"Well," Rogan says, wiping basil off his jaw, "that's why we taste as we go. Can't trust equipment. You need instinct."
He's trying to recover. Make it charming. But his next words are clipped, rushed.
"Look, cooking isn't some precious art form. It's throwing things together and seeing what works. Don't overthink it."
I freeze.
Because that's not what we discussed. That's the opposite of everything I'm trying to teach about intentional growing and careful stewardship.
The producer makes a wrap gesture. We finish in a scramble. Rogan plates the dish. I describe the seed saving process. The whole thing feels disjointed, messy.
When the cameras cut, I exhale.
"That was a disaster," I say quietly.
"It was fine." Rogan scrubs herb stains off his hands. "People love chaos. Makes it real."
"Real doesn't help when I'm trying to secure grant funding."
He opens his mouth. Closes it. Whatever he sees in my face makes him step back.
Kelly approaches with a tight smile. "Great energy, you two. We'll have it edited and posted by tonight."
Posted. Online. Where anyone can clip it. Twist it. Use it.
My phone dings. Text from Dr. Patel:Saw the promo clip. We should definitely talk.
Promo clip. They're already promoting it.
I'm so screwed.
By evening,the damage spreads like rot.
Someone clipped Rogan'sdon't overthink itline. Added a caption:Local chef says farming is just throwing things together.The video's got three thousand shares on the regional food forum.
Another clip focuses on the moment right after the blender exploded. Rogan laughing. Me covering my mouth. Caption:When your girlfriend ruins your demo but you're too in love to care.Heart emojis everywhere.
I sit at my kitchen table. Laptop open. Watching my professional credibility dissolve in real time.
An email arrives from the community foundation. Subject line:Seed Program Review.
I don't open it.
Instead I call Farmer Hank.
He picks up on the first ring. "Ivy."
"Tell me."
He sighs. Long. Heavy. "Webb's people came by this afternoon. New offer. Twenty percent higher than last month."
"Hank—"
"I'm not taking it. Yet." A pause. "But he made a good point. Said the town's getting unstable. PR problems. Leadership questions. Maybe it's time to cash out while the offers are good."
My throat tightens. "He's using the video."
"He's using everything. The photo. The demo. Says it proves local operations can't maintain professional standards." Another pause. "Is it true? You and Rogan?"
