Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life

The Kidd family, now allied with the Larkin family, had no reason to fear Shelly's remarks. On a typical day, Jane would have rushed to appease her.

"Well, look who's here! Ms. Bryant, right?" Jane said with a sly grin, her lips curving in amusement. "Had I known you were dining here, Ms. Bryant, I would've gladly handed over this room."

Jane dismissed Shelly with a slight scoff, her attention shifting to Fiona, as she recalled Fiona's recent change in demeanor towards both Amy and herself. "Oh, and my roommate who aced the exams is here too," she commented, throwing a glance towards Amy. But with the restaurant humming with chatter, Amy missed Jane's words entirely.

Since Amy didn't react, it implied she wasn't overly fond of Fiona, and Jane felt no need to hold back. She had years of friendship with Amy, while Fiona was just the new girl with nothing but stellar grades. Even with the Bryant family around, what was there to worry about? Worst case, she still had the Larkin family in her corner.

"Looks like the Larkin family has given you quite the confidence boost to talk to me like this," Shelly fired back, her patience fraying. Pointing at Jane, she retorted, "Who do you think you are, talking to me like that? Have you forgotten when you knelt to tie my shoelaces? And now, just because you're chummy with Lizzy, you're all high and mighty? What if I had a chat with Lizzy-think she'd wipe you out for me?"

Mentions of Lizzy drained the color from Jane's cheeks. She swallowed hard, glaring daggers at Shelly.

spat,

like," Shelly shot back, slamming a cup down in

cup shattered with a startling crash, and Jane took a step

grown up together, and our families work hand in hand. Let's not

just leave?" Shelly snapped with

a curse under her breath, turning with an embarrassed smile. "Sorry about

at the table thought less of her;

all, Ms. Bryant. We love your straightforwardness," Kimberly chimed in, easing the

for her rare compliments, added,

cautiously at Tyler, asking, "Did I