One Brave Thing

Ashtyn Fairheart left behind their parents’ suffocating expectations to open Kaleidoscope Coffee and live their best genderqueer life. Six months later, a burst pipe has done enough damage that their dream business might not survive.

Nicco Rodriguez, a local history teacher, wants to build a better financial future for the small town he grew up in. When he finds a grant for teaching small business finance, Nicco’s confident he could make it work, especially after learning the local coffee shop needs help.

But just when they both feel things are heading in the right direction, Ash discovers Nicco hasn’t been entirely forthcoming about his motivation for helping. Now Ash can’t help but wonder if Nicco’s romantic interest was genuine or simply a means to an end.

Can they be brave enough to find a path forward with each other, or will it only amount to a lot of steam?