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Be direct. Be confident. Be a damn Vance for once in your life.
“There’s a town not far from here, Anchorage Harbor. Maybe you’ve heard of it?”
“I’m familiar,” she drawls as if I’m boring her.
“Summit Estates is considering expanding to Seaside Avenue. We want you and SunGro Technologies to help us make it happen.”
I’m not sure if it’s my honesty that takes her by surprise, or something else entirely, but after an intense moment of silence, she asks, “Why?”
“Because we believe there’s nothing stronger than community, and that’s something Anchorage Harbor has in troves. Our goal is to make a difference with the properties and businesses we’ll bring to Seaside. We want to give back where we can with jobs and attractions that will help the harbor grow, and…”
She looks at me expectantly as I decide between silence or taking a leap of faith for my mission from the very beginning.
“I volunteer at a group home on the south end of Seaside Avenue, and those kids look up to me, Ellen. Businesses are drowning all around them, and it’s only a matter of time before the home goes down with them. So, maybe this is an expansion and a rescue attempt, but I refuse to sit back and watch them all sink.”
Her shoulders relax minimally, and just when I think she’s about to make our dreams come true, she utterly crushes them. “I’m sorry, Penelope. But I can’t do business with Silas Anderson. I won’t.”
“Ellen,” Logan says from behind me, raising the hair on the back of my neck. “So good to see you.”
Her nod is brief, poise unwavering. “Logan. I couldn’t help but notice your father’s absence this evening…”
“Yes. Unfortunately, he had pressing matters to attend elsewhere.”
“I see.” She motions at me. “Penelope mentioned you’re wanting to partner with me.”
His gaze slides to mine momentarily. “That’s correct.”
“And I’m sure you know the last time I attempted to do business with your father, he was quite firm in his opinion of my climate friendly approach.”
He slips both hands inside his pockets, relaxing his posture. “Fortunately for us, I dabble in rebellion from time to time.”
Her chin rises, eyes curious. “Is that so?”
“Being one of the few females in your line of work, you probably know how thrilling it can be to go against the status quo.”
Slowly, her stance relaxes to match his. I’m amazed, watching him disarm her, little by little.
“Look, Ellen. I have no control over how my father runs his business, but I assure you, mine is run differently. Choosing the food bank for this event wasn’t random, and it wasn’t for clout.” He pauses a beat before saying, “I know what it’s like to be hungry.”
Well, I’ll be damned.
He’s using my tactics, getting personal and creating a connection.
“You and I share a vision for a more sustainable future and defiance against old norms. Most importantly, I believe our companies can form an alliance that will breed the kind of difference both of us are after.”
Her face softens as she gazes between us, and my pulse thuds in my ears for several seconds before she caves completely.
“We’ll talk at my office first thing Monday morning.” I try to maintain my composure, but there’s a smile splitting my lips when she opens her clutch to grab her business card. “Oh, and make sure you bring your partner.”
I can practically feel the elation rolling off Logan when he shakes her hand. He thanks her profusely, and once she’s out of earshot, I squeal, “Holy. Shit!”
“Holy shit,” he agrees, and his laughter warms the entirety of my soul. “I couldn’t have done that without you, Pen.”
“This is true.” I poke his shoulder. “But it looks like I may have learned a little something from you, too.”
An older gentleman cuts his way across the room, waving at Logan with the obvious intent of speaking with him, and he steps back, putting a healthy amount of space between us.
“Reid,” he grits.
