Everyone having sex is at least 18. This story is a work of fiction. I made it all up. Check reality at the door and enjoy it for what it is, a fun story. Special thanks to rancher46 and RF-Fast for editing my story and making it better.
Chapter 20 -- Work
Dave's point of view:
I'm not looking forward to this morning. I never liked Mondays much. I got no sleep Sunday night, so I took Monday off. I don't trust Sonny. I have no idea how much will get out about our weekend. This could embarrass me and hurt the trust I have with our employees. Will they laugh at me? Will they not be able to look at me? Why the hell did I agree to Sunday? That was a terrible decision on my part.
I walk through the front door. Brandy, our receptionist, is there with a smile on her face wishing me a good morning. No insult, leer, or accusingly look. That's positive. I smile and say good morning, which has the typical effect of making her smile. That's a very positive start.
At seeing me, Dorthey, my secretary, runs off to get me a coffee. I never asked her to do that. One day, she took pity on me when I could not take the top off a k-cup. The damn things are like opening a ketchup packet. She stopped me when I pulled out a knife. When my secretary retired, I ensured I got Dorthey, and we have been happily working together ever since.
Larry, her old boss, still gives me crap. If his numbers were better, I would have cared. Anna stepped into my office, dropped a report on my desk, smiled at me, and left as if this was an everyday event. Well, it was a normal event, which makes it weird. I'm waiting for a camera to pop, a cake to come out, or something. I wasn't expecting a standard Tuesday.
As my coffee came in, Dorthey explained my morning, "I've cleared your morning. In fifteen minutes, there is a meeting here, in your office. Ben, your boss, not the janitor, will be here for a while. He booked Sonny, Samantha, Anna, and Paula with you until lunchtime. You have reservations at Chef Raul's for the five of you. Ben made the reservations, but you are to use your expense report. He doesn't want you mucking up his numbers."
I complain, "It's all his money."
Playfully, she adds, "And he can do what he wants. Expense it but remember to get a receipt, or you're paying."
I inquire, "Am I in trouble or something?"
Dorthey laughs, "Darling, you are the golden goose. No, you are not in trouble. It seems this weekend, the four got motivated and talked Ben into something. Don't give me that look. You know damn well they didn't talk him into something he didn't like. This is going to end well for you, don't worry."
I sheepishly ask, "You know?"
She laughs at me again, "Oh dear Lord, no. I don't know what's going on. I just trust Ben and you so much; I am sure it will be good. After all these years, it still means a lot to him that you saved his son. Never discount that. He loves his son like all parents love their children. He's got a soft spot for you, though. You're a good man and brilliant in your field. Ben is no dummy; he's going to keep you happy. I'll order a coffee service and some snacks for you. Use the washroom if you need it."
Now that is the type of woman I should have had for a mother.
I am sulking in my chair, enjoying my coffee, when Ben walks into my office with a shit-eating grin on his face. He plops down in a chair in front of me and looks at the extra chairs.
Ben comments as he looks at the chairs, "You know, every other office in this building only has two chairs. You have six. I think, in a way, that's why I'm here."
I speak up, "Yes, Ben, why are you here? This isn't like you. Are you firing me?"
Ben laughs as he sits down.
Ben is amused as he starts, "No, Dave, you aren't being fired. A very animated Sonny, backed up by Anna, Samantha, and Paula, had a chat with me yesterday. They were vague, but I gather you all had a rather interesting weekend. Thanks for inviting me to your party."
My eyes open in shock, so defensively, I reply, "I really don't think you and your wife would have liked the dress code if you know what I mean."
Ben is taken aback, "Oh? Yup, I think your right."
Ben relaxes, takes a deep breath, and then starts again, "Dave, how many customers do you have?"
That's an odd question; he knows the answer. They're our fourteen largest customers.
Cautiously, I answer, "Fourteen. You know that."
Ben follows up, "How many do Sonny, Anna, Samantha, and Paula have?"
I reply, "I'm not positive, but it's around seventy or so."
Ben replies with a smile, "Seventy-three. Those seventy-three and your fourteen are all top performers. We have good account managers, they ask you for help, but your fourteen take up a large part of your time."
I can see where this is going.
Ben smiles at me, "You see where I'm going. I can see the smile on your face. I'm taking your fourteen accounts from you. Hang on, let me finish. Stay calm; this is a good thing. Samantha was the one that pointed out that you're more valuable in helping others than in what you are doing now. We have 464 accounts. You are only helping eighty-seven, and only fourteen get you exclusively.
"I want to make you an SVP. It's funny, Sonny called you Sonny's VP, but Samantha has it right that you would be a Super VP. I want you working with all account reps, not just the four pretty ones. I want all complex issues running through you. Your fourteen accounts go to Sonny, Paula, Anna, and Samantha. They pass fourteen down to junior account managers.
"You will not be a trainer; you will be an advisor and mentor. You can still travel to clients, assist others, and take new or underperforming reps under your wing for some personal help. You can review anything, override anyone, and basically do whatever you can to maximize your abilities."
He looks at me hard.
After a sigh, he continues, "I'm getting older. I want to start a semi-retirement. My son will take over, but he doesn't have your skills. He will own the company, but you will get a % of the profits since so much of the success will be due to you. I want to travel with my wife. We both have family that isn't doing well, and it's time I start helping people out.
"Anna told me what you did for John. I realized that I had forgotten my friends and family over the years. I want to make up for lost time. Those four women made me realize that I'm holding the company back by limiting your sphere of influence. I have legal and accounting investigating a contract and compensation package that's fair and better than average."
Ben looks nervous, "So. What do you think?"
I wait a minute to make him sweat, "I think I need more chairs, and my secretary gets a raise out of this and an assistant. Scheduling will be chaotic with so many people. I also want two full-time researchers just for me. With you filling my day, I will need some people to do the leg work for me."
Without blinking an eye, "Agreed. Dorthey can hire her assistant, and she will get a good raise. You two work well together."
Visually relaxing, Ben seems like all the stress in his life has been released.
I ask Ben, "When do you make the announcement?"
Ben chuckles, "Um. Well. Ah. How do I say this? I think you're the last to know."
I laugh hard.
Ben can chuckle now as well, "I couldn't contain it. I told your four not to say anything. Same with legal and HR. Walking in this morning, I'm being congratulated for being so smart and promoting you."
We spent the next few hours discussing personnel and what I might do. Ben may be looking to retire, but he's still sharp and had several good ideas.
I call Dorthey in.
Dorthey looks timid. She knows I'm not pleased with being left in the dark when she knew.
I sternly give her, "Thanks for the heads up." She looks scared. "You will need an assistant, and you get to pick her out. Friday, I rescued a friend of Jane."
Dorthey looks shocked, "You rescued another woman? Going for the record?"
I smirk, "No, actually, it was two women and four children. As I said before I was rudely interrupted, the one woman was Jane's old high school friend from back in Portland. She lost her parents, then ran into a bad situation. She seems intelligent, but I have no idea what her skills are. Send her to any schooling or seminars you feel are needed. I will pay for anything she needs."
Dorthey asks, "How damaged is she?"
I reply, "She was abused physically and emotionally by a tough guy. She will be hesitant around any guy not named Dave."
Ben says to Dorthey, "Don't pay any attention to him. He made me give you a raise, or he wasn't taking the job." Dorthey is giving me a smile now. "The company will pay for any training. Sonny, Samantha, Paula, and Anna liked her and were surprised she was as outgoing and bubbly with all she had been through."
Dorthey smiles at Ben, "Dave has a way with women. Those four women were practically floating on clouds when they came in on Monday morning."
Ben chuckles, "Yes, the whole office noticed."
They both look at me with a critical eye. I respond with a big smile. No way I say anything.
Chapter 21 -- Taken
I walk into a quiet house, and I'm immediately on guard. Did John go crazy? Where is my family? Where are the kids? I relax as the door to the kitchen opens, and my love Jane, comes out with a glass of wine for me.