Chapter 30

Amelia

The sleek glass doors of Divine Delights' headquarters part like the Red Sea as Account Supervisor Danica Dryer, also my boss, and I approach. The air smells faintly of cocoa and success, a scent that hints at the empire Tricia Standing Martin has built from a tragedy. Her grandfather started the business, and it landed in her lap when she was twenty-two years old after her parents were killed. Today, it's the largest chocolatier in all of Canada.

"Remember, Amelia," Danica murmurs without breaking stride, "Divine Delights' new line is about indulgence, about crafting an experience as rich and intricate as the flavors we're marketing." Her voice is smooth, like the fine ganache.

"Got it," I reply, my heart pounding against my ribcage, not just from nerves, but from a bubbling excitement too.

We are ushered into a spacious office where Tricia Standing Martin awaits, her presence as commanding as the skyscraper views of downtown behind her. "Danica, Amelia, it's a pleasure to have you here." She greets us with a warm smile. "Would you like something to drink?"

"Water is fine," Danica says, heading over to the bottles of water on the table next to a large box of chocolates.

We sit down, and Danica asks Tricia about a recent trip she took with her husband.

"Between his work and mine, it's hard to get away, but my in-laws are in the Caymans right now, so we went to join them," Tricia says. "The weather was absolutely perfect. What about your trip down to San Diego?"

Danica laughs. "It was a great getaway, and my kids loved the zoo."

Tricia turns to me. "It's great to welcome you to the team, Amelia. Danica has said you're going to be a great asset."

"I guess we're going to find out," I reply with a laugh.

"Tricia," Danica begins, gesturing toward me, "your consumers want to seize life with both hands. They crave more than just chocolates; they desire indulgence, something that not only tantalizes their tastebuds but ignites their very souls. With our help, your new seasonal chocolates will tap right into these desires, which will then help you drive profits, build relationships with your various philanthropies, and find new consumers."

I nod, letting Danica's words set the stage before I take my cue. "Your new line of chocolates does just that—Sensations éclat," I say, tasting the name on my tongue. "éclat means a burst of brilliance in French. It embodies sensational experiences, exclusivity, and the multi-sensorial experience that turns each bite into a celebration."

Tricia leans forward, her eyes sparkling. "Go on," she encourages.

"Each chocolate is a journey," I continue. "The holidays are already chocolate focused, and that would be a great time to launch for wide release. Consider a Peppermint Mocha Caramel that awakens the spirit like a frosty winter morning. A Gingerbread Caramel that envelops you in the nostalgia of holidays past. But even before then, we can begin piquing consumers' interests—a Coffee Caramel that stirs the soul, Canadian Sea Salt Caramel that speaks to the purity of our landscapes. Honey Caramel that's as comforting as a warm embrace, Guava Caramel that dances tropical notes on your palate, and Mango Ginger Caramel that zests up the senses."

"Quite the bouquet of flavors," Tricia muses, her expression contemplative. "It's ambitious, but we've always thrived on ambition here at Divine Delights."

"Exactly," I agree. "And it's not just ambitious, it's achievable. Warren Buffet referred to the price of chocolate as the ‘emotional value instead of production cost.' And with that in mind, we've already begun the groundwork."

Danica and I take her through what we're seeing in the market and the costs associated with an advertising campaign.

The enthusiasm in Tricia's voice is a tangible warmth that spreads through the room. "I love where this is going," she says, her eyes moving between Danica and me. Her high-backed leather chair creaks as she leans back, interlacing her fingers.

"Actually, there's more," I add, riding the wave of excitement. "We're thinking bigger than just flavor profiles. To truly amplify the launch of Sensations éclat, we've found the perfect ambassador." I pause for effect, making sure I have her undivided attention. "Emma Blaze."

"Emma Blaze?" Tricia's eyebrows rise.

"Yes. She's not just a local sensation; she's a global phenomenon. With over two-hundred-million followers, Emma can propel Divine Delights onto an international stage." I let the numbers sink in, knowing full well the weight they carry.

Tricia's reaction is immediate. "That's brilliant," she breathes, her smile broadening. "And you've approached her?"

"Initial conversations have been promising," Danica confirms.

"Then let's make Sensations éclat a reality," Tricia decides with a nod that seals the deal.

I can't help but share her excitement. We're on the brink of creating something extraordinary.

"Exciting times ahead!" Tricia exclaims, the words almost a cheer. As the meeting draws to a close, she lays down a new card. "See if you can bring Emma to the Hospitals Across Canada Foundation fundraiser next weekend. We'll be offering samples of the seasonal chocolates we've produced this far, and we can make it a preliminary unveiling of Sensations éclat."

"Consider it done," I respond, already visualizing the event, the opulence, the excitement it would generate.

As we stand to leave, Tricia's handshake is firm, her resolve unmistakable. "I'm really looking forward to having Emma Blaze as the face of these artisan chocolates and to seeing you both at the fundraiser. This is going to be a game-changer for Divine Delights."

"Absolutely," I agree.

"And please bring a date to the fundraiser," Tricia tells us.

"Oh, I'll be working." I shake my head but paint a smile on my face.

"Nonsense, we need to be well-rounded people. You can bring a date."

I look down. "I'm between boyfriends right now."

Tricia smiles like she's just hit a vein of gold. "Perhaps I can help with that."

I don't have the heart to tell her I'm hopeless when it comes to men.

Nonetheless, today is a good day. Men are not on my radar at the moment. We exchange goodbyes, and as Danica and I exit into the cool corridor, I have to work to manage my excitement. I cannot wait for what lies ahead.