Sugar Rush

Chapter 1

Zara

Another day, another dollar. Or at least that's what I hope. The Financial District hums with the sounds of power suits and clicking heels. My food truck, "Sugar Rush," stands out like a peacock in a flock of pigeons. Bright pastels and swirly fonts shout out our name, but it's the smells that really pull people in.

I flip the sign on the window from closed, to open as I’ve done for years now. Then I get to whipping up another batch of Lavender Honey Crème Brûlée, torch in hand. The aroma mingles with the usual city scents: car exhaust, street vendor hot dogs, and a hint of ocean breeze.

"Hey Zara! Got any of that Salted Caramel Apple Pie Parfait left?"

I look up to see Amanda, one of my regulars. She’s balancing a coffee cup and her phone while flashing me a hopeful grin.

"You bet," I reply, reaching into the refrigerated section. "You know you can't start your day without it."

She laughs, sliding her card through the reader as I hand over the parfait.

"You're a lifesaver," she says before heading back into the concrete jungle.

But behind my confident smile, worry gnaws at me. Rent’s due, suppliers need paying, and last month's sales didn't exactly set any records. A couple more weeks like this and I’ll be out on the street.

"What do you recommend?" A new customer asks from the open window.

"Depends on what you're in the mood for," I say, smiling. "If you're feeling adventurous, try the Lavender Honey Crème Brûlée."

He nods thoughtfully. "I'll take one of those."

As I prepare his order, I can’t help but look out into the nearly desolate street. This time last year there would hardly be standing room around my trailer. College kids hungover from a night of partying wanting a sweet pick me up, or business people in suits ordering a dozen cupcakes for the office in an attempt to kiss some ass to make up for their late project.

It’s rather bittersweet, just seeing this one lone customer in line. Really puts into perspective how much things have changed in what seems like such a brief period of time.

The morning rush is finally slowing down, if you can even call it that anymore, and I'm just about to make a run for the restroom, when I see an official-looking envelope poking out from under the windshield wiper of my truck. My heart skips a beat. It's never good news when it comes in an envelope like that.

I tear it open with trembling fingers, eyes scanning the letter. "Due to new city regulations..." My stomach drops as I read further. My prime location permit is being revoked.

I slump against the truck, feeling like the wind's been knocked out of me. This spot is my only hope. It’s the first you see when you turn the block, and my loyal customers know where to find me—without this spot, things won’t fare well for Sugar Rush.

"Hey Zara, you okay?" Amanda’s voice pulls me back to reality. She must have doubled back for a cupcake this time, I guess she’s decided calories be damned.

I quickly fold the letter and stuff it in my apron pocket. "Yeah, just... just got some bad news."

She frowns, concern etched on her face. "What happened?"

"My permit’s getting revoked," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "New city regulations."

Her eyes widen. "That’s ridiculous! You've been here forever."

"Tell that to City Hall," I mutter.

“I’m sorry Zara this sucks, but you’ve never been one to sit idly by, so channel your inner bad bitch and stick it to them!” Amanda says, while waving her middle finger around flagrantly.

“You’re a mess,” I tell her, my feelings currently too raw to engage with her humor. “You better get to work before bossman takes you to his office.”

“Well if that’s the case, I’ll take the long way around,” she says with a wink and a wave.

It’s closing time, so I lock up the truck and pull out my phone. I need to talk to someone who gets it, someone who knows the struggle. Jade's number is on speed dial.

"Hey, sis," Jade answers after a couple of rings, her voice a comforting balm.

"Jade," I start, swallowing hard. "I need to talk."

"What's wrong?" Her tone shifts to immediate concern.

"My permit's getting revoked," I blurt out. "New city regulations."

Silence hangs for a moment before she speaks again. "That's bullshit. Sugar Rush is a staple on that damn block!”

"I know," I say, my voice shaking. "I don't know what to do. If I lose this spot, Sugar Rush is done."

Jade lets out a frustrated sigh. "There has to be something you can do. You can't just give up."

"I have an idea," I admit, feeling a knot of fear tighten in my chest. "But it's risky."

"What is it?" Jade asks, her voice firm and supportive.

"I'm thinking of organizing a protest," I confess. "Get other food truck owners together, make some noise, force the city to reconsider these regulations."

"That could work," she says thoughtfully. "But it's going to be tough. You know how stubborn they can be."

"I know," I reply, biting my lip. "But I can't just sit here and do nothing."

Jade pauses before speaking again. "You're stronger than you think, Zara. And you're not alone in this. I'll help you however I can."

Tears prick at my eyes at her words. "Thanks, Jade. It means a lot."

"We'll fight this together," she promises.

I take a deep breath, feeling a bit more hopeful with Jade in my corner.

"You've got this, Zara," Jade reassures me again.

"Thanks, sis."

As we hang up, I feel a renewed sense of determination wash over me. This fight isn’t over yet.