Admittedly, Wayne only half-listened to Eloise's response as he selected the mint tea as well. His mind was on his own dilemma, and wondering if he was making too big of a deal of it by bringing it up to Eloise. Maybe it would just blow over... But his exchange with Orpington earlier that day made that seem less than likely. He wouldn't be able to avoid the man forever, unless he wanted to shut himself up like a recluse.
Taking a seat at the small kitchen table, Wayne cupped his hands around his teacup and waited for it to cool enough to drink. "Well, it's kind of a long story..." he began.
"You know how I'm not supposed to talk about work stuff outside of work? Well, I did, by accident, the other day--" he wasn't about to elaborate on the embarrassing context-- "And this guy overheard, and since then he's really been going after me for more information. He thinks he can make money off it or something. And at first he made it sound like he'd pay me for it, but when I said no, he's started saying stuff more like... like he'll tell the Ministry if I don't..." Wayne swallowed, remembering how coolly frightening Orpington had been in person. "And today I told him that I just needed some more time, that the Arithmancy isn't really final yet-- and it's true, it does need more work. But I know he'll ask me about it again soon." Wayne contemplated the steam swirling off his tea and sighed heavily, then looked up at Eloise.