Page 21 of Power Plays & Proposals

Penelope dumped her stuff by a chair closest to the glass before going to the far end of the bar where a silver tray was filled with individually wrapped packages. I had to walk closer to see that each package included a chocolate block with a stir stick poking out of the center. They were all labeled and the suite had supplied every hot chocolate flavor I'd ever thought of, and then some. Peppermint, salted toffee, dark chocolate, hazelnut, orange, and so on. There were too many to choose from. Penelope picked up the one with a red and white candy cane instead of a stir stick and took it out of the packaging before placing it in a mug full of hot milk.

I smiled at Hannah as she put the kettle down. For all her comments about upset stomachs, she clearly had a soft spot for Nate's daughter. Nate had to trust her as well considering he'd left Penelope and me with her while he went to go play on the ice.

As Penelope stirred, the chocolate melted and mixed into the milk. When she was satisfied with stirring, Penelope picked up a can of extra creamy whipped topping and sprayed it on top.

Hannah took it from her. "Okay, that's enough until you can talk your dad into more."

Penelope didn't even pout as she took her cup and walked back to the chair she'd claimed so she could drink it in comfort.

Shaking her head in amusement, Hannah looked at me. "Think those knots in your stomach have settled enough to let you eat?"

"How did you know?" I asked.

She started making herself a cup of tea. "It's not easy being in the spotlight."

"I don't know why anyone would like being in it. The last two days have been crazy. First I was fired?—"

"From the bakery?" She asked in alarm.

"No, the salon." I’d justified not talking to Maria yesterday by telling myself that she needed sleep since she got up so early.

"Well Maria better not. I'd hate to stop going there after just finding it."

I smiled and started to make a hot chocolate for myself. After selecting the salted toffee option I asked Hannah, "Did the double chocolate muffin fix your morning yesterday?"

"No, but it did make an impression. I've officially been tasked with bringing food to the game day meetings." She tilted her head towards the couch. "Let's sit."

"Is the suite just for the three of us?" I asked as I looked at the trays of food that had been put out and took a spot on the couch. Hannah sat next to me with her tea.

"Depends on how many tickets the team has given out. We have a section of tickets closer to the ice as some people prefer to be closer for the game. Kids usually like the suite because of all the food and drink options. Plus the suite doesn't serve alcohol if anyone under 21 is in the suite."

I took in the bar again and for the first time noticed the lack of wine or beer glasses. A bottle of sparkling cider was set in a bucket of ice to chill, but that was it. Not sure what to say I took a drink of my hot chocolate. My eyes widened in surprise. Rich velvety chocolate floated over my tongue, layers of sweetness from the chocolate and toffee complimenting each other, followed by a surprise pop of salt. "Oh, Maria needs to try this."

Hannah smiled. "I can get you the chocolatier's name and number. She also makes truffles."

"I can see why the team put you in charge of food."

She let out a peel of musical laughter. "I can't help it. I appreciate good food."

"Something we have in common."

"Did you at least get to try Charlie's fries?" she asked.

I shook my head sadly. "Not even a bread basket."

"And Nate only brought the sundaes with you?"

"There was so much going on. I'm surprised he was able to get that."

She tsked, then sat her tea down in the cupholder on the couch armrest next to her. I watched curiously as she picked up a plate, and as she walked along the bar food options she loaded it up with different finger foods. The plate she handed me when she returned was filled with a smaller plate of nachos, a few chicken strips, and a pile of fries.

"I'll take you to Charlie's another day, but this'll do for now."

I thanked her and after the first bite of nachos, hunger kicked in with a ferocity I didn't expect. Penelope had been right to be excited about the nachos, they were topped with deliciously seasoned beef, cheese, beans, jalapenos, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and green onions. I dug into my food and Hannah was kind enough to not say anything as she picked up her phone and started typing away on it again.

Hannah looked at me apologetically, "Sorry I need to finish the statement for Nate before I talk more."

"Don't let me get in the way." I continued eating my nachos and thought of Penelope, she hadn't had a lot of food either. Today had been bad for me, but Penelope had been there too. I sat my plate to the side before I got up and picked up a nacho plate to take to her. When I got closer to her I held out the plate, "Hungry?"

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