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He just told this roomful of people all about food deserts, and child hunger, and even used current statewide and national statistics. He emphasized the importance of access to fresh produce year-round. He highlighted what a gift an indoor farm could be to a community. He told them how he’d had them in mind when he’d designed the farm and chose every single crop for this farm, without putting a single person to sleep. And without using a single note card.
I didn’t have to tell him any of this. I didn’t have to explain or teach him a thing. He’s done his homework.
This project really does matter to him.
He’s up here selling it, very convincingly, as if he planted every single seed.
He keeps his arm around me as he steers me off the stage.
“There are some people we need to talk to,” he says. “I’ll talk, but I need you beside me, okay? We’re the team. You’re the brains and heart, and I’m the voice and the money.”
I look up at him. “You are most definitely the heart too,” I tell him sincerely. “Without your heart, you wouldn’t have understood the project. You wouldn’t have been able to draw it up like you did. You wouldn’t have cared enough to do it.”
The look in his eyes as he looks down at me is hot and sweet at the same time.
But before either of us can say a word, three men approach. One is the mayor, but the other two are strangers.
“Torin,” one says, extending his hand.
“Hey, Steve. Bob,” he says, shaking hands with another man.
“Good to see you, Torin,” Bob says.
The mayor also shakes Torin’s hand.
“This is impressive,” Bob says.
“I agree,” Steve tells him. “But we have concerns.”
“Tell me what they are so I can tell you why they’re not an issue,” Torin says with a smile.
I watch, fascinated. I’ve seen my sister do this—wrap people around her finger in thirty seconds. It’s smiles and tone of voice and eye contact and a bunch of stuff she’s tried to teach me.
“Regulations,” Steve says. “No matter how much we’d like to partner, I don’t know what we can do and who we need to clear things with.”
Torin nods. “I understand. I’ve got it covered. You don’t need to worry.”
Steve leans in. “That’s it? Just you’ve got it covered and don’t worry?”
“Of course not,” Torin says with a laugh. “I’ll get all the paperwork you need. I’ll have the right people call you. I have a meeting with the Governor and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Director of the Department of Agriculture next week,” he says. “They’re all very interested and excited about the farm. They think there is huge potential in Abigail’s program ideas.”
Steve, Johnny, and Bob all look at me now.
“Is that right?” Steve asks.
I just arch an eyebrow.
“I’d love if you wanted to join the meeting,” Torin says smoothly. “This site will be a fully functioning farm for this area, but it’s also going to be a trial site and when it’s successful, they’ll want local business people and school administrators presenting and adding your perspective when they talk to other communities around the state and, of course, when we go out of state.”
Steve looks surprised, then straightens slightly, smoothing a hand down the front of his shirt, and nods. “I see. Of course, I’d be happy to join the meeting.”
Well played, Torin. I don’t know who Steve is or what he does, but it’s clear that he’s got an ego and thinks he’s pretty smart. Of course, the man would want to be regarded around the state as an expert in something new and potentially so impactful. That will make him feel important and maybe add something to his resume or portfolio or whatever.
I just want him to do it because it’s the right thing to do.
But I guess this will work.
“It would be great to have you in on the meeting as well,” Torin says to Johnny. “As Mayor, we’ll also want your perspective when we talk to other towns.” Torin reaches out and claps Johnny on the shoulder. “This is going to be big, guys. It’s great to have such a supportive and enthusiastic team here as our foundation.”
