Chapter 11. Lead With Optimism

As Nancy sat at a table alone, enjoying her soup, Peter walked out of the kitchen with Grandma. "How are you, my dear?" Grandma inquired warmly as they approached, then gave Nancy a big hug before they sat down at the table with her.

"We're not going back to the kitchen today?" Nancy asked.

"No, not today," Grandma said. "I'm finished making my soup, and I'm also waiting for a friend of mine who is coming in for lunch. I'm excited for you to meet her. You're going to love her, and I know she'll love you."

Nancy looked around. She preferred to talk with Grandma in the kitchen, where they had more privacy, but the soup house was packed and buzzing with conversation and clanking spoons, which made it unlikely that anyone would overhear their conversation. Besides, she loved the energy of a crowded, loud dining room, and the table she chose in the back corner of the restaurant seemed private enough.

"So, did you read the paper I wrote?" Peter asked.

"Oh, I read it, Peter. And I thought a lot about it. You're one smart young man, and I agree with everything you said. You brought up a lot of points that I knew, but honestly had lost sight of. I stopped being able to see the forest through the trees, and I'm thankful you helped me to see again."

Grandma beamed. "I'm so proud of him," she said as she squeezed his cheeks.

"You should be," Nancy said.

Peter blushed. He couldn't believe that the CEO of Soup, Inc., was not only sitting with him in his restaurant but ...

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