Page 41 of The Maine Event (Romancing the Workplace #2)

Finally, he speaks. “Ms. Holmes, I didn’t choose you because of your affiliation with Channing Gabriel. I chose you because of the vision you outlined in the presentation. Whether you’re with them or not is irrelevant to me. So, would you like to head up our rebrand?”

My heart’s racing, but I keep my expression calm.

This is it—the moment I’ve been chasing for the better part of a decade. Not a promotion, not a pat on the back, but real ownership. A blank slate. A legacy brand on the brink, and I’ve been asked to catch it mid-fall and turn the whole damn thing into something new. Something better.

And yet… I hesitate.

Not out of fear. Not exactly. But because I know what this kind of opportunity demands.

It won’t just ask for my time or my brain—it will ask for my soul.

That’s what it cost me last time. I gave everything I had to CGPR, and when it was over, I was so hollowed out I didn’t even notice I’d lost myself.

But then I think of Chloe. Of Dan. Of the people who are trying to live their lives with meaning and heart and connection. I think of the girl who walked away from a secure job, a corner office, and a very generous commission structure, because she finally understood there had to be more.

I want this. Not despite everything I’ve learned—but because of it.

This isn’t just a step up. It’s a pivot. A declaration. I’m building something new. On my own terms.

I straighten my shoulders, and meet Harcourt’s stare with one of my own.

“I’m in.”

He nods, a hint of a smile on his weathered face. “Good. Now, let’s talk strategy. I want to hear your initial thoughts on how we should approach this.”

I lean forward, my mind already whirring with possibilities.

“Well, Mr. Harcourt, I believe the key is to position Harcourt Foods as a forward-thinking, adaptable company that’s in tune with changing consumer preferences.

We need to showcase your commitment to offering high-quality, sustainable plant-based options, while still maintaining the integrity of your traditional products. ”

Harcourt nods, his eyes alight with interest. “Go on.”

“To do this effectively,” I continue, “I’ll need to build a dedicated marketing and PR team and establish a proper office space. This will allow us to create targeted campaigns, engage with influencers in the plant-based community, and execute a comprehensive rebranding strategy.”

He leans back in his chair, considering my words. “You don’t think you can handle this alone?”

I shake my head, meeting his gaze directly.

“Mr. Harcourt, I’m confident in my abilities, but I also recognize the scale of this undertaking.

To give Harcourt Foods the attention and resources it deserves, I need a talented team behind me.

It’s not just about me; it’s about setting us up for long-term success. ”

A slow smile spreads across his face, and he chuckles softly.

“I like the way you think, Ms. Holmes. You’re not afraid to ask for what you need.

Very well, you have my support. Build your team, find your office.

Jody, my PA, will reach out to you regarding the contract and benefits package.

Just keep me informed of your progress.”

I feel a rush of gratitude and determination. “Absolutely, Mr. Harcourt. Thank you for this opportunity and your trust. I won’t let you down.”

As we shake hands, I can’t help but marvel at the turn of events. I didn’t think I’d be out of work for long, but a week? Now here I am, embarking on a new chapter with one of the biggest names in the food industry. It’s both thrilling and daunting.

I stride out of his office with my head held high, a newfound spring in my step.

The excitement is palpable, coursing through my veins as I make my way towards the elevator.

My mind is racing, thinking about the first steps I need to take to get this operation off the ground.

Moving my entire life to Maine, assembling a team, finding an office space, developing a strategy—it’s a daunting list, but I feel energized and ready to conquer it all.

As I step into the elevator, I catch my reflection in the polished metal doors. There’s a sparkle in my eye and a hint of a smile tugging at my lips. It’s the look of someone on the brink of something big, and I can hardly contain the anticipation building inside me.

The elevator begins its descent, and I savor this moment of triumph. It’s not every day that you walk out of a meeting with a game-changing opportunity like this. I know there will be challenges ahead, but right now, all I can focus on is the exhilaration of embarking on this new journey.

The journey back to the hotel is a blur. My mind is already racing with the next steps. I pull out my phone and start jotting down notes, my fingers flying across the screen. There’s so much to do, and I can’t afford to waste a single moment.

First things first, I need to find the perfect office space. I pull up a few real estate listings on my phone, scanning through the options. It needs to be somewhere that reflects the innovative and dynamic spirit of the agency I’m building. Somewhere that will inspire creativity and collaboration.

I bookmark a few promising listings and make a mental note to set up some viewings as soon as possible. The sooner I can secure a space, the sooner we can hit the ground running.

As I arrive back at the hotel, I’m practically buzzing with energy.

I know there will be long days and late nights ahead, but I’m ready to pour my heart and soul into this new chapter.

With a team of brilliant minds by my side and a drive to create something truly exceptional, I have no doubt that we’ll make our mark on the industry.

I sit down at the desk in my room, pull out my laptop, and dive headfirst into the whirlwind of planning and preparation. There’s no time to waste—I have an agency to build, and I’m determined to make it a resounding success.

The next morning, I find myself standing in front of a charming brick building in the heart of Portland’s Old Port district. The sun glints off the large windows, and I can already picture the bustling energy of my team inside.

This could be it—the perfect home for my budding agency.

There’s something about this city that just feels right. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, where hard work and creativity go hand in hand. And that’s exactly the spirit I want to capture with my agency.

Still, I hesitate.

This space isn’t just a logistical decision—it’s a declaration. A promise to myself and whoever joins me that this is real. Permanent. And with that promise comes pressure. What if I’m making a mistake? What if I’m not ready?

I step inside, the old wooden floors creaking faintly beneath my boots.

The leasing agent greets me with a warm smile, and we begin touring the space.

With each step, I try to silence the doubts and focus on what could be.

I envision sleek modern workspaces, collaborative meeting rooms, and a cozy lounge area where we can unwind and brainstorm.

I stop near the largest window and let my hand brush against the brick wall.

My mind fills in the blanks—laptops open, sticky notes everywhere, music in the background, a team of smart, funny, driven people who believe in what we’re building.

It’s just a shell now, but I can see it all so clearly.

And in that clarity, the fear starts to fade.

This isn’t just an office. It’s a second chance. A fresh start. A leap of faith.

The leasing agent turns to me, eyebrows raised. “What do you think?”

I pause for a moment longer, letting the weight and the wonder of it all settle.

“It’s perfect,” I say, a grin spreading across my face.

“Let’s make it happen.” As I sign the lease and shake the agent’s hand, I feel a surge of pride and determination.

This is it—the first official step in bringing my vision to life.

And I know, deep down, that this is just the beginning of an incredible journey.

I step back out onto the cobblestone streets, my heart full of hope and anticipation.

The future is wide open, and I can’t wait to see where this path will lead.

But one thing is for sure—with a talented team by my side and a passion for creating something remarkable, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.