Ann: A Love Story Ch. 32

"I'm not sure I understand. What are you asking? Is this about me...and Ann?"

"Well, that would depend too. She said to tell you that she's willing to negotiate. So, is this your deal to make, or is it going to have to be blessed by someone else."

"Both really. It's my deal, but it might have to be approved by Andy. I have a lot of influence, but it depends on what you want. What area of the offer do you think is lacking?"

"I wouldn't put it that way, Carol. We're generally pleased. Thrilled, really. But we both feel it would be stupid if we didn't try and get as much as we could."

"Well, I did what I could Neil. I was pretty sure you'd jump at this. I have to tell you, I'm a little surprised."

I got a sudden wave of concern that I was about to blow the whole thing. So, I kind of went into Bond mode, and drew on that confidence I had when I was getting the job. "You are? I'm not sure why...I figured the offer was a starting point. Isn't that was negotiations are all about?"

"Wow...okay. Well, just what else do you want then?" she said, almost defiant in her tone.

I cringed, knowing she was pissed. I took a breath and said, "Ann said we need another $2000, and one more week of vacation. I'm due my fourth week at the end of the year, and I really don't want to go backwards. We'll need it for a honeymoon next year." I tried to be cool, but I did freak just a little. I totally forgot about the part where the first week was going to be when I got married, and then I'd only ask for three weeks the next year. When Ann and I discussed it, we weren't thinking four weeks until the following year. But my 'demand' made it seem so much worse.

Carol said, "Are you serious? Two grand? There's no way I can even approach Andy with that."

"Ann said you would say that. That's why she's willing to have one date with you."

"What? She didn't say that!"

"Sure she did. So, what do you think?"

"Shit. I think I'll have to call you back."

An hour later, the phone rang again. It was Carol, who sounded...well, winded.

"Carol, are you okay?"

"No. But I got my way. So, here's the deal. I have discretion now to meet both of those demands. But I don't have to. Andy just bumped the ceiling for you and you only. But I'm not just giving it away Neil. You want the money and the vacation, then I want more."

"Fine, Carol. Ann will do it twice...but that's it."

"Four."

"I'm not going four, Carol. If I knew that Ann would love it, then I'd say yes. But I don't. I don't even know that you will, really. So, it's two...that's it."

"For two, I'll go $1000 more, and the extra week vacation."

"Deal," I said quickly.

"Really...just like that?" Carol said, kind of shocked.

"Just like that. We'll work out the details after we move. But give me time. I'm not sure Ann isn't going to get cold feet, but I also know she's a woman of integrity. Just be patient, okay?"

"Holy shit, Neil...you're really serious, aren't you."

"Yes. Why, weren't you?"

"Yeah...but I still thought you might be toying with me."

"I told you, that will have to wait," I said with a laugh.

"Okay...well, I'll get the paperwork sent out tomorrow, and..."

"I need it here tomorrow, Carol."

"What...why?"

"I told you, I'm flying out to get Ann. Remember? If you want me to start on the 2nd, I need to give my notice tomorrow."

"Damn. I forgot. Okay, I'll get it out tonight and send it Federal Express."

"I need you to send it Express Mail overnight, Carol. My future father-in-law works for the post office."

"And so you have to make him happy?"

"No. But I get off at three tomorrow and I head straight for the airport. I'm going to tell him it's coming so he can be looking for it. I can't take a chance that there will be some snafu. Can you?"

"No...I can't I'll get it out...tonight. I'll call tomorrow afternoon to make sure everything's okay."

~*~*~*~*~*~

I hoped Friday was going to start a lot better than Thursday. Actually, Thursday didn't end that bad. I got home and finished my laundry, and packed. Just getting ready for a trip to California was a bit surreal for me. But I was jamming to my stereo as I folded cloths and placed them neatly into my suitcase.

Dad came in while I was packing, and gave me a couple of maps, and a lecture. "Neil, make sure when you drive back, you have plenty of food, a couple of gallons of water, and an emergency kit with you. Okay?"

"Jeez Dad, this isn't the first trip I've driven. We'll be alright."

"You don't know what kind of shape her car is in, Neil. And you're going to be driving in some pretty desolate areas. Trust me. Just do it, and I'll feel better about things, okay?"

Dad had driven on literally thousands of business trips over the years. And he'd told me the tales of being stranded from time to time. I figured we would be fine, but at the same time, the look in his eyes told me I needed to pay attention this time.

"Okay, Dad. You have my word."

I finished packing, made sure I had my plane tickets, and went to bed early. I knew Friday was going to be a long, long day. I didn't want to be late for my last day of work...and my first day with Ann back in my arms.