"Hey, girl!"
Alice looked up just in time to catch Nora flying at her with a dramatic flail of arms and a wide grin. They hugged tightly, Nora's curls brushing Alice's cheek as she gave her a squeeze that said I missed you.
"I was starting to think you ghosted me," Alice teased, pulling back to look at her.
"And miss our cake date? Please. I'd die first." Nora slid into the booth and scanned the café. "Okay but also this place is so you. Minimalist aesthetic, warm lighting, and smells like vanilla heaven. I'm stealing this spot."
"I know, right? It's like someone bottled Pinterest and turned it into a coffee shop," Alice said, grinning. "Their red velvet is dangerous though. You've been warned."
A server dropped off two steaming cups of mint tea and a plate of pastries cinnamon rolls, chocolate-glazed donuts, and, of course, red velvet cake.
Nora raised an eyebrow. "Tea and sugar? Girl, are you okay?"
"I needed this. After the week I've had? I deserve sugar therapy."
