Page 43 of Defensive Desire

“We’re midway through the community outreach program,” Sophia starts, her tone businesslike but upbeat. “And after the Fire Department's fundraiser, I’m happy to announce the current standings.”

The screen flickers to life, displaying a leaderboard. My eyes immediately zero in on the top spot.

Logan Kane & Chapter & Grind: 1st place.

Blake Maddox & Iron Ridge Youth Team Program - 2nd place.

Coach Brody & Iron Ridge Brewery: 3rd place.

Connor Walsh & Iron Ridge Fire Dept. - 4th place.

Ryder Scott & Iron Ridge Veterinary Clinic - 5th place.

Ryder groans, scrubbing a hand over his face. “I knew we should have gone with the pet photo booth. Everyone loves dogs in jerseys.”

I just take a sip of my Gatorade and blink, not quite believing it.

Sophia grins, clearly pleased. “The response to the promo video and the charity festival event has been overwhelmingly positive. Logan and Emma have racked up the most engagement by far.”

Blake whistles low, giving me a nudge. “Look at you, Mr. Community Ambassador. Who knew you had it in you?”

I just grunt in response, unable to fathom the idea that maybe, just maybe… I really can help Emma achieve her dreams of growing her brand.

Sophia continues, flipping to the next slide. “For the final task, we’re organizing an ‘Arena Experience Day.’ The season opener is coming and each partnership will host a small event or activity at Icehawk Arena that showcases both your business and the Icehawks brand.”

She glances around the room.

“You have one week to plan it out. Creativity is key here. We want something that draws in the community to the stadium while giving fans a chance to connect with both the business and the team.”

Beside her, Greg the CFO mutters something about budget constraints, but Big Mike waves him off. “This program’s working, Greg. Stop your wining and let the players take some initiative.”

Sophia smiles. “We’ll send out more details later. Just remember… the partnership that makes the most impact wins exclusive access to the vacant arena space in the arena for a full year.”

I lean back against the wall, watching as the room erupts into excited chatter. Everyone's already brainstorming ideas, the competitive energy palpable. My mind drifts to what Emma would do with that arena space if we win.

Blake catches my eye from across the room.

He's been pushing for the youth program to get that space. He wants to turn it into some kind of mini training area where underprivileged kids can meet players before games, learn stick-handling techniques.

It's a good idea. I can't fault him for it.

Ryder mentioned Mia's been dreaming about a "Paws and Pucks" adoption center. Temporary home for rescue animals during game days, giving them visibility to potential adopters.

Connor and the fire department want to use it for safety demonstrations and fundraising. Coach and the brewery are planning some kind of tasting room.

But Emma's vision... that's the one I can't get out of my head.

My mind’s already spinning with ideas for the final task.

An event at the arena? What could we do to showcase Emma's vision not only for her coffee blends, but for Chapter and Grind too?

Something that ties coffee and hockey together… Maybe a ‘Brew and Shoot’ challenge? Customers try different blends and then take shots on net, getting a discount for each one they make.

A small smile pulls at my mouth.Yeah, that could work.

As players start filtering out, I stay put, trying to come up with a plan that’ll blow everyone else out of the water. Emma’s been working so hard on this. She damn well deserves that space.

But in amongst the excitement, I catch Big Mike and Greg talking quietly by the projector. They're bodies are closed off, like they're trying to protect their whispers that aren't quiet enough for me not to hear.