Maricel had chosen a new boba tea place that had just opened on Queen East and was waiting outside the restaurant when Kamila arrived. After taking in her unflattering jeans, T-shirt, and oversized cardigan, Kamila made a mental note to lend her clothes for the next night’s biryani party. Dane had agreed to come, so Maricel needed to shine.

The restaurant, Boba Noodle, was a dark storefront with a minimalistic sign, but Kamila had seen it on just about every “what’s new and hot” list recently. Still, Kamila full-on squealed with delight when she walked in. The interior was pale pink, with huge ferns and palm trees everywhere and a bold floral wallpaper on one wall. It contrasted so well with the golden wood tables and chairs. The whimsy crossed with sophistication was utterly perfect and weirdly matched well with the chic, pink French maid outfit the hostess was wearing.

After they were seated, a cute waiter—sadly, not dressed like Victorian household staff—gave them menus and said he’d be back in five to take their orders.

“So, there’s someone I want you to meet at tomorrow’s party,” Kamila said. “Dane. He’s really good looking and friendly. He loves dogs. I don’t know him too well, but Asha had a background check done before she rented him her condo, and his credit rating is good. He’s a bit of a tech bro but really smart…” She didn’t mention that Dane was the owner of the husky that had tried to eat Maricel when Xena was having her freak-out at the dog park. She was pretty sure Maricel didn’t notice the husky, anyway—she was focused on the hound of hell.

Maricel, who was studying the list of teas like there would be a test later, suddenly frowned. “Tech bro?”

“Yeah. But he owns his own company. Did I mention he loves dogs?”

“Do you know if they have Earl Grey here?”

“Dunno. So, you’re interested, then?”

“I mean, yeah. I love Earl Grey.”

“No, in meeting Dane.”

The cute waiter returned to the table then. “Hi! What can I get for y’all?” he said as he pulled a small notebook from his back pocket.

Kamila hadn’t even opened the menu. “What tea do you recommend”—she looked at his name tag—“Kevin?”

He smiled, rogue dimples appearing on his cheeks. “Well, what do you like?”

Kamila shrugged. “I like green tea.”

“Matcha?”

She nodded. He smiled widely. “Do you like creamy, milky drinks, or fruity ones?”

After discussing her preferences with Kevin, he recommended a mango-matcha smoothie with tapioca pearls. He then grinned at Maricel. “What about you? Same?”

“No. Um,” Maricel stammered. “Um, do you have Earl Grey?”