Friends and Family Series
Mac
By:
Ron Robbins
(© 2010 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 7
After a leisurely breakfast, Drew and Mac took a stroll around the grounds. It was a beautiful sunny day, too nice to spend indoors. "Have you ever thought of moving your executive offices to the Retreat?" Mac asked.
"No, but it's not a bad idea. Up until now, it has been convenient for me to work and live in the same building. I saw no reason to change; it doesn't make any difference where I work. With the communications we have today, I can work anywhere in the world as long as we have a telephone line and my satellite hookup."
"I'm stuck in Manhattan for the next two years, at least until I finish my MBA," Mac said. "But after that, I don't see why we can't work here. If we lived here, we would have more privacy. It's just a thought."
"It won't take too much persuasion to convince me to make the change," Drew said.
"As much as I regret leaving, it's time we return to Manhattan for your big night. I treasure every hour I'm alone with you, Mac, I'm going to miss you, my love."
The Waldorf Gala
The guest list read like the Who's-Who of business and society in the Northeast. The first phase of the Gala was a cocktail party, then a sit-down dinner, followed by the award ceremonies. Friends and families attended. This was the first time Mac had met Edith and Thomas Hopkins, Drew's older sister and her husband. Their two sons, Norman and Jeb, accompanied them. Norman was 24 and Jeb was 26. Charles had outdone himself in the planning of this party. The news media, press, radio and TV stations were all in attendance, as well as the GW Stevens' own in-house audiovisual department. Charles had hired extra camera crews to cover the event. It was a formal occasion and everyone turned out in their finest for the elegant event.
The awards would be presented after dinner with Charles as the master of ceremonies He made sure the important guests were introduced. Drew made a short speech as Chairman of the firm. The President of the Yale Alumni Association was on hand to accept Drew's generous donation to the Alumni Association. The final speakers were Charles, Lenore, Rod, and Mac respectively. Lenore Hart, who finished third in the class, was added to the honoree speakers list. Mac felt it would be a good idea to tie the top three graduates together.
Mac's speech touched on his close association with his classmates, the faculty, and of the fertile learning environment that Yale offered a student. The main thrust of the speech was to praise the GW Stevens Company as a progressive firm and for their generosity in the financial support of Yale Law School.
Mac made his speech without notes and his delivery was polished and flawless. His photographic memory made the task much easier. Nevertheless, his charismatic personality came through. He had a natural rapport with his audience that drove his message home.
After the speeches were over, the honorees were free to mingling with the guests.
Mac was surprised at the changed physical appearance of some of GW Stevens' executive officers, to the point that he had difficulty recognizing some of them at first. He made a mental note to have the photos and files of the VP's updated. Some executives had remarried, while the aging process changed the physical appearance of others. He returned to their table and asked Claudia to dance. "Tell me something, Claudia, are you and Edith close?"
Claudia smiled, "I would never use the word close. Cordial would be a better term to describe my relationship with the Hopkins family. I see Edith once a year at the stockholders' meeting, sometimes at mother's Christmas party and that's about it. Edith and I drifted apart after she married Thomas. He can be so aloof and insufferable at times. Charles and I have given up trying. Why do you ask?"
"Not one member of the Hopkins family came by to wish me well, yet every one of Thomas's executives came by to shake my hand. I found that very strange. I would like you to stop by their table after this dance so I can thank them for attending. They have aroused my curiosity. Would you mind helping out?"
"I don't mind at all, in fact it should be interesting. Thomas will be forced to acknowledge you."
Edith and her sons were pleasant, but Thomas was another story. Thomas Hopkins was President of Drew's largest division. He acted cool toward him, almost to the point of being unfriendly. Mac could feel the hate Thomas felt and he couldn't understand why. This was the first time he had met a man he didn't like. Mac had no qualms about using his telepathic power to probe Thomas' mind. There was no doubt in his mind that Thomas hated him. Mac probed deeper until he found out why.
As he walked Claudia back to their table he asked, "Is Thomas always so cold, or am I the only one on his hit list tonight?"
"You never know with Thomas," Claudia said. "You're right though, he definitely was frigid toward you. Who knows, maybe he doesn't like Yale men. As I told you, he's still not that friendly toward our family after all these years."
Mac put his arm around Claudia's waist, gave her a peck on the cheek, and said, "Love you."
Turning to Mrs. Baldwin, Mac asked, "May I have the honor of this next dance?"
"I would be delighted," was her response.
When they were on the dance floor, Mac revealed what he had learned about Thomas Hopkins' plan to unseat Drew as Chairman of the company. "Thomas hates me with a passion and feels that I should never have been promoted over his sons. If he ever learns the truth about Drew and me, he will have the excuse he needs. I can't keep this news from Drew indefinitely. For the present, I plan to start building a solid case against Thomas and have him and his family watched. Drew is under enough pressure as it is right now. He doesn't need to know about this right now.
"I'll have RW Nelson get on this tomorrow. I'm sure Edith hasn't the foggiest notion what Thomas is up to and even if she did, I doubt she would interfere. Claudia told me he rules his family with an iron fist. Thomas needs to be watched. Naturally, we must avoid any scandal, so we must keep a low profile until Drew is ready to take over."
"I agree," Mrs. Baldwin said. "We cannot let Thomas play his little games with the Board of Directors either. It could get messy. No matter what, I'm certainly not going to allow Thomas to push my son out. Thomas will have a fight on his hands if he thinks he can bully us into giving him the reins of this company. You have my full support on this Mac. Please keep me informed of your progress. In any event, I plan to do a little probing on that weasel brain myself, in case you missed something. Drew told me he how pleased he is with the way you are handling things for him in his absence. I have no doubt in my mind that you will protect Drew's interests. Keep up the good work."
They returned to their table as Drew was leaving.
Rod walked over to Mac's table with Jen. "Thanks for the kind words in your speech. I would like you to meet my new girlfriend."
"Hi, Uncle Mac," Jen said, "Congratulations. That was a great speech you gave."
"Thanks, Jen." Mac kissed his niece on the cheek. "Be careful about this guy. He is not the poor little lamb who lost his way--he is really a wolf in sheep's clothing. Even if he is my best friend and a great guy, be careful in the clinches. Just remember, I warned you. Now you're on your own."
Rod smiled, "You really know how to hurt a guy. I'm not so sure you're my best friend anymore. Jen, would you excuse us for a minute, I need to talk with Mac in private.
"Mac, don't believe everything you heard about me being a big ladies man on campus. Sure, I dated many girls, but do you really think I got that lucky all the time. I never denied the rumors because I wanted to project that image. Don't judge me by hearsay; judge me by my conduct as your friend. I wanted to talk to you about Jen earlier, but we've been so tied-up I haven't had an opportunity," Rod said. "I really like Jen. She wants to stay in New York to try to find a job. I encouraged her to talk to you about it before she makes her decision."
"I think it would be smart for her to explore the New York job market. This is an active job market," Mac said. "If she is really interested, tell her she is welcome to stay with me while she's looking. I'm sure we can work everything out in the morning, if she wants to stay."
"Thanks, Mac."
Mac found Drew and Charles with their heads together, "What outrage are you two planning for me now. I worry when you two get that look ... it spells trouble for the farm boy."
"Now, now, Mac, why would you think we'd do anything untoward to our guest of honor?" Charles said. "As a matter of fact, we were wondering what little deal you were going to pull out of your hat to pay for this party. Don't you think that's a perfectly normal thing for us to be discussing?"
"I guess I can forget about billing the company for my speeches, then. Charles, I really came over to thank you for the super job you've done, everything has been first rate."
"To be serious for a moment, Charles," Mac said. "You have really made this one of the most memorable nights of my life. It's not often that I've had the opportunity to meet a great guy like you. It takes a smart man to recognize talent in other people. It takes a bigger man not to feel threatened by young talent. This talent is found in leaders like you. I was flattered when I learned that you had requested me to be your assistant. But, as you know, each man must go where he can do the best for the company. It's easy to see why Drew thinks so highly of you. I will always remember this night and I will always remember you for what you have done. Thank you."
"You're welcome," Charles said. "You've worked hard to earn this recognition and I've enjoyed taking part in this event. As much as I would like to stay and listen to these well-deserved accolades, the night is not yet over. I still have our guests to take care of. It's time for me to make the rounds before I call it a night."
When Charles walked off, Mac glanced around to make sure no one was within earshot. "I really wanted to tell you how much I love you, Drew. Thank you for making all this possible."
"That was a very nice compliment you paid Charles. You have a wonderful way with people and if I don't move away from you, I'll be tempted to take you in my arms and kiss you this minute."
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Mac found Drew at work in the library when he returned to the penthouse.
"Well, this is a pleasant surprise," Drew said. "I thought sure you would be stuck at the party much longer."
Drew stared at Mac for some time then said, "You're beautiful. You are one sexy hunk and I'm glad you were able to break away sooner."
"You're the only one I wanted to be with tonight," Mac said. "Is Chris tucked in bed for the night?"
"The staff is off duty until tomorrow morning."
"Good. Turn off the lights and come with me into the drawing room." Mac selected a dreamy CD and took Drew in his arms. "I realized tonight that we've never danced together, and I made a promise to myself that I was going to correct that tonight. Let this be another delightful milestone in our long and happy life together. You're a wonderful dancer," Mac said, "It's no wonder all the lovely ladies were chasing you. I'm glad we're married, sweetheart. We fit together in the most delightful places."
Drew nestled his head on Mac's shoulder and melted into Mac's strong arms. Mac was a smooth dancer and light on his feet for such a big man. He had the strength in those powerful arms to crush Drew easily, yet he was tender and gentle. Mac nibbled on Drew's ear and whispered how much he loved him. That combined with Mac's hands rubbing his back, drove Drew wild with desire.
"You have a beautiful pair of buns, baby," Mac said. "I think that's the second reason I married you."
Drew smiled, "Did you shove the silverware in your pocket again?" Drew asked. "I feel something hard and stiff in your pocket. How many times have I asked you not to do that? It ruins your clothes."
Mac laughed heartily, "I'm planning to show you everything very soon, but if you don't stop nibbling on my neck and ear like that, it's going be real soon, baby."
Drew didn't stop. He slipped both arms around Mac's neck and kissed him very passionately on the mouth, forcing his tongue deep into his mouth.
Mac made a low groaning sound and pulled away, "That's it. Let's go to bed."
Mac undressed quickly then slowly removed Drew's clothes, kissing his body as he removed each piece of clothing. They faced each other with hard erections. Mac eased his penis between Drew's legs and pulled Drew close to him. They kissed long and passionately in this position until Mac whispered, "Drew, you have me so turned on I'm going explode."
Drew led Mac to the bed where they continued their lovemaking, until they climaxed. They lay side by side wrapped in each other's arms, and drifted off to sleep.
Mac awoke before dawn, showered, shaved and went back to bed to hold Drew in his arms to awaken him in his usual way. They made love again and drifted back to sleep. It was eight when they woke again. They showered together, dressed, and Mac made them another hearty breakfast.
They carried their coffee into the living room and sat together on the sofa as the sun's rays bathed the room. "Would you mind if Jen stayed with me for a few weeks. She would like to look for a job in New York before heading back to Kentucky. It should only be for a few weeks."
"I think that would be nice," Drew said. "This is your home too, Mac, your family and friends are always welcome."
"By the way, your brother-in-law, Thomas Hopkins, dislikes me with a passion. Your sister, Edith, seems nice, but scratch the boys from your short list for your replacement; they don't have the drive to take over. Did you know that Jeb is gay?" Mac said.
"What? How did you find out?"
"Because he was hitting on me."
Drew chuckled, "Well at least he has good taste. I'm really surprised. I never suspected him at all. He always projected that annoying macho image. Quite frankly, I found him obnoxious."
"Unless a man acts downright effeminate, I can't tell a gay man from a straight man," Mac said. "Anyway, Jeb was sending some very strong signals. So strong in fact, that I did a little mind probing. I'm sorry I did after what I learned. I felt uncomfortable and tuned out. Of course, outwardly Jeb acted very proper." Mac chuckled, "We don't want any queers in our firm, do we? I think I'll call Thomas first thing Monday morning and tell him to fire that queer son of his."
"I hope he is as lucky as I was at finding the perfect lover," Mac said. "Jeb seems like a nice guy and he does have the Stevens' good looks. I bet old Thomas will die, if he ever finds out. He strikes me as the kind of man who would disown Jeb if he ever found out he was a homosexual."
"You're right on target about Thomas Hopkins. He is to the right of the ultra-conservatives. He'd make Pat Robertson look like a gay sympathizer. Jeb's life would be ruined if Thomas ever found out the truth. We should talk to Thomas about transferring him to one of my other divisions for training."
"The timing is not right just now, Drew. Hold off until you're finished with the Presidential assignment."
"You feel very strongly about this, Mac. Is there something you're not telling me?"
"Thomas is up to no good and could become a problem for you in the future. I have some strong negative feelings about Thomas, but I don't have anything to back up my suspicions, yet I believe there is something amiss. Until I have the proof I need, it would be better to keep everything under wraps. If it gets serious, I'll let you know."
"All right, Mac, I won't press you until you have something concrete. You have my curiosity aroused. Can't you tell me anything at all?"
"I've told you that Thomas dislikes me, but I'm afraid it goes deeper than that. Thomas hates me with a passion, and he will try to get rid of me. That's all I can tell you for now. Let me check everything out first. I plan to talk to RW about it tomorrow."
"Good move. I'll let you two handle it for the present. But if you feel this strongly about Thomas, I'm concerned. It would kill me if I lost you. Take any steps you think necessary. I want your word that you will come to me at the first sign of trouble."
"You have my word, Drew. Now, what are your plans for the rest of the morning? Would you care to join your in-laws for brunch?"
"I would like to, Mac, but I can't. I have this report to finish up before I leave. I want to get it out of the way this morning so we can spend some time together this afternoon."
"Good; I'll leave you alone to finish up, while I have brunch with the family. I'll be back in a few hours." Mac kissed him and left.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
It was such a beautiful morning; Mac decided to walk to the Waldorf. The only one seated in the private dining room reserved for brunch was Rod.
"Good morning, Mr. Johnson, how is my promising colleague doing this beautiful morning?"
"Great, this morning," Rod said. "Jen has agreed to take you up on that offer and stay over for a couple of weeks. Things are looking better all the time. Are you sure I won't be bothering you if I drop by to see Jen?"
"You won't be bothering me at all. I'm sure Jen will welcome the attention. What with long days at the office and my evening classes, I really don't have much time to spend with her. Anyway, I plan to spend some time picking your brains. I have a few ideas I want to kick around with you and Jen."
The family started arriving and ordering their breakfast. His sister Norma thanked Mac for allowing Jen to stay with him.
"Rod, before I get side tracked, would you mind seeing to it that Jen gets to the apartment this afternoon," Mac said. "If you don't have anything planned, why don't you both have dinner with me this evening?"
"That would be great, what time?"
"Let's say cocktails at six," Mac said.
Mac said his good-byes after lunch and set off to the retirement home to visit his mother. The residence was a high-rise building on East River Drive, the fashionable part of midtown overlooking the East River. It appeared more like an upscale apartment building than a retirement complex.
Mac's mother was lying on the chaise lounge in front of the windows that overlooked the River. He kissed her and sat in the lounge chair opposite her. "I just came back from seeing the family off. I think they are feeling tired after the fast pace of this past week. They all looked happy and a little wiped out. Norma told me you had them over for lunch yesterday."
"Yes, dear, we had a lovely visit, and our own little party yesterday in the main dining room. They told me all about your graduation and the garden party at the Kings. I'm sorry I missed your graduation and your party last night. The girls were here early this morning and told me all about the party. They were all bubbling over about the how grand everything was, and the celebrities they met. It was an overwhelming experience for them. The huge number of guests that attended shocked them. They saw a side of you they never knew existed. Their kid brother has turned into this socialite and they were very impressed and very proud of you, Mac. I understand that Jen will be staying with you for a few weeks. It is really good of you to help her this way.
"Drew is a wonderful person," his mother said. "He is so kind and understanding. It's easy to understand why you like him so much."
Mac was stunned by her remark, "Oh ... when did you see Drew?"
"Why, last night, dear. He called me last night to ask if he could drop by for a short visit. Naturally, I was delighted. I always wanted to meet your boss. He told me how proud he was of you and how unfortunate it was that I could not be there to share this great moment with you. He promised to send me a video tape of the entire party to keep. Drew spoke of you in glowing terms and of your future with him. I expected to see a much older man. It was a pleasant surprise when this soft spoken, handsome young man introduced himself as Drew Stevens.
"I gathered from the way he spoke of you that you mean more to him then his staff attorney. Important men like Drew Stevens don't drop in to visit an employee's mother, unless that employee means something very special to him. My body may be in bad shape, but my mind is still sharp, Mac. Everything I suspected about you for some time fell into place last night," his mother said. "You had that same love sick look on your face when you spoke of Drew. It was not what you said, but more it was the way you expressed yourself that gave you away. Didn't he mention his visit to you?"
"No mother, that's not his way. He knew I would find out eventually. You're right about Drew, he is a kind and wonderful man, and we are a couple. When we exchanged our vows and signed our commitment contract, Drew gave me five million dollars as a wedding present. Drew was responsible for having you moved here and paying for this apartment. He thought it would be nice if we could visit more often. This is one of the finest retirement homes on the East coast. I was shocked when I saw what this place costs. God knows the strings he pulled to get you in here. I've never known anyone like him and I've never been so happy."
"I've heard of generous people like Drew," his mother said, "but I never met one in person. I love you, and your being a homosexual will not change that. I have no problem accepting Drew as your spouse. I've always wanted what is best for my children and hoped they grew up to have a happy and productive life. If Drew is the one for you, then I wish you both all the happiness in the world. I'll pray that you will have a long and happy life together."
"You don't know how relieved I am that you know how I feel about Drew," Mac said. "I didn't wish to upset you by telling you about my lifestyle. I only ask that you keep this as our secret."
"I can't believe you're a millionaire. Mind you, I'm proud of you, and I feel that you and Drew will make it work, but don't think it's going to be a bed of roses, son. Any successful marriage takes a lot of love and understanding to make it through life together. You and Drew are going to have to work at it a little harder. Your lifestyle is going to be more of a challenge and you're both very vulnerable. You're going to have to fight to keep what you have together. You'll have very few close friends that you can trust, so put your faith in each other and don't expect too much from outsiders."
"Thanks for your sound advice, mother, now I must run along. Drew will be leaving for Washington this afternoon." Mac kissed his mother and left.
Drew was still busy at work in the library when Mac returned. He walked in and closed the door behind him. He kissed Drew tenderly. "How are you coming along, sweetheart?"
"I should have this wrapped up in about an hour," Drew said. "How did everything go?"
"Just fine, naturally everyone was disappointed that you couldn't make it," Mac said. "They wanted to thank you again for everything. You go ahead, finish up, and don't mind me. I'll stretch out on the sofa and get some shut eye."
Drew completed his paperwork and loaded the briefcase. He walked over to the sofa and sat next to Mac. He stared at his lover and felt saddened that he had to leave him again. He leaned down and kissed him on the lips.
Mac opened his eyes, reached up and pulled Drew down on top of him. He wrapped his arms around him and tenderly kissed him on the eyes, nose, neck, and lips.
"Now tell me where you went after you left me last night."
Drew smiled. "You visited your mother today. I can't keep any secrets from you, can I?"
"No, you can't! You're the most considerate person I've ever known. I was close to tears when my mother told me how you dropped by to share the joy of my special night with her. I love you for all the wonderful and thoughtful things you do for me. Mother wanted me to tell you that you are the best looking of her sons-in-law and she will love you as she does all her children."
"God, I'm going to miss our intimate moments like this, Mac. You're so much a part of me now that I can't even think of what it was like before you came into my life. It's comforting to know that I'm not alone any longer. Even though we are separated for the present, I know I have you to come home to. We have our love for each other to comfort us and that's what makes our lives so worthwhile. We must fight to hold on to this marriage and not let anyone destroy what we have together. Hold me like this until it's time to leave for the airport."
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Mac was so engrossed in working on his computer that he was unaware that Jen and Rod were standing in the doorway, until they knocked.
"Hi, you two," Mac said. "Is it that time already? I'll have Christopher show you to your room, Jen, so you can get settled in before dinner."
Mac rang Chris on the intercom. Christopher appeared a few minutes later. "Chris, I think you may remember Jen Jones, my niece," Mac said. "I'm sure you remember my classmate, Rod Johnson. Would you see that Jen gets settled alright, and explain our no-no policy to her?"
After they left, Mac said, "Did everything work out for you this afternoon, Rod?"
"We spent a pleasant afternoon together," Rod said. "This is a great apartment; maybe someday I'll afford an apartment like this."
"If you stick with me you will. You'll have this and much more," Mac said. "Living in this penthouse has been a unique experience for me. To see the city from this height is something I'll never get over. I feel the dynamics and the energy of the city from here. It has given me the incentive to work harder to achieve my goals. I'm living proof that it can be done. If a farm boy like me can make it this far, anyone can. Rod, your only limitation in this life is the limits you set in your own mind. All it takes is knowing what you want, persistence, hard work and the strong desire to succeed. That, my friend, is the formula that will get you to the top. Our only enemy is time; the rest is easy. Let's plan on meeting this week to discuss several projects I have in mind for the near future."
Rod said, "No problem. Would ten o'clock, Tuesday suit you?"
"Make it eleven and I'll buy lunch up here."
"I'll confirm the time with Barbara tomorrow morning," Rod said. "Is there anything in particular you want to discuss?"
"Yes, and charge your time to MacDonald-Stevens Corp.," Mac said. "This will be an exploratory meeting about a corporate health care program I have in mind. I want you to do a little exploratory research on the tax write-off on in-house health services. What are the tax advantages to corporations for on the job training of the hard-core unemployed? This would be similar to the work-study program for colleges. How much will the government allow for the actual training, and how many professional people would be required for that training?"
"I'll give you the overview when Jen joins us. I would like her input as well. The MacDonald-Stevens Corp. is a new venture corporation that is jointly owned by Drew and me. It will concentrate on developing new start-up venture projects. My goal is to build this corporation into a 100 million dollar firm within five years. We will not be in competition with the GW Stevens Company since we'll be a service-orientated business and we won't be buying any company over $200 million. There is a lot of business out there waiting for us and we're going to take our share."
"I want you to be on the lookout for any good business ventures that we can buy. Remember your loyalty is to me, no matter what happens. I expect you to transfer over to my corporation when the time is right," Mac said. "You stick with me and you'll never have to worry about your future. You will receive a bonus on everything you bring in to the company," Mac said. "I would also like you to keep your eyes open for any promising candidate who would fit our new company. I'm looking for outstanding people who know what they want and are looking for new challenges. It is imperative that you pass the bar as soon as possible and I want you to get your MBA in Finance, also. I'm expecting to have my license and my MBA within a year," Mac said. "I'm going to need a strong administrator to oversee the routine operation of my company. I won't have time to handle everything at the moment. Naturally, it will be a lot easier when Drew is back here to run GW again."
"Mac, you're going to burn yourself out," Rod said. "Don't you think you're pushing yourself too hard?"
"Work will never kill me. I enjoy the challenge; it keeps me on the cutting edge. This way I won't get bored," Mac said. "Did you know that Drew started working in the family business while he was in grammar school, and continued all through college? After graduation, he was running the company for his father until he became President after his dad died. He was only twenty-seven then. Within five years, he doubled the size and net worth of the company and became a billionaire. Yet he found the time to get his MBA and graduate, summa cum laude. If Drew can do it under that kind of pressure, I should be able to make a $100 million in five years without all that pressure."
"That is amazing," Rod said. "Hell, he doesn't seem to show any ill effects from all his hard work and pressure. God, he looks like he's his late 20s. I'll tell you what though … that Drew is one sharp cookie. He knows everything that's going on in the business world.
"I'll keep my eyes open for some good talent for our new division. I think I may have a lead for you for your executive VP. The guy I'm thinking of is a genius. He received his doctorate in medicine, and then decided he didn't want to be a doctor. He went back to college to earn an MBA and a Bachelor in languages. Last I heard, he was freelancing as a business consultant. The guy is incredible and almost as brainy as you. He hasn't found his niche yet."
"Sounds like a dreamer to me," Jen said as she joined them in the living room.
"Since you're both here, I want to explain my new project. My plan is to provide an HMO package to large corporations that will include day care facilities for children and senior citizens. Most of the programs around today are a hodgepodge of make-do programs that are expensive. What I'm proposing is a complete benefits package where the employer pays for the plan. We will offer a basic package to the employers that will meet the needs of all their employees and one that will save them money in the end. We will manage the program, train the people and take care of administering the program for the firms we serve. I envision a program where a young couple can take their child, or parent to a company-run family day care center, where they know their loved ones are cared for properly. The advantage of this type of care is the employer and the employees both have a voice in how the facility is run.
"Our target markets will be large regional businesses that have enough employees to support our medical complex and that will yield a reasonable profit to our company. The health care complex will be large enough to house the day care operation as well as an assisted nursing facility to take care of those employees who have no family to care for them. There is no doubt in my mind that there will be a growing need for more senior care facilities in the future. Our present social welfare system is overburdened as is and I don't foresee any dramatic improvement, unless private industry steps up. We are going to need affordable, efficiently run facilities in the future.
"MacDonald-Stevens will develop a turnkey package that we can offer to prospective clients. The package will be flexible enough to fit the needs of any corporation large enough to support the program. We will be responsible for the entire package, from management, design, construction, training and the quality control of each facility. In addition to which we'll handle all financial and legal services connected with the service.
"Rod, I want you to look at this from every angle," Mac said. "Jen, your training has been in child development in the day care industry, and I think you could help us on this part of our research. I need to know up front, the incentives the federal, state and local governments will allow us as a tax incentive to operate and train the staff for our facility.
"The second part of the plan is the financial side. Can we make a reasonable profit on this venture? Who will pay for the services? Naturally, the corporations will incur the heaviest share of the cost, but the employees will need to pay their fair share of the costs as well. Yet I also feel that the government should reimburse us for training of the staff. Rod, I want you to do a feasibility study on this as soon as possible. If it shakes out the way I envision it, this will become our first major project.
"What do you think of my little project so far?" Mac asked.
"It's a great concept," Jen said. "I never thought of day care centers tied into the corporate environment. It is an overwhelming project. I'm aware of the many national franchise organizations running these centers. I also know they are making a good profit. In fact, the more I think about it, the better I like the idea. I would be glad to research the project for you. In fact I'll make a bargain with you, Mac; I will research your project for my room and board."
"You have a deal," Mac said. "If this project shows promise after two weeks, I will give you a job."
"What do you say, Rod?" Mac asked.
"I like the concept. You've convinced me that there is a need for this type of program," Rod said. "I'll know better next week. My next question is, how much do you want to spend? Good research will cost you big bucks."
"You have one month for the initial survey," Mac said. "Put as many people on it as you think necessary.
"Set up a meeting with your friend for Thursday morning," Mac said. "What is his name?"
"Peter Buchner, III, or Chip, to his friends," Rod said.
Chris announced that dinner was ready. After dinner, Mac returned to the study and placed a call to Drew.
"Are you all right?" Drew asked.
"Not really. Is it all right to talk to you on this telephone?"
"Yes, I'm alone and this line is secure," Drew said. "What's wrong, Mac?"
"I miss you, baby. The first night is always the worst for me. I think we may have a budding romance going on between Rod and Jen. Sorry if I alarmed you, I wanted to hear your voice again and to tell you again how much I love you."
"You must be using your telepathy again. I was planning to call you after dinner. I love you sweetheart, and hearing your voice makes me feel much better. I'm excited with the prospect of making love to you in the city for lovers, Paris. Look, baby, I must run; God bless you and thanks again for calling."
"You always know how to make your farm boy feel good. But I warn you now that you are going to be hurting, after I've finished working you over in Paris. We may never leave the room the entire weekend."
"Sounds delightful!" Drew said. "There is something to be said for farm boys ... love you."
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Jen walked into the study after she returned from her walk. "Can I buy you a drink, Uncle?"
Mac smiled, "That's the best offer I've had all night. Let's go into the living room and talk." He put his arm around her shoulder and walked her to the living room. "How about a brandy?" Jen nodded her head. After they were comfortable, Mac said, "Out with it. What's on your mind?"
"I have a crush on Rod," Jen said. "He asked me to go steady. I guess my question is, should I get involved with him after what you said about him the other night. Sometimes it's better to nip a situation like this in the bud, before becoming involved in a relationship," Jen said. "We really don't know each other well enough to start going steady. You've known Rod for four years, what do you think?"
"Rod is a decent guy," Mac said. "His reputation on campus was that he was a Casanova, but he assures me that it was all hype and I believe him. Rod is a good catch. He is handsome, charming and intelligent. The women did chase him, yet to my knowledge, he never made any commitments to any woman he dated. Rod is an up-front kind of guy and he was committed to getting his degree. Rod set his goals early on and stuck with them. We are a lot alike in that respect. I felt fortunate to have him as a friend and roommate. We were compatible as roomies and he was tops. Rod pulled his share of the household chores and was neat, clean, and considerate. Always on time with his share of the bills, and I never had to remind him to do anything around the apartment. We both made the effort, and made it work, and each of us treated the apartment as our home. He has an even disposition and a sophisticated sense of humor. What more can I say?
"If Rod has it in his head that he's going to marry you, he will let you know." Mac said. "I don't want to be put in the middle when it comes to making your decision. You know that I like you both and want to keep you as friends. I will tell you how I would react under the same circumstances," Mac said. "If you know in your heart that Rod is the man for you, then you should go steady. Find out for yourself if he is the man you want to spend the rest of your life with. You're both intelligent people. Why don't you discuss this with Rod? If you have any doubts, now is the time to find out. What's wrong with just dating for now? If after a reasonable time, you both decide to go steady, then move on to the next step. Get to know each other first. That's my opinion, for what it's worth."
"Thanks, I appreciate you sharing your feelings about Rod," Jen said. "He has told me that you have taken him under your wing. He is all excited about your new project and the new division. Rod is awe-struck by you and thinks you're the most creative man he has ever met.
"After working with you for so short a time, Rod understands why Drew Stevens made you his executive assistant. He was not surprised when you told him about your new firm. He thinks you're a born leader."
"I'm flattered that Rod thinks so highly of me. He's not far off base, you know. I have faith in this new project and I appreciate your offer to help," Mac said. "I feel very confident that this project will be successful; in that event, you will be working for me. I'm more than willing to support you until you get on your feet, so don't hesitate to ask."
"That is sweet of you, Uncle," Jen said. "I just may take you up on that."
"You watch. Everything will fall into place for you now," Mac said. "Do me a favor, would you please start calling me Mac from now on. I don't feel old enough for you to be calling me uncle."
"No problem. Where do you want me to do my research work? All I really need is a table and a telephone for now."
"Good question, why don't you stick around tomorrow morning until Barbara, my secretary arrives. I'll see if she can assign you one of the spare offices. If you will excuse me, I have several hours of class work ahead of me this evening."
Mac got up, gave Jen a hug, and took off for the study.
To be continued...
Posted: 03/02/12