Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"It's no trouble at all, Nola. I've really enjoyed our shopping trip."

Roseanne herself had found quite a few treasures.

"Oh, there's a little favor I might need from you," Nola said, her face the picture of adorable pleading.

"What's that?"

"Well, I've been organizing a tea tasting event. It's just a casual get-together where we sip on some tea, chat, and maybe discuss a bit about the art of tea brewing..."

The original instructor was from the renowned Quinlan Tea House, and they had everything set, but last night, the instructor fell ill suddenly and had to be rushed to the hospital. He's still in critical condition.

"...The tasting is tomorrow, and given his condition, he obviously can't make it. I've been scrambling to find a replacement and remembered Leda mentioning that you know your teas and are quite the brewer, so..." Nola paused for effect before continuing, "I was hoping, rather boldly, that you might step in for him. Maybe share some insights on tea culture and show off your brewing skills." This event was her baby, and if it flopped, she'd never hear the end of it from everyone.

Roseanne hadn't seen her tea skills first-hand, only going off what Leda had mentioned. As long as she could hold a conversation about tea and brew a decent cup, it would suffice. Nola wasn't expecting any master-level performance.

"Is that so..." Roseanne pondered for a brief moment, then, seeing the hopeful look in Nola's eyes, she softened, "Alright, then. Send me the address."

"Ah! Thank you, Anne! You're a lifesaver!"

evening, Roseanne asked for time off

and she didn't hold

asked for

forwarded it to him

Hotel, about 3 miles from the lab, Owen asked about the

a nightmare

got

ends around the same time. I can swing by and give you a

"Thanks, that'd be great."

...

the tea

swne

who's who of the local elite turned out,

her influence was undeniable. Though billed as a tea class, it was more

it even started,

the latest circle drama or who

host, Nola was