Thirty-three

“CLARE did plenty,” Dante went on. “She talked the distraught woman into giving up her gun, so that by the time the police arrived, it was all over—without anyone getting hurt.”

“I understand the police response was quite rapid,” Sydney said.

“It was,” Dante replied, folding his tattooed arms. “The Sixth Precinct isn’t very far. A lot of the cops are regular customers.”

Sydney nodded. “So I’ve heard! Your coffeehouse must be one of the safest places for anyone to meet a Cinder date! So let’s talk about the Village Blend. Since we brought Cinder to New York City, this landmark coffeehouse has been rated as one of our most popular meeting spots. Here’s one reason why . . .”

Sydney pulled a note from the pocket of her tight jeans. “Brenda, an Ella from Park Slope, posted about a date gone wrong on our message board—we’ve all been there, right?

“Anyway, Brenda was involved in a public scene right here in the Village Blend. But before it turned ugly, she was rescued by one of the staff’s baristas. They say the baristas here have the same insight into human nature as good bartenders. And Brenda testified to that. Ms. Cosi’s barista saw how upset Brenda was and took her upstairs for complimentary coffee and tender loving care.”

Sydney tucked the note away and looked at the camera.

“That’s some Fairy Godmothering from you and your superior staff, Clare Cosi.” As Sydney spoke, a hand covered her heart. “And in case you’re wondering why this place is so famous—” The Tinkerbells all lifted the coffee Dante served them and made yummy sounds. “The house blend is amazing.”

Sydney stood beside Dante. “And so, for superb coffee, inventive lattes and pastries, a barista staff that delivers so much more than caffeine, eye candy like this dude”—she winked and AJ gave a little whistle—“but especially for a fairy godmother of a manager who would risk her own well-being to keep her customers safe, Cinder declares the Village Blend the Number One spot for Happy Hookups in all of New York City!”

Sydney and her Tinkerbells applauded and hooted. Even Dante joined in, turning on his most magnetic smile.

“I urge every Ella and Fella in the tristate area to come down to the Village Blend in New York City this weekend. It’s Cinder approved! And now you know The Heart of the Story . . .”

A twirl of her pinkie and the photographer lowered the camera and rushed to her rolling luggage, still open to reveal the portable digital streaming system, which fascinated Dante almost as much as he appeared to fascinate the photographer.

As he and AJ began to talk (okay, flirt), Sydney exhaled, sounding as relieved as I felt that the streaming event was over. Then came a loud, intrusive voice—

“Happy Hookups, huh?”

We all turned to find Esther Best coming around the counter, shaking her raven head. She’d been in the basement when Sydney and her Tinkerbell posse arrived. I wasn’t certain how much of the streaming Esther witnessed, but I gave her credit for maintaining radio silence. Now that the camera was off, however—

“What about the Horrible Hookups?” she challenged. “The Dating App Disasters?”

Sydney’s tiger eyes narrowed into slits. “Who is this person?”

“This is Esther,” I said, “one of those dedicated baristas you mentioned.”

“That’s right.” Esther stood next to me. “I’m one of the people who consoles the not-good-enough ‘rejects’ on your lousy app.”

“Does she need to be here?”

“Absolutely,” I said.