Friends and Family Series
The Lloyd King Story
By:
Ron Robbins
(© 2011 by the author)
Editor:
Frank Perry
The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's
consent. Comments are appreciated at...
Chapter 9
It took Lloyd less than two months to completely reorganize his creative staff. The four new production managers that he had hired were doing well. It allowed him to lead a normal life again. The relaxing weekends at Water View with Randy, and eating at normal hours, was all he needed. His health was back to normal and he looked and felt great once again.
They spent their spare time concentrating on their new company. They had pulled together an organizational chart similar to Chadwick's with some major adjustments. The new firm was named Cavanaugh & King and was broken down into several divisions. Each division specialized in a specific area of the business. Each division was a profit center headed by a divisional vice-president and was expected to generate new business. Fortunately, Lloyd's long reliance on computers was beginning to pay off. He had been unsuccessful in convincing Chadwick to invest in a main frame computer for many years. However, that didn't stop Lloyd from investing in his own personal computer that he used to its full potential.
Over the years, he had compiled a database of all the sub-contractors and suppliers as well as a comprehensive directory of all the professional people whom he had used since day one, including their résumés. Each individual's record was kept updated. Again, the record included a profile of their abilities and performance. He had compiled the same detailed records for his client companies and his suppliers. Now this information would prove invaluable to Cavanaugh & King.
Everything was in place for Randy and Lloyd to open the doors to new executive offices in the Time & Life Building.
Randy was well organized when it came to negotiating the contracts with the sub-contractors. Lloyd, in the meantime was working with their advertising agency to develop a marketing package to present to future clients. It was an integrated mixed media package that included direct mail brochures, radio and TV commercials and magazine advertising. An impressive prospectus was developed to highlight the background of the principals in the firm and the awards Lloyd had received. The only section missing in the layout were the photos of division vice-presidents and the group managers.
They had already hired a sales manager to handle corporate sales. They were delighted with the way everything was taking shape. Randy and Lloyd worked well together without any friction whatsoever. They were both professionals and didn't allow their private life to invade the office.
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Lloyd finished printing the monthly progress report for Craig Zucker and turned the computer off for the night. He walked over to behind Randy who was pounding away at his computer keyboard. He kissed him on the back of the neck. Randy stopped typing, "What's on your mind, baby?"
"If you have a few minutes, I'd like to talk to you."
Randy turned off his computer, "Let's get comfortable on the sofa."
"I've been thinking about what you said to me about the Chadwicks and the Telecom project and I have decided to take your advice and resign from Chadwick," Lloyd said.
"You probably are wondering why I've been so loyal to the Chadwicks for so long. Well it's really quite simple. I started working for them when I was a teenager. It was like a second home to me. The downside was that my supervisors never gave me the chance to move up the ladder. You can't imagine how frustrating it was to see outsiders hired to do jobs that I was capable of doing, only because I was a part timer. I had to fight for every promotion. I appreciated the help that the Chadwicks gave me during those early years and I felt I owed them my loyalty in return. My first big break came when I landed the Telecom contract. That was my first move into senior management. Prior to that, I worked in several departments until I became production manager and trouble shooter for Paul Chadwick. Of course no one really believed I would land that account, including the Chadwicks.
"In retrospect, I can see now that the only reason they let me take over as project director, was because there was no one available at the time to step into that position, and because I had listed myself as project director in the contract. Paul probably figured that I wouldn't be able to handle it and he could step in and take over the project. But yours truly fooled them all. Forget that I almost ended up in the funny farm. I'll admit that I had a rough time in the beginning, but after the first four months were over, I knew I could handle the job in spite of my lack of experience heading an account of this magnitude.
"After I found you, everything changed. You made me realize there is more to life out there than the Chadwicks and Telecom. You offered me a new life that I never thought possible. I intend to discontinue anything that interferes with the quality of living that you have shown me. That is why I must resign from Chadwick's. You come first, and you always will. I feel no sense of guilt in resigning now, because the Telecom project is back on track again and I have trained the right talent to run the project without me. I also have a clear conscience when it comes to bidding on the Telecom contract for us. As you know, I've approached Paul Chadwick on several occasions about bidding on the new contract with Telecom. Each time he has evaded the issue and has not answered my question. Two weeks ago I sent both Chadwicks a memorandum advising them of the Telecom deadline. Again, they have not answered my request."
"My loyalty is to Cavanaugh & King now. My intention is to resign on Monday. I'm meeting with Craig on Friday. That's when I intend to broach the question about our bidding on the Telecom contract. What do you think, my love?"
"I say go for it, baby. I'm so happy you finally made this decision. I knew it would only be a matter of time before you put everything in perspective."
"Good; that's settled. My thoughts were to invite Craig here for lunch and have Robert prepare his favorite meal. I know this apartment will impress the hell out of him. Plus the fact I can control the meeting without interruptions."
"I think that's a terrific idea," Randy said. "He will be more receptive and just may open up more. This is great; now we can move up our schedule. Let's go to bed and make it official."
Lloyd chuckled, "You're just like all the rest of them, and all you want to do is screw me."
"You got that part right, my love. But at least when I screw you we'll both enjoy it."
Lloyd laughed heartily, "We all have our crosses to bear."
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The following morning Lloyd called Craig and invited him to his home for lunch instead of their usual haunt and that his chauffeur would pick him up in front of his office at eleven-thirty.
Friday morning Lloyd left the office at eleven and took a cab home. Robert had taken special pains with the floral arrangements throughout the duplex.
"You've outdone yourself again, Robert, everything looks splendid."
"Thank you, Lloyd. I went to the fish market this morning and picked out a nice healthy salmon for lunch, he's in the tank by the swimming pool," Robert said. "I'll have him ready to serve by one o'clock. Will that give you enough time for your cocktails?"
"That's fine, Robert. Craig will usually have his three martinis by then, and I'll only have red wine with club soda today. I must keep my wits about me." The door bell rang, "That should be him now."
Robert answered the door and ushered Craig into the living room, where Lloyd was waiting to greet him.
"Welcome, Craig. I thought this would be a pleasant change of scene for our meeting. I also have an ulterior motive for meeting here today. After the report is out of the way, I'll tell you all about that."
Robert served them their drinks and left. "Robert is preparing your favorite dish today," Lloyd said.
"This is a beautiful apartment. I'm duly impressed," Craig said. "I didn't think old Paul would foot the bill for a place like this."
Lloyd laughed, "You're right; the housing allowance Paul gives me is adequate, but it wouldn't even cover the maintenance on this duplex for one month. I'm sure he would think he was overpaying me if he ever saw this place.
Lloyd proceeded with a synopsis of his monthly progress report. Craig asked him a few questions when he had finished, then thanked him.
"Everything is back on schedule and running like a well oiled machine once again, thank goodness," Craig said. "I'm curious about one thing, you haven't mentioned anything about the new contract, and you know the invitations for bid go out next week, don't you?"
"Yes, that's true," Lloyd said. "Off the record, Craig, I don't think the Chadwicks will be bidding this time around. I've pressed them for the last six months for an answer, with no response. They've left me completely in the dark about this."
Robert arrived with another tray of fresh drinks and a small tray of hot appetizers and removed the empty cocktail glasses.
"What do you plan to do after this contract is over?" Craig asked.
Lloyd smiled, "That's one of the reasons I asked you here for lunch," Lloyd said. "I'm leaving Chadwick and opening my own firm. After the last fiasco, four months ago, I've had it with Paul and have formed my own company. We plan to compete with Chadwick in the future. Unlike them, we will not get involved in the staffing of the video and motion picture phases of the production. We plan to assign our own production managers and directors, but will farm out the production phases to qualified productions companies. We are already in production on two projects right now. Ethically of course, I cannot take an active part in my own firm until I resign from Chadwick. My next question to you is, will you allow me to bid on the Telecom package if I am no longer employed with Chadwick?"
"I will deny that we had this conversation if anyone asks," Craig said. "If you approached me as a free agent, I would have no choice but to consider your proposal, providing you can convince me that you have the technical staff, the qualified sub-contractors and the facilities to handle the contract. Telecom will not discriminate against any qualified bidder, even it that bidder is a new company with no track record producing a project like this. The bid packages will be available next week and are available to all bidders for the price of $250 dollars each. One more small item, you must submit a financial statement and a performance bond."
"That's not a problem," Lloyd said.
"Who are your partners anyway?"
"Randy Cavanaugh is my partner; he was my assistant for a while. He runs the financial and administrative side of the business."
Robert came in once again to check their drinks and returned with another round. "Lunch will be served in twenty minutes, Mr. King."
"I've often wondered why the Chadwicks never made you a VP."
Lloyd smiled, "I've often wondered that myself. I guess they see me as their former messenger-boy and don't see me sitting in on a board meeting; it's hard to know. I really have nothing to complain about; they've treated me well and reimbursed me for my college tuition. Not many employers are that generous."
"You're wrong about that," Craig said, "Telecom has been doing that for years. Anyway don't feel bad, the Chadwicks made their money back on you a long time ago. Their little investment paid off in your case."
"I feel it's time to strike out on my own now. Paul and CJ are fine people, but I know Paul and I would never get along down the road. It's his company and he'll run it his way."
Robert returned with a small empty tray, "Lunch is ready, Mr. King," Robert announced. He picked up their glasses and led the way to the dining room.
After lunch, Craig complimented Robert on his salmon. "Everything was perfect, Robert. That was the best poached salmon I've ever tasted, and you are an excellent chef."
"Thank you, Mr. Zucker; I'm glad that you enjoyed your meal."
"I couldn't help noticing that Sergeant reproduction hanging over the server, Lloyd. It's quite good. In fact, everything in your home is first class. Where did you buy these reproductions, they are excellent?" Craig asked.
Lloyd smiled, "Thank you for noticing, but that's not a reproduction; it's the genuine article."
"You must invite me back so I can spend some time enjoying these works of art. You're a very fortunate man."
Lloyd smiled, "I know. You will have many opportunities to examine my collection in the future, Craig. I plan to win the bid on your next contract. Tell me, Craig, what do you think of Joel Cohen?"
"Joel's a good man; he has a lot of potential. Unfortunately, he didn't understand our business. He came from an advertising agency background and was still of that mindset when he took on our contract. His company didn't know how to handle our type of contract and he got burned. They didn't lose money, but they sure didn't make the big profit they thought they would. Joel was used to the free spending philosophy of agency business and he couldn't get away with it at Telecom."
"I liked Joel," Craig said, "but he needs to change his thinking if he wants to make it in this business. Word on the street is that his company is going belly up. I think Joel is running scared about now. His partners are big spenders and haven't landed a big account in some time."
"This has been a pleasant lunch, Lloyd. We must do it again sometime, thank you for inviting me," Craig said. "I wish you the best of luck on your venture. And, Lloyd, you're making the right move."
"Thanks, Craig. I'll talk to you again next week. I'll ride down with you. It's a nice day so I think I'll walk back to the office. Your driver awaits you," Lloyd said.
Lloyd breezed through his Friday afternoon production and left his office by five. He walked home and changed into his casual clothes. He headed for the library and found Joel's telephone number.
"I thought I'd catch you at the office," Lloyd said. "Can you talk for a few minutes?"
"Sure, what's up, hot-shot? I haven't heard from you in months. I'm surprised you're even in town," Joel said.
"I've turned over a new leaf, I'm only working a forty-hour week until the doctor says I'm cured. I had lunch with an old friend of yours, Craig Zucker. Are you guys going to bid on the Telecom contract?"
"Are you out of your mind? The answer is 'no'."
"Do I take that to mean that you are not taking advantage of making some serious dollars?"
"What part of 'no' don't you understand? How about Chadwick? You guys bidding again?"
"The jury is still out on that decision, I'll know in two weeks. Are you free for lunch Monday?
"Yeah, I can make it, I'll cancel my lunch with the President to swing it, but hey, Lloyd, what are friends for? Jim told me you gave up your Penthouse? Too rich for your blood, or is that cheap boss of yours on an austerity kick?"
"Wrong on both counts, as usual," Lloyd said. "I'm sharing a duplex on Central Park South."
"Enjoy it while it lasts. If Chadwick doesn't bid on Telecom you'll be back commuting to Long Island again. Why don't you live in the City? Long Island is for raising a family; you're single so why not live it up while you can, hot-shot?"
"It's a long story," Lloyd said. "I'll save it for lunch on Monday. If I tell you everything tonight, we'll have nothing to talk about on Monday. Meet you at Louie's at 11:30, my treat."
"Sounds like a winner, have a fabulous weekend."
Lloyd was on the phone when Randy walked into the den. He kissed him on the neck and cheek and pointed to their bedroom suite. He picked up his mail and left. Lloyd hung up the telephone and headed for their bedroom.
Randy had changed into his casual clothes, "Ready to leave, baby?"
Lloyd walked over to Randy and slid his arms around his neck and kissed him tenderly, "Hi, handsome, like a little action?"
"No, thank you, I'm just browsing." He wrapped his arms around Lloyd and kissed him on the neck and cheek. "You smell delicious; let's leave now before I change my mind."
Lloyd chuckled, "We can make the 6:30 if we leave now. I'll tell Robert we're leaving; he can call ahead to Kim to let him know what trains we're catching."
When they were seated on the New Haven, Lloyd filled him in on his meeting with Craig and his thoughts about Joel.
"He would be the ideal guy to handle the day to day business on the Telecom account," Lloyd said. "This would allow us more time to handle our other projects. We're going to land that Telecom project; I feel it in my bones. Telecom would be crazy not to award it to two super stars like us."
Randy chuckled, "You're in rare form tonight; looks like I'm going to score."
Lloyd smiled, "You score every night."
Kim was waiting at the railroad station with the car when they arrived. He filled them in on the latest news on the drive home.
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They were having breakfast in the morning room on this rainy Sunday morning. Randy leaned over and kissed Lloyd on the lips, "That was for last night; I love you, Baby."
"Let's take our coffee into the den and make out on the sofa," Lloyd said. They walked to the den, sat on the sofa and got comfortable. Randy ran his hand inside Lloyd's shirt and gently rubbed his chest. He kissed him again.
"Well, Baby, out with it," Randy said, "I know that look."
"Tomorrow is going to be one busy day for me. I won't have time to talk to you until I get home tomorrow afternoon. I wanted you to know my schedule. There is the usual Monday morning production meeting, then lunch with Joel, and my meeting with the Chadwicks after lunch."
"Great! I think you're making the right move, Baby. You know Paul will expect you to stay on until the contract runs out."
"I'm prepared for that. I plan to tell him I need the next two weeks off to think it over. I thought it would it would be nice if you and I took a week off and head for Paradise Island for some serious lovemaking and a little fun in the sun. After we get back, we'll work together at our own office and I'll kiss Paul goodbye as planned. Do you think you can break away next week, my love?"
"You bet, Baby. I'll call Dad later and tell him we'll be using the villa. Let's plan on leaving Monday evening. I'll call Robert and have him pack our bags. I'm excited; this will be the first time I've been back to the villa in years."
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Lloyd arrived at the office early Monday morning, sat at his desk and typed out his letter of resignation and printed out three copies. He dashed off a memo to both CJ and Paul requesting a short meeting at two o'clock. He reviewed his notes for his production meeting. He printed out a schedule for the next two weeks. He told Betty, he wanted to have a brief meeting with her and Jim White before the production meeting.
Jim and Betty came into his office ten minutes later. "Jim, will you close the door, please? Sit and make yourselves comfortable. I've asked you both in here because I consider you as close friends and I know I can count on your discretion to keep what I'm about to tell you confidential. I'm handing in my resignation to the Chadwicks effective today. This will be my last day here no matter what you may hear otherwise."
"I'm sorry I have to leave you behind to answer all the questions that will come up, but I have no choice. I'm not at liberty to tell you any more right now. Keep this to yourselves until my meeting with the bosses later this afternoon. I'm taking off for a two-week vacation this afternoon. If you need to reach me, speak to Robert, he can relay any messages. I'm sure Paul will be in touch with you later today."
"Betty, I would like you to cancel all my appointments for the next two weeks. If you follow the official line you'll be fine. Jim, I'm going to ask Paul to let you handle everything until they find my replacement."
They were both in a state of shock. Betty kept shaking her head, "I don't understand, you're as much a part of the company as the Chadwicks. Why would you want to walk away now?" Betty asked.
"I'm not at liberty to discuss that now, but I will be glad to discuss it over lunch when I return in two weeks. Please refer all personal calls to my home."
"It's going to hit the fan tomorrow," Jim said. "I don't look forward to the rest of the week. Don't let them change your mind, Lloyd; you're making the right decision."
"Thanks, Jim. I don't think Paul will make any major changes until I'm out of here permanently. Well, folks, it's time for our production meeting, let's rattle some cages."
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Randy walked into his office that morning and chartered a jet to fly them to Paradise Island later that evening. He spent the morning rearranging his appointments for the next two weeks.
He left the office at 11:45 to meet his father at the Plaza for lunch.
"Well, Randy, you two are off again. I think it's a smart move spiriting Lloyd away for a short vacation. I don't feel he fully recovered from the last breakdown. How did you talk him into leaving?"
"It was really quite easy. Lloyd wanted to get away, and he still feels badly for walking out of the Telecom project before it's over. He hates leaving his staff behind."
"I know you can't help but admire him for his strict sense of loyalty, even though it's misplaced in Paul Chadwick's case."
"Look, Dad, I don't feel one bit sorry for Paul Chadwick. He is a selfish man who could care less about Lloyd, or his staff. We both have seen Paul's type before. He'll run true to form after Lloyd leaves. He'll start tinkering and cutting back on that high priced staff as soon as Lloyd is out the door."
"You should have been there five months ago. It has taken all this time to turn it around. Lloyd has it running perfectly. He has good, conscientious people in all the top positions. That's why he chose this time to leave."
"You're really happy, aren't you, son?"
"Yes, Dad, I can honestly say that I am. For the first time in my life I feel good about my life. I'm happy with my new life and my career. I'm in a business I enjoy and in a job that I enjoy. Not to mention my wonderful partner. I'm sorry I had to disappoint you by not joining the firm, but I like what I'm doing. Who knows, maybe one day I'll change my mind and join the firm."
"You do what's best for you, Randy."
"What did you and Lloyd talk about last Thursday? I'm convinced you never talk about anything worth remembering. Every time I ask Lloyd he always gives me the same answer: everything."
"We do talk about everything, but mainly about the family and you. We try to give you at least two minutes of our time, we know how much you need the stroking."
Randy smiled, "You guys play rough. Two minutes, that's all I get?"
"How much time can we spend talking about Mister Wonderful? So we talk about the imperfect world we live in."
Randy laughed, "You're right on both counts, of course. I can see I'm not going to get a straight answer out of either of you two."
His dad smiled, "I enjoy having lunch with Lloyd, and he is always entertaining and above all, a good listener. I've learned more things about my sons than I ever knew before. Lloyd has brought us closer together and that's a good thing. I love you both and I happen to agree with Lloyd, that your marriage will last a long time. He has opened my eyes to things I never realized about homosexuals and has helped me to understand your feelings for each other. As your father, I felt more comfortable speaking to Lloyd about these matters than I ever could with you. Lloyd is the ideal son-in-law for our family. He also happens to be your spouse and I find nothing wrong with that. I love you both very much."
The tears welled up in Randy's eyes as he stared at his father. He reached over and patted his father's hand, but could not speak.
"It's alright, Randy, you don't have to speak, and your eyes have said it all. It was not my intention to embarrass you; I just wanted you to know how I felt about you and Lloyd. Give my love to him and enjoy your vacation."
"I love you, Dad," Randy said. "Lloyd was right about you, you're the greatest Dad in the world. Of course you know Lloyd adores you; that's a given. Please don't tell any of Lloyd's people where we are. Naturally we welcome your calls, so don't feel you're imposing. Thanks for the lunch and we'll have you and Mom over for dinner when we get back."
"By the way, Randy, your Mother knows that you and Lloyd are married. So handle her any way you want."
"How did Mother broach the subject?"
"Like your Mother approaches everything, she came out with it one morning at breakfast. I happened to mention that I was having lunch with Lloyd. Your mother smiled at me and said that she thought Lloyd a wonderful man and hoped that your marriage would last. Naturally I asked how she knew. 'My goodness, Randy, I knew that from the very beginning it was written all over their faces. I've never seen our son so happy'. We talked about is for several hours that morning and she was not the least bit disturbed. Your Mother's only concern is to guard you against the same fate that befell Curtis. We don't want to lose you."
"You have my word on that, Dad," Randy said. "Curtis died of AIDS. Lloyd and I are faithful to each other. We are like any other married couple, Dad."
"I know. Well again, you two have a nice vacation."
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To be continued...
Posted: 10/05/12