hometown - it’s everywhere. We’d like to align with an organization that focuses on domestic violence, as we’ve seen drug use in our teens is often paired with violence at home or violence in their relationships. Thank you f or letting me share our story.”
I blinked for what felt like the first time since he started speaking, thankful my tears had burrowed back into their hole. I caught Monica’s eye, and she seemed to be thinking the same thing. Wow.
Monica rose and shared The Hope Foundation’s mission statement, and her work with community education. She noted that while our foundation didn’t have its own centers outside of offices, we did work in conjunction with domestic violence shelters. She concluded that, from her standpoint, being able to have our own center(s) would ultimately work in the favor of the community by providing a non-threatening place for young people or families to spend time, and not just seek us when they’re in crisis. All through Monica’s speech, Bo listened attentively. He continually shot me side glances and always caught me staring at him - I blushed every time.
Whatever hotness level I thought he attained in Finnegan’s was blown to smithereens when I saw him in business attire. I spent my whole life balancing the free lifestyle I grew up in, with the structured life I craved. Sitting across from me seemed to be another human being balancing conflicting lifestyles. And, I happened to know what his tongue could do outside of the boardroom.
When it was my turn to speak, I presented a resume-style list of the grants I was able to secure during the past four years. I lauded myself on my ability to maintain consistent and respectful contacts with people in both the public and private sector. Most of our success had come from outstanding government grant programs, but I’d spent the last year researching private funding options due to the financial mess of the government.
“Mr. Cavanaugh, Monica tells me that DROP has two , multi-million dollar backers. While we wouldn’t want to piggy-back off of those donors, would your grant writer be willing to teach me a little bit more about securing large funds from the private sector? My specialty is in public mon ey, which is tight these days.”
“Yes, Ms. Harris. In fact, I know at least one of our backers would be open to financially supporting whichever organization DROP teams up with.” A boyish grin crossed his face.
“Oh? Do you mind sharing which one, so I can research them a bit?”
“Me, Ms. Harris. My parents were wealthy business people. When their estate was settled, I decided to use most of their money to fund their dream. My sister also puts her inheritance into the organization. I can’t speak for her , but I know I would be interested.”
Oh, so he and his sister are the two multi-million dollar backers. Neat. I kept my game face on while our boss, Carrie, called the meeting to end.
“Thank you, Mr. Cavanaugh. Ember, I’d like it if you and Monica could set up some more meetings with Mr. Cavanaugh, his community educator, and financial person to see if this is a collaboration that would work on the nuts and bolts level. It all seems very promising, so I’m leaving this project to the two of you.” She left, followed by her secretary, and Don, our IT guy. Monica, Bo, and I were left in the empty meeting room to discuss a time for our “next meeting.”
When the door shut, Monica spoke, “Bo, what the hell? ”
“Monica,” I interrupted, “did any of us talk about our jobs over the last two days?” I knew what she was thinking.
“Well, no. But this is weird . . . and great!”
Bo cleared his throat, “This is weird. We’ll figure it out, I’m sure. For now, though, do you all want to go for lunch?” The question wasn’t directed toward Monica.
“I can’t,” she retorted, “I have to go pester your community educator via email. You two have fun.” Reason number two why we’re best
Rod Serling
Elizabeth Eagan-Cox
Marina Dyachenko, Sergey Dyachenko
Daniel Casey
Ronan Cray
Tanita S. Davis
Jeff Brown
Melissa de La Cruz
Kathi Appelt
Karen Young