“I was looking for a former student of mine. She has a very impressive nonprofit aimed at educating the public about organic foods. I know that’s not your area of expertise, but I’d like to introduce you to her.”
Miles’s eyes widened as a flutter of hopefulness passed through them. “Was she on the stage earlier?” he asked.
“Yes, she was.”
“I heard most of her presentation. I’d be happy to meet her. She’s very passionate about her program.”
“She is. Her name’s Kyla Coleman, she’s in our PhD program and her nonprofit is part of her dissertation. It’s an amazing program and a huge undertaking. You two have something in common.”
“Oh, yeah, what’s that?”
“The desire to end world hunger on your own terms.”
Miles quirked an eyebrow and smiled at the professor. “In that case, I need to make sure I meet this young lady.”
* * *
Five minutes later, Miles and Brandon made their way down the hall to the conference room where Miles was scheduled to speak.
After reading Miles’s bio, the moderator welcomed him on stage. “Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming the president of Parker Edmunds Foods, Mr. Miles Parker.”
Humbled by the introduction and the round of applause, Miles felt overwhelmed in a good way. As he stepped to the podium, the moderator stepped back. This was the first time Miles had been back to his alma mater to speak, but he hoped it wouldn’t be the last time.
In the thirty minutes Miles spoke, he briefly explained how Parker Edmunds Foods was making a difference in the lives of hungry people all over the world. He spouted a few statistics he knew would impress the crowd before letting them know his company was expanding, and bringing jobs to the area. He was also open to new ideas and approaches in the fight to end hunger. After his presentation, he took questions from the audience, who were gratifyingly aware of his company and their accomplishments.
Once his forty-five minutes were up, Miles left the stage to another round of applause. The crowd now wanted autographs. He signed numerous ones before being rescued by Professor Abraham and pulled toward the pretty ballerina he’d spotted earlier.
Up close, she was more beautiful than he thought. Her brown skin was smooth and flawless, devoid of heavy makeup. Her natural beauty piqued his interest—as well as his loins.
“Miles, I’d like for you to meet one of my most promising students, Ms. Kyla Coleman.”
Miles’s chest expanded as he grinned and offered his hand, wrapping it around her elegant slender fingers. “Hello, Ms. Coleman, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Her grip was firm.
“Nice to meet you, as well,” she said with a pleasant smile.
“I was in the back of the room during your presentation, and I was impressed. You really have a passion for organic farming.”
She smiled again, and it set off a fluttery feeling in his stomach that he wasn’t used to.
“Yes, I do. You might say it’s my life. I found your presentation...interesting, too. Although I’m not actually sold on the benefits of tinkering with the genetic basis of the world’s food supply, I appreciate what you’re trying to do.”
For a brief moment Miles was taken aback, but he quickly recovered and smiled as the professor did the same and stroked his beard.
“That’s not all we do at Parker Edmunds. We’re a relatively young company being introduced to new approaches in farming all the time.”
“But is what you produce beneficial for the community or the environment?” Kyla asked, as she crossed her arms and took on a challenging stance.
Miles glanced at the professor again, and he seemed to be enjoying the conversation. He’d obviously expected this from Kyla, so Miles knew he’d been set up. There were two factions at the conference. Those who dealt in genetically modified foods and those who adamantly opposed them. Both Kyla and the professor were obviously members of the latter group.
Miles cleared his throat. “Check your pantry when you get home, Ms. Coleman. You’re probably eating genetically modified organisms, and you don’t even know it. However, I didn’t come here today to debate the safety of various farming practices. We’re here,” Miles motioned to Brandon standing a few steps away, “to learn what we can in an effort to expand our global approach.”
Kyla smiled at Brandon, and Miles made the introductions as a young volunteer walked over to whisper in Professor Abraham’s ear.
“If you’ll excuse me, there’s a matter I need to attend to,” the professor said, as he reached out for Miles’s hand. “Miles, please don’t leave until I have a chance to sit down with you. Enjoy the rest of the conference.”
Then he turned to Kyla. “Young lady, I leave you in capable hands. Miles here is very interested in nonprofit work. Why don’t you invite him out to the farm? Show him what he’s missing food-wise.”
The professor excused himself and dashed out of the room. Kyla glanced around, looking ready to bolt out right behind him, but Miles wasn’t letting her get away so fast.
“So, tell me about this farm and your workshops.”
Kyla squinted her eyes and tilted her head. “Weren’t you listening to my presentation?”
“Unfortunately, we missed the beginning. I assume that’s when you talked about the farm.”
She hesitated a few moments before going on. “My cousin runs a working organic farm and bed and breakfast a couple of miles from downtown Danville. People come from all over to pick their own organic vegetables and fruits and have our chef prepare them the same day. I joined the staff about a year ago, and I started my nonprofit focusing on clean eating. I teach the benefits of growing your own food, no matter how small or large you start out.”
Miles nodded. “Impressive. That sounds like a nice place. And is it cooking classes you give?” he asked with raised eyebrows.
“I teach that what we put in our food, land and water ends up in our bodies. I promote agriculture that is local, a manageable size, humane and socially just. I like to think about our future generations.”
Although she was being curt with him at the moment, Miles had a feeling she loved to talk about her work, given the right setting. He tried to ignore the people around them filling up the room for the next session and focus on the astute woman in front of him.
“You know, Ms. Coleman, my knowledge of organic farming is probably not as extensive as yours. And I’d bet the reason you oppose genetically modified ingredients is due to a lack of knowledge on your part. Before the conference is over, maybe we’ll each have gained a little more insight into both approaches. One may be as good as the other.”
Kyla chuckled and glanced down toward her shoes. “I don’t think so, Mr. Parker. It’s a one-day event. Maybe you should pay a visit to the Coleman Farm—you might learn something. I’ll even let you attend my workshop for free.”
“I just might take you up on that,” he said, seriously considering it.
The crowd around them grew even larger. Miles knew he had to leave to participate in another discussion down the hall, but the desire to leave Kyla Coleman wasn’t there, even though they were at odds. He wanted to get to know her beyond her obvious beauty.
Kyla smiled. “Come on out. I’ll be glad to show you around.” She pulled her tote bag up onto her shoulder. “Well, it’s been nice talking to you. I have another session to attend. Enjoy the conference.”
“You, too. It was a pleasure meeting you.” Miles quickly