Despite the small size of Emma’s little organisation, Fiona seemed impressed, and she had Alex to thank. Maybe this was his way of trying to make a difference. Trying to take her away from all the negativity she faced almost every day while still helping others. She’d been able to tell from the moment they met that he hid an enormous heart.
‘You say you’d like to give more time to your charity work?’ asked Fiona.
‘That’s right,’ Emma replied.
‘What do you do in your career?’
Emma launched into a description of her role at Brown Hughs and Fiona seemed more and more interested, asking questions about her academic background and strategic prowess. It was starting to feel a little like an interview.
A waitress came by to take their order. Emma barely registered what she said. She heard Alex’s resonating voice. However, all she could concentrate on was the surreal experience she was having.
She was grateful for the fact that Alex had stayed there with her, and that he hadn’t just set her up for this meeting, because she was struggling to be her usual composed self even though she tried not to show it.
He’d leaned back in his chair and fixed his intense gaze on Fiona. Something Emma realised he did whenever he was listening intently. People always seemed to respond to it. Now he was in full charm mode, and it gave Emma the time to pull herself together.
They chatted cordially through their meal. But once the coffees had come, Fiona wanted to get down to the matter at hand.
‘Emma, as I’m sure you know, we have partnered with many smaller organisations in the past. Provided support where they needed it most. Based on what you’ve told me, I would love to meet with your colleagues so we can discuss a partnership of our own.’
‘That would be amazing!’ Emma breathed.
‘Of course we would have to look into your organisation first. Can’t be too careful.’ Fiona smiled.
‘Of course. I completely understand,’ Emma answered, placing her cup down on the saucer with a clink.
Fiona fished a card out of her bag and handed it to her. ‘Give me a call and we can set up a meeting.’
Emma handed one of her own cards over. ‘Thank you, Fiona.’
She could scarcely believe her luck. Except it wasn’t luck. It was the doing of the one person other than Hannah who wanted to see her happy.
‘I hope you’ll call soon. We don’t want this opportunity to slip through our fingers,’ Fiona cautioned.
Emma had already planned to contact the others as soon as she got back to the office. ‘Absolutely not.’
‘One thing, Fiona...’ Alex started. ‘These things usually take a while. Can we rush that along?’
Fiona narrowed her eyes at Alex. ‘We can get going as soon as Emma is ready. Naturally, since you’re here, Alex, I have to tell you how far having some international backing can go in organisations such as ours.’
‘I’m well aware, and will have Hastings International’s philanthropy division contact you.’ Alex turned his attention back to Emma. ‘Does that work for you?’
It was a simple question. She recognised it as his way of telling her that she was still the one in control. She could walk away if she wanted, or pursue it, and he would support her. It was her decision to make. His company would be dealing with Fiona’s, not hers. There was no pressure on her. And no permanent link to him.
‘Yes, definitely.’
The drive back to her office was quiet. There was a lot for Emma to think on. Excitement was thrumming in her, but so was apprehension. Was she good enough to seize this opportunity? And what would happen if she did? How would her family react if she was involved more heavily with the charity than she already was?
She didn’t even realise they had arrived back until Alex opened her door.
‘One step at a time,’ he said softly.
‘Yeah. Just a lot to think about.’
Fiona could change everything. All the projects the charity wanted to get off the ground, all the people they could help—all of it would become easier.
‘You can do this, Emma.’
He walked her back to her office.