"You know, when I first moved here, I was afraid to make friends. I thought everyone would make fun of my accent."
"Really? But I think your accent is the highlight of your charms, Georgia."
"Aw, thanks, Piper. That's mighty sweet of you."
Piper smoothed the skirt of her new outfit as she listened to Georgia rant about her rivalry with Kana from Konohana. Piper was wearing the outfit that Rose made for her, which was a yellow off-the-shoulder dress that fell just below her knees and a red halter top vest with three buttons on the front, and Piper paired it with lace - up boots she'd brought from home. She wondered if and where she could get new clothes that were appropriate for farming.
"You know, Georgia, if I didn't know better, I'd say that from the way you're talking, you seem rather fond of Kana." Laney noted.
"I agree." Piper chirped.
Georgia blushed,
"That's downright ridiculous!"
Laney brought over a tray filled with three plates of cutely-decorated strawberry cheesecake slices and she brought over another tray that held a tea set.
"Ta-da! My dad made this; it's the newest item on the menu. Try it!"
The cheesecake was smooth and delicious and the flower tea perfectly complimented the taste of the cheesecake.
"Laney, you know how to bake, right?" Piper asked.
"I do. What's up?"
"Could you teach me? I'm getting tired of eating salad..."
Laney and Georgia laughed as Piper blushed in embarrassment.
"You're so cute, Piper!"
"Why don't you stop by tomorrow afternoon, Piper? You can help me make lunch for dad and Cam. I believe the best way to learn is by taking the hands-on approach."
Piper's eyes lit up.
"Really! Thanks, Laney!"
"No problem. I'm sure Cam would love to help out, too. Right, Cam?"
Said boy was doing his best to slip past the girls as he carried a bucket full of fresh flowers from the cool storage room.
"I'm busy," he said before disappearing out the door.
Cam was a mysterious sort of guy. He was calm, sometimes cold, and often quiet, which was quite the opposite of his best friend, Ash. Well, Piper wasn't sure if they were best friends but Ash said they grew up together so Piper took his word for it. Piper couldn't help but watch Cam from the café window as Cam set up his shop; Laney and Georgia's voices were buzzing in her ear.
Cam's eyes were focused as he pre-made some bouquets and set them on the cloth covered table while he set the buckets of flowers in the shade. He smiled softly at his work and exhaled, satisfied with his effort.
"Piper? Are you listening?"
Georgia's voice brought Piper out of her thoughts.
"I'm sorry, what?"
"Laney laughed,
"Your first lesson starts tomorrow at noon, all right?"
Piper nodded and her heart pumped excitedly; she couldn't wait to eat her own cooking.