Page 98 of Defensive Desire

After she leaves, Logan and I look at each other.

"No pressure, huh?" I say weakly.

"Fuck her and her pressure," Logan mutters grumpily. "You ready for this?"

I take a deep breath, looking around at everything we've built. "As ready as I'll ever be."

"Good. Because here come the kids."

And holy shit…

The first wave of children hits like a caffeinated hurricane.

Eight kids ranging from six to ten, all wide-eyed and bouncing with excitement. Their parents follow more cautiously, coffee cups from the main concession in hand, looking like they need at least two more hours of sleep.

"Welcome to Tales from the Ice!" I call out, my café-owner voice kicking in. "Come in! Come in! Hot chocolate for everyone, and then we'll get started with story time!"

The kids immediately swarm the hot chocolate station while their parents hang back, taking photos and trying to corral the more energetic ones.

But as I hand a kid in a Hawks hoodie a marshmallow-topped cup of cocoa, my gaze snags on the parents behind him.

And that’s when I see it again.

A sea of cardboard concession coffee cups. At least five, maybe six of them. Generic. Beige. Branded with the Iron Ridge Arena’s sad little coffee logo in block font that says:we ran out of energy and dignity at the same time.

Ohno.

Not today, Satan.

My smile stays firmly in place, but inside, I go full espresso-fueled war mode.

“Cold out there today, huh?” I chirp to the nearest mom, who’s trying to sip her concession coffee while helping her toddler out of a puffy jacket.

She nods, grateful. “Freezing. We grabbed coffee from the main stand in the lobby. Line was crazy.”

I hum sympathetically, nodding like I haven’t just taken personal offense at the beverage in her hand.

“Oh, totally get it,” I say, adjusting the display of hockey bookmarks without looking. “Long lines and lukewarm drip?"

She lets out a surprised laugh, glancing down at her cup. “Honestly, it’s not great.”

“Well,” I say, keeping my voice light as I duck behind the counter, “Imighthave something better.”

I come up holding a small stack of individually wrapped sachets I brought today just in case. It's my signature blend,TheHat Trick,ground and sealed with custom labels.

I fan them out like playing cards and offer her one.

“For later,” I say, casual as anything. “My house roast."

Her eyes go wide as she takes it. “Oh wow. This is… really professional.”

“I take coffee seriously,” I say with a wink, then turn to the rest of the group. “Anyone else want a sample to take home?”

It’s subtle, not pushy. Just enough to draw interest without making a scene. To my delight, a few more parents drift closer. I hand out another couple sachets, smiling and chatting like it’s second nature.

Because itis.

This is my zone. My magic.