Ann: A Love Story Ch. 33

Dan was the production manager of the plant, and he'd seen fit to furnish his office like the lobby of a grand hotel. Comparing it to my Dad's meager accommodations in his office where I'd just been, I shook my head. My Dad was a VP, and yet he was holed up in a smaller space that was much more modest. I'd always felt the two were in the wrong offices, but Dad didn't seem care. He wasn't an ostentatious kind of guy. Dan most certainly was.

Sitting behind his desk in his huge leather chair, Dan clutched the papers I'd handed him like they were made of gold. He was staring at them; a wide grin stretching across his face. He didn't blink as I watched him read the pages over and over. Frankly, he looked...greedy.

"Well. It certainly looks like we hit a home run with this, didn't we Neil!" he finally said, peering over the top of papers at me, unable to put them down.

"We?" I thought to myself, but I bit my tongue to keep that from coming out. There wasn't any 'we' about it. I'd done it. Dan had nothing to do with my department, really. He was my boss by default. He actually didn't know that much about what we did...just enough to reap the benefits of all of my work. "Yes sir," I actually said, sitting there...stewing a little.

"I think it's safe to say that our department is going to make it, thanks to this."

"Excuse me?" I said, perplexed by his comment.

"The department. This guarantees its success, don't you think?"

"No, not really?" I said looking at him like he was nuts.

"Really? I think this makes it legitimate. I'm surprised you don't."

"I have to tell you Dan, that really disappoints me. I've been doing this job for almost four years, and we've turned a profit based on our budget every year I've been in charge. I think we've been 'legitimate' for quite a while. And frankly, it kind of pisses me off that you didn't feel that way before now."

"Calm down, Neil. I'm not trying to rain on the parade here. I'm thrilled. I'm just saying..."

"I heard what you were saying, Dan. It came across loud and clear. In fact, it speaks volumes..."

"Wow. I'm sorry if I've upset you. I guess it's kind of poor timing to say it now. But, I've been waiting for a deal like this to become final; I'm moving you to a salaried position. You're getting a nice raise, effective Monday," he said, standing up to shake my hand.

I'd argued in my head for a couple of years that I should have been placed on salary for all that I was doing, and the value I brought to the company. After all, I was the only 'management' position in the entire plant that wasn't on salary. And now I knew why...Dan didn't feel my department was viable. Apparently, I wasn't worthy of it before because we weren't legitimate as a department. And now that I'd won a contract, I was suddenly eligible in his eyes.

That's what made it the ultimate irony. I stood up and said, "So, I'm salary as of Monday, even though I'm on vacation?"

"That's right! Congratulations!"

I shook his hand and said "Thanks Dan. I appreciate it. It's going to make a really nice going away present."

"That's right. When do you leave?"

"For California...or West Virginia?" I said with a smile.

"I'm not sure what you mean?" Dan said, confused. While he didn't know Ann, he knew she lived in California. I'd mentioned it to him several times since asking for vacation time to fly out and get her.

I let out a little laugh, and said, "I'm resigning, Dan. You have my three weeks notice. I start my new job on the second of October. My last day will be the 29th. Thanks for the raise. It'll come in handy."

I turned to walk away, and Dan stammered. "W...wait! Neil...are you serious?"

"Absolutely. I should have been salary two years ago, and I think you know that. Maybe I wouldn't have accepted their offer if you'd have done what you should have done back then."

"But...let me look at what else I can do, Neil. I'm sure we can come up with some kind of similar compensation package. I'll match their offer," he said, without thinking. He was so desperate from his shock, and the realization that I was more valuable than he'd ever given me credit for, that he was scrambling to find a way to keep me.

"Actually, no, you can't," I said confidently, my smile making him flinch a little as he stood behind his desk. "And that's fine. It's time for me to move on."

Dan got upset. He had a reputation of having a bit of a short fuse, but he'd never crossed me before...likely because of my Dad. But now he was ticked. "If that's the case, I don't see any reason for me to go through with the raise!"

"Really. I thought we shook on it, Dan. That's interesting. I guess that proves what kind of man you are then, doesn't it?"

"You look here, you ungrateful..."

"Is there a problem?" I heard a voice say from behind me. It was deep, and steady...almost unnerving in the way it reverberated its authority throughout the paneled office. It was a voice I'd heard all my life, although I'd never really been that happy before to hear that tone. I smiled wider, not even thinking to turn around.

"Uh...no Darren. I was just saying..."

"You were just about to say how ungrateful Neil is. Now, you see, I find THAT interesting, Dan. Neil busted his ass to win that contract, even though he knew he was going to be leaving the company in a few weeks. He was just doing his job like a professional, like he always has. He didn't expect any kind of reward for that. But I'm damn sure he expected a little more gratitude on your part."

"Darren, I think you came in at the wrong part of the conversation. I was just telling Neil that..."

"I heard the entire conversation, Dan. And I'm afraid it confirmed some of the complaints I've been hearing over the last few months." Dan's jaw dropped, and he was trying to find it as Dad stepped up next to me. "I've supported you from day one when you got this job, Dan. And I've never meddled when it came to Neil. You had your reasons for what you've done with his department, and I wasn't about to use my title to change something if you felt it was right. But I'm going to ask you straight up...did you shake Neil's hand when you gave him the raise?"

"Well, yes. But I didn't know then that he was leaving. I'm..."

"A fucking jerk. That's what you are!" Dad said as he leaned forward, putting both of his hands on Dan's desk, jutting his chest out in an offensive posture. "Not to mention a cheap asshole."

"Now wait a minute, Darren," Dan said, the sweat starting to build on his forehead.

"Not another word, Dan. It's apparent to me that you're not a man of your word, so there's no sense hearing any more you have to say."

Dan started to say something, but Dad put his hand up, his finger pointing directly at Dan's red face. "Where I come from, Dan, a handshake and your word are all you need. And that's the very principle this company was founded on; one of honesty and integrity. Neil showed it by working to the very end to help this company's future. It's obvious to me that you just don't fucking get it!" Dad turned to me and said, "Neil, I'm pulling rank on this one. He said it, and he shook on it. You have this company's word that you'll get the raise. Why don't you head on back to your office...I'll be back in a little while to get you."

I walked out, but Dad stayed behind, closing the door as I left. I knew what was coming. I'd been in too many closed door talks with my Dad over the years. Normally, I would have cringed at the thought. But I walked back to my office with a huge grin on my face. I was thinking about everything that had just happened. For me, it was...monumental.

In one hour, I'd signed a document agreeing to a new job in another state that would provide Ann and me with a perfect start to our life together. I'd landed a new contract for my department that would provide not only more work, it would provide more employment opportunities within the department. I'd been promoted to a salaried manager position and given a healthy raise. And, I'd quit my job; and in the process, outed my boss for being an asshole in front of a Vice President. Oh, and I'd also asked the receptionist, on behalf a friend, to consider fucking him and his girlfriend the weekend I would be getting married.

"Wow, that...was an hour chock full of entertainment, right there," I said with a chuckle as I walked back into my office, just as the phone was ringing.

"Good afternoon, Neil Thomas."

"Hi Neil. It's Carol...how are you?"

"I'm fantastic. How about you?"

"You know how I am, Neil. You've had me," she said being playful, and sounding horny. "So, did you get the package?"

"Yep. It's signed, sealed, and on it's way back to be delivered to you."

"So, you found everything the way you wanted it, then?"

"Well, yeah. But it wasn't what I expected. What's with the whole two grand. I thought we agreed to half that. You're not expecting more from Ann, are you?"

"Expecting? No. Hoping...maybe. You were right, Neil. I was so totally turned on by Pussy...what's her real name?"

"Tina," I said with a laugh.

"Tina. Okay, well...I was so turned on by Tina eating me, and me eating her. But a lot of that had to do with you, and the situation, and where we did it. But I'm still not sure about it. I want to try it once, just to see. But hell, I may chicken out after that."

"So if you think you might even do less with us, why would you give us ALL of the money, Carol? That doesn't make any sense."

"Truthfully? Because I like saying that I gave Evans a two thousand dollar blowjob...it sounds so much hotter than me giving him one for half that. And it rolls of the tongue better, don't you think?"

"Carol! Why the hell did you do that? I thought you said you were never going to do that again after what you did for Martina?"

"I never said never. I think what I said was that I never thought I would do it one time, and that it was unlikely I'd ever do it again. But I'm not a 'never' kind of woman, Neil. I always believe in keeping my options open."

"I don't know what to say, Carol."

"How about 'thank you'? That might be a good place to start," she said.

"Somehow, I don't think that will be enough, will it?"

"Neil, I don't have a hidden agenda. Really...I promise. I figured as long as I got Evans to agree to the entire amount, it would be a shame not to do something with it. Consider it a wedding gift, okay?"

"Wow...thanks Carol. I guess I'll be seeing you in a couple of weeks."

"I'm looking forward to it. Have a safe trip, and tell Ann I'm looking forward to our date," she said with a nervous giggle.

~*~*~*~*~*~

I had just hung up with Carol when Dad appeared at my door, beaming. He looked like he was the cat that had just eaten the canary.

"Who was that?" he asked.

"That was Carol Shade from my new job. Wow...I still can't believe I'm saying that. Anyway, she's the Executive Secretary. She just wanted to make sure I got the package and that everything went okay."

"That's nice. You have to appreciate that they follow up so..." The phone rang again, interrupting Dad's train of thought. It was an internal call, and he waved at the phone. "Let it go...why don't we go ahead and get out of here."

"Because I said I'd work until one, and it's only 10 till....that's why," I said as I picked up the phone, "This is Neil."

"Hi Neil."

"Hi again, Nancy. What can I do for you?"

"Ann's on line one, sweetie. She sounds excited."

"Okay...thanks. I'll see you in a week." I hit the button, opening the line. "Good afternoon, Neil Thomas."

"Hi baby! Today's the day I get you back!"

"I know Ann. I can't wait to see you," I said. Dad gave me a wink, and sat down in the chair across from my desk.

"So...are we definitely moving?" she asked.

"Yep...I signed the paperwork, and quit my job. And in between, I landed the BBN contract, got promoted to salary, and got a raise."

"You're kidding...all in one day?"

"All in an hour...it was a pretty good hour."

"I can promise you I'm going to give a much better hour tonight. Maybe a couple of hours if your not too tired," Ann said seductively. I felt my cock jump a little.

"Well, I'm going to try to sleep on the plane. But I warn you, I've never been very good at that."

"Too busy having sex, no doubt," she said with a laugh.

"Well, not this time. Babe, Dad's here. He's ready to take me to the airport. I'll tell you more about my day when I get there. Okay?"

"Okay, baby. Have a safe flight. Sonya and I will pick you up tonight."

I was a little disappointed. "Sonya?"

"Yeah...well, she's the one that got you the tickets, and she has you flying into Sacramento. I've never been to that airport, and I'm not comfortable going there by myself at night. So I'm making her go with me."

"Oh...okay. I'll see you tonight, babe. I love you."

"Love you too. Give your Dad a hug for me."

"Okay...bye."

~*~*~*~*~*~

"You know, son...you have some remarkable restraint," Dad said as we drove down the long, straight country road from our little town toward civilization. The main drag out of town going east was a two lane stretch of pavement that didn't have a curve in it for almost 30 miles.

"Why do you say that?" I asked.

"We've been driving for almost fifteen minutes, and you haven't even thought about asking me what happened in Dan's office after you left."

"I thought you were going to say I was showing restraint by not going around his arrogant desk and decking him."

"Well, that too. But no, that's not what I meant."

"I figure if you wanted to tell me, you would. Otherwise, it's none of my business."

"That's it. That's the best you've got?" he said sarcastically.

"I'm serious Dad. I quit my job today. Dan doesn't affect me any more."

"You know...you're right. It's my problem, not yours. I will tell you this, though. I heard him say that he'd match their offer, and when I told him what you're going to be making, he almost shit his pants right there."

"Why would you tell him how much I'm going to make, Dad? That's really none of his business."

"I had to."

"You HAD to...what do you mean you had to?"

"He needed to know how much was coming out of his paycheck."

"What?"

"I told him that I heard him say he would match the offer, and I told him that was what the company was going to do for you for the next three weeks, because he said it as part of a negotiation."

"We were never negotiating, Dad. I told him no."

"Neil, he's an agent of the company. As your boss, he has the power to hire and fire. AND, he has the power to give raises. The moment Dan said he'd match their offer; he started negotiations on the behalf of the company in order to keep you as an employee. If you had said yes that that moment, we would have been obligated to match that offer, provided you could provide proof that it existed. And you can. You have the document in your suitcase. SO, he would have screwed over the company had you said yes."

"Screwed the company?"

"Sure. He would have been paying his youngest, newest salaried manager more money than his most senior, most experienced one."

"You mean, I'm going to make more than Jay?"

"Yep...and Jay would have pitched a fit, and rightly so...and he would have demanded proper alignment of the salary structure, and rightly so. We'd be looking at having to raise the salaries of a lot of people, all because Dan fucked up and didn't do his job and promote you years ago, and then panicking when you resigned."

"So what does that all mean?"

"It means, I told him that we couldn't afford that kind of money for your position, but because he entered into negotiations, we were in a spot where we had to honor that offer, even if was only for the time you had left with the company. And since he made an offer we can't afford as a company, the difference is coming out of his pay for the next three weeks."

I laughed and said, "Is it too late to change my mind?"

Dad looked at me and grinned. "I knew you'd say that. Anyway, I also told him if I ever heard one word of how much you make through the rumor mill in the plant, I'd hold him personally accountable."

"What does that mean?" I asked.

"It means I'll be looking to replace somebody besides just you. And speaking of replacing you...I'm putting together a selection committee to oversee the hiring of your replacement. Dan lost the privilege of making that choice today. It became crystal clear that I can't trust him."

"What does that mean, exactly?"

"It means I want an honest answer. Is Howard the right man to replace you?"

I never hesitated, even though the answer hurt me to say it. "No. As much as I like him, and as much as he's helped the department grow...absolutely not."

"Okay. Why not?"

"Why are you asking me this?"

"Because I agree with you. But I want to know it's for the same reasons. I'm going to skip over the next in line for your job Neil. If I'm going to do that, I want to make absolutely sure I've covered all the bases. Howard deserves to know why, because he's going to ask. I need to be able to tell him, and then tell him what he needs to work on so if the position ever opens up again, he'll have a better chance."

"That's what I should have done, Dad. I should have been bringing him along."

"No, that was Dan's job. If he never gave you instructions to do it, and he didn't pay you as a manager, then it's on him. From a pride standpoint, I understand why you feel that way, but as far as the organization chart of the company, this one falls under Dan. And that's important for when you come back, Neil. You'll be training somebody other than Howard, and you'll still be working with him too. You need to be able to look him in the eye and know that his not being ready is not your fault."

"Okay...although I still think I could have done something."

"Let it go, bud. Now, tell me why he's not ready."

"Really, I don't think he ever will be, even if I'd tried to work with him. Howard's a production guy, Dad. He always will be. If you promote him, it will be the classic case of taking a great production lead, and ruining him by making him a manager."

"Okay, I get that. But why exactly do you say that?"

"Administratively, Howard is awful. He has no phone skills, no people skills, really. And he's horrendous when he's dealing with customers. He's used to dealing with machines, and that's kind of the way he thinks when it comes to customers...and you just can't do that. The growth of the department is all about the relationship between the manager, and the customers. It's that simple."

"Well, see there...we agree. And that's why you should have been promoted a long time ago, son. You get it. I'm sorry I couldn't do anything about it. But really, it would have been worse for you if I had. Everyone would have used the fact that you're my son again. Frankly, I think this new job is the best thing in the world for you and Ann. Get away and make a life for the two of you. But I'm going to really miss you."

Dad got a little emotional. Even though he was old school, he never had a problem showing his softer side to me. In fact, he went out of his way to let me know on occasion that it's okay for men to have that trait and to show it to those you love. His advice was to be guarded around others, but not around family. And I was an apple that didn't fall far from the tree in that regard.

We said our goodbyes at the airport outside the terminal. I didn't see any point in making Dad go inside.

"Remember what I said. Make sure to you plan for an emergency when you drive back...including the extra water and food."

"Okay...I promise, Dad. Thanks for everything," I said as I gave him a hug. Then I gave him another one.

"What's that for?" he asked.

"That was from Ann. She asked me to give it to you when I hung up the phone."