll stop by to see you as soon as he’s had a shower and changed his clothes.”
Tears welled up in Angie’s eyes. “I can’t believe how long I took him for granted. He was always so good to us. Especially me. I felt safe whenever he was around. I’ve missed him so much.”
“Be sure to tell him that when you see him.”
“Don’t worry,” she said, grinning. “I will.”
As Angie returned to the table she’d been waiting on, Claudia sidled up to Anthony and whispered in his ear. “I have a few things to tell you too.”
He turned and kissed her again. This time, it was just a peck since they were in the workplace, but it felt wonderful to touch his lips to hers anyway. “I hope it’s good news.”
“It is.”
“Do you have to keep me in suspense? Maybe you can give me the Cliffs Notes version.”
“I love you, Anthony. I’ve changed my mind about a lot of things over the past two days, but that’s one thing that’s been unshakable.”
“You don’t know how happy I am to hear that.”
Later, Claudia flipped the Closed sign over and turned the lights down low. She and Angie were preparing the tea room for Tory’s welcome-home party. Meanwhile, Anthony was in the office tallying up the day’s receipts.
Claudia knew there would be some paranormals among the guests, but she didn’t know who or what they were. She was determined not to let her nerves get the better of her. Maynard had told her enough to worry her, but Anthony had again promised she’d be safe.