Page 11 of Outspoken Hearts
Our fourth work session in two weeks. Not that I'm counting.
I review my notes as the door chimes. Eva enters, curly hair in a messy updo, tote bag over her shoulder. When she spots me, her smile crinkles her eyes, triggering that familiar sensation in my chest.
"Morning," she says, sitting across from me. "Please tell me you haven't been waiting long."
"Just got here," I lie.
Eva raises an eyebrow. "Your coffee's half-empty."
"I'm a fast drinker."
"And your laptop's already set up with all your notes arranged in that freakishly organized way."
I laugh, caught. "Fine. Fifteen minutes, tops."
"Chronic punctuality disorder strikes again." She removes her jacket. "I'll grab coffee and be right back."
I watch her chat with Ryan the barista who knows her order. Eva notices details, remembers things, makes genuine connections effortlessly.
She returns with her latte and croissant. "Breakfast of champions. Want some?"
"I'm good."
"Your loss." She sips her latte. "What's on the agenda? I worked up sketches for our bridge concept."
"Before that, I wanted to run something by you." I show her an email. "The Chamber wants a preview of our branding at next Friday's business breakfast."
"A preview? We're still researching."
"Tom mentioned our concept to people. I see this as an opportunity to get early support."
"So what are you suggesting?"
"Let's refine your sketches into something presentable. Nothing final, just a direction."
"Who would present?"
"Both of us."
She pauses. "Both?"
"It's our concept. We should present together."
"But you're the chair. And the professional speaker."
"And you're the designer. The visionary." I meet her eyes. "You articulate ideas well. You just need a bigger platform."
She looks down. "I'm not great with crowds."
"Fifty people isn't a crowd."
"That's literally the definition of a crowd."
I laugh. "I'll be right there with you."
"Why is this important to you?" she asks directly. "Why not present yourself?"
Her directness catches me off guard.
