He looked crushed at that question. “I’ve been trying to source a good one. You know how so many Earl Greys taste really fake? Like the bergamot is like, wow, holy too much. I’m looking for an all-natural one. We do have a rad oolong, though.”

“Okay,” Maricel said. “I’ll have a milk oolong with grass jelly. Half-sweet, please.”

“Awesome choice. You’ll love the oolong. I’ll get these made and will be back for your food order in a few.” He grinned again and left the table. Maricel’s eyes were glued to him, specifically to his backside, as he walked away.

“He’s adorable,” Kamila said.

“What? Oh.” Maricel quickly looked back at Kamila, blushing. “Yes. And um…friendly.”

“I didn’t realize you were so into tea.”

“Oh, I’m not really. I just don’t like supersweet drinks. My lola said I’m the only Filipino she knows who doesn’t like sugary drinks. My cousin brought me this Earl Grey from England last year, and I’ve been trying to find one as good here.”

They talked about tea for a while before Kamila steered the conversation back where it belonged. “So, about Dane. Are you interested in meeting him?”

Maricel frowned. “Of course! I mean, I always like to meet your friends. I had such a nice time at your movie night last week. Thank—”

“Maricel, I’m asking if you want me to set you up with him.”

“With who?”

This was frustrating. “Dane.”

Maricel smiled widely. “Oh! That’s why you wanted me to meet him! I understand now!”

Kevin showed up with their teas then. “Here you go, ladies,” he said, sliding the two cold glasses toward them.

Kamila took a sip of hers. It was delicious. “Wow, you guys do make awesome tea!”

“Of course! I told you we were the best. How’s the oolong?”

Maricel took a sip, and a look of surprise transformed her face. “It’s good! Perfect sweetness.”

“That’s what I love about oolong,” Kevin said. “It’s so delicate that you don’t need a lot of sugar. My family is convinced I’m not actually related to them because I don’t like supersweet stuff.”

Maricel laughed. “My family, too!”

Kevin leaned in to Maricel subtly. “Do they secretly put more sugar in your coffee when you’re not looking?”

“Yes!”

He laughed. “Are you two ordering from the food menu?”

Kamila picked it up. It was also extensive. “What do you recommend?”

“Oh, that’s easy,” Kevin said. “We’re famous for our beef noodle soup.”

Kamila closed her menu. “Perfect. I’ll take that.”

“Me too,” Maricel said.

After Kevin was gone from the table, Kamila decided to put Operation Maricel and Dane Equals True Love on ice for a bit. They were here to discuss Maricel’s business plan. Kamila pulled a binder out of her tote.