Private Finished Operation Levette Opera

The process of arriving to the perfect combination of just the right amount of coffee and rum had been a challenging one, and Cosette had had to adjust the amount of chocolate in the ganache to accommodate for the added alcoholic ingredient. But Cosette didn't mind a challenge in the least, rather the cake had allowed her to take an additional step forward in her studies and Cherry had been very impressed by Cosette's creation. So much so that she'd added the Opera to the patisserie's menu. Cosette was beyond happy. And part of the credit belonged to Levina. She had helped Cosette judge the right flavour balance. So, the Opera cake was now served under the name Levette Opera. Classy name for a classy cake, or so Cherry said.

And now Cosette was going to deliver the final product to the one who had ordered it. Cosette had the receipt in her pocket and the formal greeting card from the patisserie was neatly folded on top of the white and cherry red cake box. Cosette made sure to not touch the bottom of the box that much, the cake was appropriately chilled and the box would keep it properly chilled as long as Cosette held it from the right spot.
Cosette walked along the road, she could smell the sea this close to the coast, and glanced from her phone to the buildings lining the street. Just ahead Cosette could already see the brewery, the sign was hard to miss. She put her phone away and hastened her steps, her shoes clacking against the pavement. Cosette was still wearing her patisserie uniform, since she had made the cake at work and had left bit early to deliver it. It messed with her schedule quite a lot, but this was for Levina. That sentiment alone helped with Cosette's minor stress over breaking routine.

Cosette stepped inside the brewery, taking in the interior. There were few large barrels, probably full of beer or just decorations, some coolers also filled with bottles of alcoholic beverages and a counter with few uniformed employees behind it. Cosette smiled politely and walked to the counter, delicately sliding some of her hair behind her ear as she set the cake box temporarily on the counter.
"Hello. Um, is Levina Cromwell here? I'm Cosette Cygne and I have a delivery here for her."
Cosette said, trying to appear as professional as possible. Levina would appreciate that.
The employee Cosette had talked to seemed kind of dazed until their co-worker nudged their side. The employee cleared their throat and nodded.
"I will go see if Ms. Cromwell is available, Ms. Cygne. Please wait a moment."
And with that Cosette was left to wait in the lobby, idly tapping the top of the cake box with her fingers.

Cosette had been distracted looking around the brewery lobby and thus didn't immediately notice when Levina arrived. But once Cosette heard the footsteps and Levina's voice she looked at her friend and smiled happily.
"Levina! It's wonderful to see you as well. Oh, I absolutely adore your shirt."
Cosette said, when she saw the outfit that somehow seemed to stray from Levina's usual style. It wasn't bad at all, Levina looked quite lovely, actually.
"Hopefully my company will not heighten your fatigue too much."
Cosette said with a small chuckle and walked over to Levina. She instinctively leaned forward and gave both of Levina's cheeks brief, airy kisses. A gesture Cosette always used with her close friends, although as soon as she did it Cosette realized Levina might not feel comfortable with such a gesture and took a step back.
"Oh, please forgive me if I made you uncomfortable. It was a reflex, I often do it with my good friends."
Cosette explained, bit flustered, and gave Levina sheepish smile. Hopefully the other woman wouldn't be too upset...

"Ah, here is your cake, just as promised. I prepared it just 30 minutes ago so it's in the perfect state for eating. But if now is not good it will still be good if put in a refrigerator."
Cosette hurriedly explained and patted the cake box still on the counter. The top of the box had the patisserie's golden logo of a cherry with a small whipped cream swirl on top.

Oh dear, so Levina didn't want Cosette to apologize even in this situation? Cosette wanted to politely disagree, because it was merely good manners to apologize in this instance, at least in her opinion. But before Cosette could answer or say anything sideways the employee from just now answered instead. Cosette blinked at him, surprised, and then quietly followed the interaction between him and Levina. Levina's tone changed completely when she talked to him, she spoke like a superior spoke to their employee. And if Levina was the personal assistant of the owner of this establishment that was exactly what she was. Well, nevertheless the interaction made Cosette giggle quietly, and she handed the cake box to the employee.

"So efficient."
Cosette commented, bit amused but mostly impressed, after they were alone again. Seeing Levina in her work mode was a new side that Cosette admired. Cosette could never quite completely professional, she was too emotional and meek for that. She couldn't handle the cold and collected demeanour professionalism required.
"Are you certain we can't combine business and pleasure for just a moment? I have exciting news."
Cosette asked, her smile full of contained excitement.

Cosette was happy to see that despite Levina being in her professional mode the swan maiden could still bring her personable side out. Levina at work was impressive and admirable, but Cosette still preferred to hear Levina's chuckles and see her smile.
"Well, I let my teacher Cherry taste this Opera cake, and she was very impressed. So impressed, that she put it on the shop's menu. Your part in the creation of the cake was great, so I hope you do not mind I took the liberty of taking you into account when naming the cake. It was named Levette Opera. Levina and Cosette's Opera."
Cosette proclaimed with a wide, happy smile. She could see that Levina was distracted, perhaps she didn't want her employer to see her act casual. That seemed probable, since Cosette had made the cake for him.

The change was subtle but Cosette could tell that Levina was happy for Cosette, and perhaps even touched by Cosette's gesture. But for Cosette it had been an automatic and natural thing to do.
"But without you this cake would not exist, and your opinions helped me perfect it. So you are as much the creator of Levette Opera as I am. I am not taking any credit away from myself, I'm merely giving credit where credit is due. Wouldn't you agree?" "
Cosette assured, her tone certain and sincere. Cosette tried to sound self-assured and confident when she said this, but in the end she felt bit afraid over Levina's reaction.

"I'm glad, I really hope he will enjoy the cake. It's our masterpiece, after all."
Cosette said with a wide smile, her excitement picking up a bit again. But Cosette forced it down and her smile turned bit more polite and professional.
"But now that the happy news have been shared, would you prefer to return to business?"
Cosette asked, tilting her head slightly.