Apple pulled the apple fritters out of the oven. Maddie Hatter was supposed to meet her in a few minutes. She wanted to expand her tea shoppe's menu and Apple had suggested some of her family's apple recipe. Apple was always happy to help a classmate, especially when it was the adorable Madeline Hatter. Want to show your interest in a girl? Just get involved in her business.
"Greetings!" Maddie sang out.
Apple looked up. "Maddie! You're early. I haven't even cut the pie yet."
"It's all good. I actually wanted you to sample a new apple tea I just brewed." She placed a pastel purple pot on the table. The pot was covered with yellow and green apples. She pulled two silver tea cups out of her hat.
"Perhaps we could pair it with a slice of that pie you mentioned" Maddie suggested. "I'll take it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream."
"Yes ma'am." Apple pushed a stool next to Maddie.
"Please make yourself comfortable." She zipped around the kitchen, gathering plates and silverware.
Maddie poured the tea. "You don't have to be this attentive. I'm happy to help you set up."
Apple set the pie in front of Maddie. "Don't be silly; I'm supposed to be impressing you."
Maddie giggled. "I'm a Hatter; silliness is what I do best." She tucked some purple and blue strands behind her ear. "And just so you know, I've been impressed with you for a while."
Apple paused, the knife hovering above the pie. "Is that so? How have I impressed you?"
Maddie pulled the three-gallon tub of vanilla ice cream out of the fridge. "You're in a bazillion clubs and captain of the varsity croquet team and you have straight A's in all Honors and AP classes! You're like the smartest and most organized person I know. And you make it look so easy."
"Aw" Apple said. "I appreciate that."
Maddie beamed. "You're welcome. Now, let's see if your pie is as good as it smells."
Apple sat down on the stool next to Maddie, watching her with anticipation.
She was relieved to hear Maddie squeak with joy. "This is easily the most amazing thing I have ever put in my mouth!" Maddie squealed. She clapped her hands together.
"Miss White, I would be delighted to have your pie in my shoppe!"
Apple gasped. "Yay! Perhaps we could further discuss this over dinner tonight."
Maddie hugged her. "It's a date! Meet me at the table nearest the cafeteria door at seven."
She pranced out of the kitchen.
Apple bulled out her phone and started to text Briar.
you'll never guess who i'm having dinner with tonight!
