Page 16 of Yes to The Holidays
I made it to the satellite office of my accountant’s firm and headed inside. The brunette receptionist greeted me with a kind smile but firm tone. “Good morning. How may I help you?”
“Mr. Gärd. I have an appointment.”
She looked at her screen. “Yes, sir. I will notify Mr. Long. The other party has already arrived.”
She motioned for me to take a seat, so I settled into one of the cherry-stained chairs with red leather seats. Not long passed before she called me back and led me to a meeting room with several laptops set up across the large cherry oak table.
The four men stood so I shook everyone’s hand. “Good to see you in person, Edward,” I said as the older gentleman beamed.
“The pleasure is mine. This is my controller, Tom,” Edward said as I took the other man’s hand.
“I assume everyone else is acquainted. Mr. Long is part of my team, and his colleague, Mr. Jones, has also been brought to speed.”
We sat for hours, sharing spreadsheets, files, and other documents. Lunch was brought in at some point, and we ate as we continued working through everything. The accountants asked questions while I read over everything being passed around. I was trying to listen, but my thoughts kept going to Janie.Would she have time to see me tonight? Was she going out of town for the holiday?I needed to find out her plans.
The sun started to go down, and the phone buzzed.
“Mr. Long, you have a dinner meeting at seven. This is your reminder.”
The man leaned to the phone, pressing the button to reply. “Thank you. I’ll wrap it up here.” He released the button and started typing furiously on the laptop. “Gentleman, my apologies, but we will have to pick this back up tomorrow.”
As they all shuffled forms I stood, rolling my shoulders. We had been staring at papers or screens all day with very few breaks. “Mr. Long, have a lovely dinner. Gentleman, I will see you in the morning.”
Edward walked with me outside. “So, what do you think so far?”
We stopped in the lobby, and I grabbed his shoulder. “So far, so good. The business looks very healthy. Barring any surprises in the next few days, I believe we may have a deal. But are you sure you want to walk away?” I needed to know. It had been so long since I reviewed such meticulous paperwork paired with great profits that exceeded goals each year.
He smiled, patting my hand on his shoulder. “Son, this little business surpassed my wildest dreams. I’ve laid a great foundation, but I want to enjoy the fruits of my labor. I’m ready. But I don’t want to sell it to just anyone.”
“And you think I’m a good choice?”
“I think you’re smart, you’ll listen to my staff, and you promised you wouldn’t do a RIF for at least three years, and even then, only if it's absolutely necessary. Some of these folks have been with me from day one. I want to see them taken care of.”
“You’re a generous man. I can’t wait to meet everyone that you speak so highly of.”
Edward patted my hand once more, then put his coat on and went outside.
I put mine on and went to the car. I had driven over because the office was several miles from the hotel. I got back and let the valet take the car, but I walked back to the pub and ordered a beer.
I was about to order another when my phone vibrated on the bar in front of me.
Janie: Want to catch dinner?
Me: Why don’t we order room service so we can make the most of our time?
Janie: I can be there in half an hour.
Me: I’ll be waiting.
I tossed some cash on the bar and hurried back to the hotel to order food and drinks for us. The stupid grin on my face wouldn’t go away.
Chapter 11
Janie
The last couple of days had been a whirlwind. Work was insane with my short week. I had staff available for emergencies, but I, of course, wanted to be available for them as well. We worked furiously to ensure things were in place before we all had the holiday break, and I had a big event this afternoon.
“Okay, everyone. I think we’re good. You have my cell in case you need it, but I hope none of us have to log in over the next few days.”
