Chapter 29
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By the time Lily entered her junior year of college, the domestic worker advocacy center Emma directed had expanded into a regional powerhouse. They had secured a massive federal grant to open three new satellite offices across the state. Emma was working late on a Thursday evening, reviewing the architectural plans for the new shelters, when her office door opened.
It was Grant. He held two cardboard cups of coffee and a brown paper bag smelling of roasted garlic and bread.
"You missed dinner," Grant said, walking in and setting the food on her desk. "And you are officially violating your own boundaries regarding working hours."
"I know," Emma sighed, taking off her reading glasses and rubbing her tired eyes. "But the zoning board just approved the new shelter location, and I want to finalize the security blueprints before Monday."
Grant pulled up a chair and handed her a coffee. "The blueprints can wait until tomorrow morning. Eat."
Emma opened the bag, pulling out a warm sandwich. "Thank you. Did you speak to the foundation board today?"
"I did," Grant nodded. "They want you to keynote the annual philanthropic gala next month."
Emma frowned, pausing mid-bite. "I don't like those galas, Grant. It's a room full of people who write checks to feel better about how they treat their own employees. I prefer working in the trenches."
"I told them you would decline," Grant smiled.
"You did?"
"Yes. I told them that the director of the center does not perform for donors. If they want to support the cause, they can wire the funds without requiring a speech. They wired two hundred thousand dollars this afternoon."
May you like
Emma laughed, reaching across the desk to squeeze his hand. "You are learning how to use your leverage for good, Mr. Callahan."
"I had a very good teacher," Grant replied quietly.
