With it being their first Heart of Confections, Metzli didn't even know it existed until they saw the announcement. It's a cute idea that can bring the community together, and they desperately need to be an upstanding member after the goo incident. Besides that, despite never really cooking for themself, they actually want to participate. So, after a small trip to the market, Metzli has the ingredients to make something coveted from their childhood. It comes out perfect, much to their surprise, and they package it to surprise someone once it's chilled. They can only think of one person who could appreciate it. It doesn't take much digging to find Val considering there's only one inn. There's a knock at the door, a short pause, and then Metzli places the boxed tres leches cake in front of the door before booking it down the hallway. A small note is attached: "Happy Heart of Confections - Metzli"
She had not been expecting to receive anything for this town holiday. Mars had genuinely surprised her, even if it was just a bag of candy. Now, almost tripping over another gift in front of her door, Val didn't know what to think. Yet again, it was clear it wasn't another Scammahorn package, but she really didn't know who else in town would think to leave her something. She hasn't received this much since… well, since the funeral, probably. She peers down the hallway of the inn, but, as per usual, she's met with a row of closed doors, a long, cushy rug, and some quaint artwork.
Pushing her hair out of her face, she bends down and retrieves the box. The note leaves her feeling a little baffled and a tad guilty. She'd been meaning to message Metzli. Their card had gotten wedged in her planner and had only been rediscovered this past week. She did not trust the Journal after they'd published some bullshit about her, but it seemed Metzli maybe had a thing with the librarian? Which, good for them. They were proving, yet again, to be far too nice of a person.
Opening the box reveals what looks to be a homemade tres leches cake, and the smell of it alone hits her with such a feeling of nostalgia that it takes her a few moments to catch her breath. Val clenches her jaw, trying to fight the tears welling in her eyes. It's certainly too early for dessert, but she still feels compelled to take a fork to the cake and try a bite. It tastes like home.
Tres leches had been one of Mari's favorites, she'd had it every birthday. As a teen, Valerie had found one of her abuela's old recipes and learned how to make it. She'd taught Damian after they'd moved in together.
Fuck. She's crying over a cake that a near stranger made for her- God knows why. Black smudges of mascara are left on her arm as she pointlessly tries to wipe the tears away. You're a fucking mess.
It takes a while for her to calm down. She takes her time, methodically putting away the cake, washing her face and arms, and reapplying mascara, before she heads back out. No time to grab coffee now. Phone in hand, she drafts up a message as she heads to work.