Trying too hard (2)

As Mana and Lila sat and made small talk, the maids brought in an elaborate tea tray for both ladies.

On Mana's tea tray, there was a deep earl grey and beautiful lemon meringue tarts. She held her breath for a minute….was it?

Lila laughed gently at Mana's reaction.

"Yes, my brother sends his apologies for not being able to be present today."

Lila had annoyed her brother into spilling the details of his run in with Lina and her 'boring little friend'. She had specially made sure that the cooks made lemon meringue tarts to keep Mana hooked.

"Oh- Oh dear, I don't know what to say! How kind of Loren…and how thoughtful!" she exclaimed in euphoria as she tucked a strand of her straight brown hair behind her ear, blushing lightly.

The truth was Loren didn't even know they had a visitor, and even if he knew, he never really cared.

Now that Lila knew she had honed in on Mana's weakness, her need for affirmation, she decided to get to the point.