Chapter 9: The Boardroom
The morning of the foundation’s board meeting, Charlee stood in front of her closet, staring at her reflection in the mirror. She’d chosen a tailored navy suit—professional but not overly formal—and paired it with a crisp white blouse. Her hair was pulled back into a sleek ponytail, and her makeup was understated but polished. She looked every bit the confident, capable leader she needed to be.
But on the inside, she was a bundle of nerves.
Kane walked in, leaning against the doorframe with a smirk. “You look like you’re about to storm a castle.”
Charlee shot him a look. “I feel like I’m about to walk into a lion’s den.”
He pushed off the doorframe, crossing the room to stand in front of her. “You’ve got this, Charlee. You’ve done the work, you’ve got the plan, and you’ve got the passion. Just go in there and own it.”
She took a deep breath, nodding. “You’re right. I’ve got this.”
Kane grinned, giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Damn right you do. And when you’re done, we’ll celebrate. My treat.”
Charlee smiled, feeling a flicker of confidence. “Deal.”
The boardroom was exactly as intimidating as she’d imagined. A long, polished table stretched down the center of the room, surrounded by high-backed leather chairs. The board members—mostly older, serious-looking men and women—were already seated, their expressions unreadable as she walked in.
Charlee took her place at the head of the table, setting her laptop and notes in front of her. She glanced around the room, meeting each person’s gaze with as much confidence as she could muster. “Thank you all for being here,” she began, her voice steady. “I know this is a big step, but I believe in this project, and I believe in the foundation’s mission. Let’s get started.”
For the next hour, she walked them through her proposal for the community center. She outlined the vision, the budget, and the timeline, answering questions and addressing concerns as they came up. It wasn’t easy—there were moments of doubt, moments where she felt like she was in over her head—but she pushed through, drawing on the confidence Kane had helped her find.
When she finished, the room was silent. Charlee’s heart pounded as she waited for their response.
Finally, one of the board members—a woman in her sixties with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor—spoke up. “This is a bold plan, Charlee. Risky, but bold. And I have to say, I’m impressed. You’ve clearly done your homework.”
Another board member, a man with a salt-and-pepper beard, nodded in agreement. “I agree. It’s not often we see this level of passion and dedication. I think it’s worth pursuing.”
Charlee felt a surge of relief, but she kept her expression neutral. “Thank you. I believe in this project, and I’m committed to seeing it through.”
The woman leaned forward, her gaze intense. “Then you’ve got our support. But remember, this is your responsibility now. The success—or failure—of this project rests on your shoulders.”
Charlee nodded, her determination unwavering. “I understand. And I won’t let you down.”
As she left the boardroom, Charlee felt a mix of emotions—relief, excitement, and a healthy dose of fear. But more than anything, she felt proud. She’d done it. She’d taken the first step toward rebuilding the foundation—and herself.
Kane was waiting for her in the lobby, leaning against the wall with his usual casual confidence. When he saw her, he straightened, a grin spreading across his face. “Well? How’d it go?”
Charlee couldn’t help but smile back. “They approved it. The project is a go.”
Kane let out a whoop, pulling her into a hug. “I knew you could do it. Told you, firecracker—you’ve got this.”
She laughed, the sound light and free. “Thanks to you. I couldn’t have done it without your support.”
He shrugged, his grin never fading. “Hey, I’m just here to cheer you on. But don’t think this means you’re off the hook. We’ve got a celebration to plan.”
Charlee nodded, feeling a surge of excitement. “You’re right. Let’s do something fun. I feel like I’ve earned it.”
Kane slung an arm around her shoulders as they walked out of the building. “You’ve earned more than that. But we’ll start with dinner and go from there.”
As they drove away, Charlee felt a sense of hope she hadn’t felt in a long time. The road ahead was still uncertain, but she was ready to face it. And with Kane by her side, she knew she could handle whatever came next.