Chapter 82
Chapter 82 Casual Get-Together at the Neighborhood Diner
“Show them to seats, I’ll grab some extra chairs p>
Felix spoke from right behind the group, then turned off at once to fetch chairs.
“Alright, let’s head over there to sit p>
Easton led the three girls toward an empty table.
“Figure out what you wanna eat-scan the QR code taped to the table to place our order p>
Easton dragged over another chair and set it down, perfectly fitting all three girls. He leaned against the side and spoke casually.
It was a square table. Zora slid onto the bench next to Hallie, while Maya pulled out another chair and sat down beside Zora.
Soon after, Felix came back carrying two more chairs, and the two boys took the empty seats on the opposite side.
“Zora, what are you craving p>
Hallie held up her phone and asked.
“This one looks amazing p>
Zora pointed at a picture on the screen-golden, mouthwatering pumpkin pastries glistening on display.
Growing up in Maplewood with her mentor for years, Zora had always loved sweet baked
treats.
95
“You’ve got great taste picking these out,” Easton smiled the second he saw her choice. “They’re absolutely incredible. Felix and I order a plate every time we come here. We aren’t big on overly sugary stuff, but these pumpkin pastries are next level.
“Sarah’s cooking is unmatched-sweet without being cloying, crispy on the outside and soft, chewy and fragrant inside. She always runs out fast, and only makes a limited batch each day p>
Maya listened quietly, glanced at the pastry photo on the phone, said nothing, and simply pulled out her own phone to snap a picture of it.
The diner owner clearly knew how popular the pumpkin pastries were; the full homemade recipe was even printed right beside the menu picture.
“Let’s get two orders then.” Hallie placed the order right away.
1
1/4
10:22 Sun, May 31
Chapter 82 Casual Get-Together at the Neighborhood Diner
95
Finished
They’d arrived early enough to be among the first customers, so they still managed to grab the last two available portions.
“What drinks do everyone want? I’ll go grab them p>
Once the order was placed, Easton turned to the girls.
The small diner had no hired servers-only Joe and Sarah running everything themselves, so guests had to get their own drinks and extras.
“Orange soda,” Hallie didn’t hesitate to answer.
“Coconut milk, please,” Zora spoke in a soft, gentle voice.
“Just plain water for me, thank you,” Maya murmured quietly.
The group had grown familiar with each other quickly, so no one bothered with formal politeness.
“You got it, ladies. Sit tight, your humble errand boy’s on the way p>
Easygoing and playful, Easton grinned and headed off to get their drinks, with Felix tagging along to help.
Easton only had two hands; there was no way he could carry everyone’s beverages alone.
“Your coconut milk, Zora.” Easton came back first, holding her coconut milk and Maya’s water glass.
“Thank you p>
J
Zora took the glass with both hands, her fair fingers wrapping around the clear cup as she thanked him.
“I can refill it for you once you finish that,” Easton smiled warmly.
Everyone had picked different drinks. Some beverages were kept in insulated dispensers for guests to serve themselves as needed.
“Here’s your plain water, Maya p>
Easton set the glass down beside Maya.
“Orange soda for you p>
“Catch-your cola p>
Felix handed Hallie her orange soda in one hand, then tossed a canned cola over to Easton with
2/4
95
Chapter 82 Casual Get Together at the Neighborhood Diner
the other.
He still had a carton of milk tucked in his jacket pocket for himself.
“Easy there, don’t go throwing things like that, Felix p>
Easton fumbled to catch the can safely.
Felix shot him a quick glance but said nothing, settling back into his seat calmly.
“Hey Easton! Didn’t expect you to bring classmates over today p>
F
Sarah soon walked over with their food. She was a plain-faced, kind-hearted woman with a soft, warm smile.
The pumpkin pastries were served first, laid out on white ceramic plates. Their golden hue filled the air with a natural, fresh pumpkin sweetness-not the artificial sharpness of processed sugar, just pure, mellow sweetness that never felt heavy.
“Sarah, we couldn’t decide where to eat, so we headed straight here p>
Easton stood up to help take the plate from her.
“Welcome anytime, dear! I made spicy fish stew today. I’ll bring a plate over for you all shortly. It’s fresh farm-raised fish, super tender-you have to try it p>
Sarah’s smile widened warmly.
“We won’t turn that down then, Sarah.” Easton nodded gratefully,
After dropping off the pastries, Sarah headed back to the kitchen to prepare more dishes.
“Go ahead and try one, Zora. See what you think p>
Easton set the plate down, amused by the way Zora’s eyes lit up staring at the pastries.
“Okay p>
Zora picked one up with a fork. The warm, inviting aroma was already tempting enough.
Fresh out of the kitchen, the pastries were still steaming hot. Zora waited a moment to let them cool before taking a bite.
The outer crust was perfectly crispy, while the inside was soft, chewy, rich, and sweet with every bite.
It tasted absolutely wonderful.
3/4
10:22 Sun, May 31
Chapter 82 Casual Get-Together at the Neighborhood Diner
“It’s delicious p>
Zora finished her pastry in a few quick bites, giving an honest, delighted review.
“Can I order two more portions to take home? I’ll pay for them myself p>
Zora looked around at them with hopeful eyes.
She wanted to keep them as afternoon snacks later.
95
Finished
It had been ages since Zora had found a baked treat she loved this much. Back when she lived with her mentor, her mentor would make homemade pastries for her all the time, and they always tasted incredible-but her mentor always limited how many she could have, never letting her indulge too much.
10
30
2
1
4/4
10:22 Sun, May 31
The Real Heiress’s New Family Adored by All