Chapter 16

Soma’s POV

I was a little nervous, I wasn't sure I would find the tea I needed, but right now it didn’t matter. I needed supplies, and if I could find a local vendor and people like his tea then I figured it was a win-win situation.

“Hello Soma, please have a seat,” Matt said pulling out a chair for me to sit down.

“Thank you,” I said smiling as I sat down. My heart was racing, I figured he could probably hear it, even though it was impossible for a human ear.

“So what kind of teas are you selling in your store?” Matt asked. “I was only able to come once, and you were busy so I couldn’t chat with you.” he smiled.

“Honestly I am not picky, I know some customers like certain things, and if you don’t have them, I can find them overseas, my best friend has a tea shop as well.” I smiled trying not to sound like I didn’t want his business.

“Good that means I have a chance to wow you with my product,” he said with a big smile. “So since you said you had a friend overseas I am assuming you are looking to get English teas?”

“Yeah mostly, but I am looking for new things too,” I said watching him pick up a piece of paper.

“Well, I have a lot of English-based teas and have a nice friend that can send me some things if you need them. His name is Nick.”

“Nick Armstrong?” I said holding my breath.

“Why yes, he finally moved to England, and is setting up shop.” he smiled.

“He’s my best friend, small world!” I was beyond excited, so I knew Matt would be able to get the product I needed, and there wasn't going to be stepping on anyone’s toes. I wondered what Nick would think that I have his vendor here. “He is going to be shocked when I call and tell him that you work for him.”

“Oh he is probably going to be mad.” he giggled. “Nick is picky on his clients, and if he was taking care of you, he might have my head.” he joked.

I couldn’t contain my laughter, he thought Nick was a hardass when Nick was just a nice guy. I mean he was an ass to those that bothered me, but that was because we’re best friends and he hated that people picked on me so much.

“So I want to buy your stock out.” I blurted out, I knew saying that it was going to be crazy, but if he was with Nick I knew Nick would be happy.

“Really!?” he gasps.

“Yes, you are going to be my vendor too, if you think you can handle it.” I nudged his arm hoping he would see that I was messing around.

“I would love to be, it’s been impossible to convince the locals to keep it local,” he said taking a breath. “I am glad that Oliver called me and told me that you needed some help, now I can do my thing and finally get back on my feet.”

“You and me both.” I giggled. “I’ll need to run to my store and grab my money so we can make this official.”

“Actually since we both know Nick and I know he’ll send me more stuff, this is on the house,” he said glancing over at Oliver. “Consider this a gift.”

“Oh, I cannot take this much product, at least let me pay for most of it,” I said taking a deep breath. My heart was in my throat, I didn’t know what to say. This was going to make me cry, I knew I had to keep my composure.

“I’ll tell you what, I’ll give a deposit,” he said clearing his throat. “I can see you don’t want a free ride, and well I can't blame you,” he said looking at me. “But when we are officially in business I will give you a discount, to ensure you are making money well.”

“Thank you,” I said getting to my feet. “I will be right back.” I half smiled and run out of the store.

I couldn’t wait to tell Nick about this, and how it was such a small world, he was probably going to be happy. I couldn’t wait to add the new product to my shelves, tomorrow I felt would be a better day now that I had most of my store stocked again.

I quickly grabbed my card and went to the door, I almost ran into Detective Marks.

“I warned you about going over there and doing anything illegal,” he growled pushing me back into my store. “Why can't you listen?” he said throwing me down. “Do I have to burn this place down for you to understand me?”

“I’m not doing anything illegal. Why are you messing with me?” I growled trying to get up, but he pushed me back down.

“Because Soma I told you about Oliver and his illegal activities, you are messing with wolves.” he rolled his eyes. “He doesn’t yet know what you are, and the more you hang out with him the more curious he is of you,” he said kneeling in front of me.

“You aren't making sense, and I don’t believe what you are saying. As far as I can tell they are a coffee shop and that is it.” I growled. “I told you once before, and now that you are here messing with me, I am going to file a complaint on you.”

“I wouldn't do that if I were you.” he glared at me. “I will make sure you suffer greatly for that,” he said standing up. “Better think about your choices before one of them gets killed,” he said before leaving the store.

I sat there for a few minutes, I wasn't sure if he was trying to be mean, or if he was going to hurt me. I needed to let his bosses know what he is doing. He wasn't acting like a cop, he was acting like a crazy man. I didn’t want to be bullied into doing what he wants, but this was getting out of hand and I was beginning to worry about my safety.

Getting to my feet, I grabbed my card and headed over to the coffee shop, I tried to act like nothing was bothering me, but when Matt saw me, I figured he knew something happened.

“Everything okay?” he asked pulling out a chair. “Oliver bring me a cup of water for Soma,” he said looking at Oliver.

“Yes,” I said half smiling, I knew I had to be better than Detective Marks. “I am okay, just a pesky person that won't leave me alone, but I am going to the police after I am done here and getting something done.”

Matt didn’t say anything, Oliver brought over a cup of water for me. “Thank you.” I half smiled at him when our hands touched, I felt that weird sensation from him, I figured it would just because my anxiety was all over the place, but Oliver looked just as stunned as I did.

He didn’t say around, he had a scent to him too, I wasn't sure if it was because he’d been in the coffee shop all day, but he smelled like cocoa and marshmallows. It was quite intoxicating, I almost wanted to ask him what it was but he didn’t stick around.

“So anyway, here’s the money for the product.” I smiled at Matt. “I’ll get in touch with Nick tonight, well I’ll text him he’s coming to New York and should be here tomorrow afternoon.”

“Oh, he’s coming to New York?” Matt sounded excited. “Please let him know I want to get coffee or lunch so we can talk about my new order, and of course you.” he giggled.

“I will let him know, he wants me to show him a good time. Maybe you can be the person to show him a good time. I am more a home person than someone that is out in the open.” I said pushing my hair out of my face.

“Oh you’re going to have to come out with us, you’re new to the area so it would be fun to show you around too.” he smiled. “But anyways let me go and get Oliver so he can help me carry this stuff over to your store,” he said getting to his feet and disappearing behind the register.

I was more relaxed now that I would have more stuff to sell. I was a little relieved that it didn’t cost me as much as I thought it would. I was thankful he knew Nick too, it was going to make everything a little bit better.

“All set then?” Oliver said stopping in front of me.

“Yes, thank you for showing your kindness and getting me in touch with Matt now I have a local supplier,” I said getting to my feet. “I owe you.”

“Don't worry maybe a date will be enough,” he said.

I blushed, “we could do something like that, maybe you can show me around.” I said following him out to the store. I was happy for some reason, other than for his hand in my tea.