Private Finished New Friendship & A Cherry on Top

Usually Cosette had no issues concentrating on work, but today was a day unlike any other in Patisserie Cherry. Cosette had already informed her employer, Cherry (also the founder and owner of the patisserie) that she would have a friend coming to pick up some custom-made pastries. Cherry was an understanding elderly dwarf woman and had given Cosette the permission to have her lunch break when her friend would arrive. Cosette had even been allowed to use the kitchen to make the pastries herself for when Levina arrived. It was different from her usual schedule but she was happy to bend her routine for her new eccentric friend. Levina had given Cosette an unusual but otherwise mostly positive first impression and Cosette had a feeling they might get along quite nicely.

Cosette glanced at the clock, it was approaching 1pm. Cosette was currently working on the cash register, and once Levina would leave she'd move to the kitchen. Cosette was among the best cashiers in the bakery, she looked and acted very polite and kind.
"Thank you, and please do come again. Have a nice day."
Cosette said to a young man, who returned Cosette's smile and walked away, sparing glances at her over his shoulder as he did. Cosette knew that some of the customers came here just to see her, and she felt slightly bad about that. Yes, it was good to have business, but she hoped that they came at least partly because of the pastries. They were delicious and deserved to be appreciated...
Cosette let out a quiet sigh and then straightened her back, keeping an eye on the door for Levina.

Once Levina walked in Cosette's face lit up with a delighted smile and she gave the other woman a small wave from behind the counter. Cosette herself was also wearing her hair up in a bun, and was wearing her neat white baker outfit with a bright red embroidered cherry on the front pocket.
"Hm? Oh no no, he was no trouble at all. He is a frequent customer, actually."
Cosette assured, trying to alleviate Levina's worry, and smiled pleasantly. Levina seemed to have some protectiveness in her, which was sweet in Cosette's opinion. As long as that protectiveness wouldn't unnecessarily hurt anyone.

"You're just on time! Wonderful to see you again, Levina."
Cosette's words were sincere and her smile was wide and kind. She turned around and hollered to the kitchen.
"Mrs. Cherry, I will be taking my lunch break now. Thank you once more."
And with that Cosette opened the small fridge that was hidden under the counter, pulled out the pastries she'd baked earlier and circled around the counter.
"Would you like to start with the pastries I made for you?"
Cosette suggested, lifting up the box a bit with a question in her eyes.

The pastries Cosette had chosen to make were cupcakes. They were simple, but Cosette had tried her hand at making these cupcakes a little special. They had a filling of her own original chocolate strawberry sauce, that Cherry had praised her for. But outside they looked like normal pink cupcakes with a lightly roasted meringue icing.
"I hope you'll like them, they're vanilla flavoured. I put some rose water into the batter, so it should have a nice scent and give the taste an exquisite spin."
Cosette explained, and gestured for one of the small tables before the window. Cosette sat down on one of the seats and looked and Levina expectantly.

"Thank you very much."
Cosette thanked Levina for the praise, and she truly was touched. Every time Cosette was praised for her skills she felt accomplished and like she was growing, it was very rewarding. And then both women were silent for a while, as Levina took her time to taste the cupcakes. And her expression and the sounds she made spoke louder than any words ever could.

"Your reaction is all the praise I could ever need."
Cosette said with the warmest tone and her smile couldn't be happier.
"May I have one as well? Although I understand if you'd rather have them all to yourself."
There was a slightly playful tone to Cosette's voice as she said this, and she chuckled softly with a small grin.

Cosette gladly took a cupcake and bit into it, humming in delight when the sweet and soft taste filled her mouth. At first Cosette had thought it was weird to enjoy her own creations so much, but after all the praise and all the hard work Cosette had put into her craft she had finally started to believe that she was actually a good baker. And no one was happier about that than Cosette.

Seeing Levina eat with such vigor and gusto was wonderful and Cosette chuckled softly as the other woman fully enjoyed the cupcakes. Cosette ate only one, she had gained some weight recently and although she didn't really mind Cosette didn't want to become too out of shape. She needed stamina for her work, being a baker was also hard work.
"I'm very glad to hear that. It's always a delight when my and my colleagues' skills are appreciated."
Cosette answered Levina's statement, leaning her cheek on her palm as she leaned on the table.
"How has your day been today, Levina?"