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 10

Mac woke at four-thirty and gently untangled himself from Drew, covering him with the blanket. He quickly shaved and dressed. He walked into the kitchen. He filled the kettle with water and set it on the stove to boil. He switched on the coffee maker and waited. He sliced a fresh California orange and ate it. He found the teapot and made the tea right way, with loose English tea. He walked into the living room and plugged his computer into the phone outlet to read his email. He then quickly answered all the email messages. His last message was to the Ritz security office notifying them that he and Drew would be returning by mid-morning. He then scanned Drew's messages and answered what he could, then signed off. After unplugging the computer, he returned to the kitchen to find Karl pouring out a cup of tea.

"Good morning, Karl. I could not resist the urge to read our email."

"Yes, that's good. I see you were able to find everything. Did you sleep comfortably?"

"Like a top. Drew was sleeping like a baby. He won't open his eyes until the sun is shining in his face. I love to watch him wake up in the morning. He is such a real sweetheart. I have never known him to be in a bad mood. That's another of his special qualities. He has many. Don't mind me. Once I get started talking about Drew I can sing his praises for hours. Now, I think it's time to wake up the roosters."

"Only if you promise to tell me the story of how you met," Karl said. "Is it true that he found you on his doorstep in a snow storm?"

Karl led the way to the stable. They saddled their mounts and rode out toward the fields.

"I see you like to ride bareback," Karl said. "I used to be able to ride the same way until I was burned in the groin area. Now I must use a specially padded saddle and never overdo, or I have problems afterwards. I had two of the best plastic surgeons in Europe repair the damage, but the tissue in the groin area is very sensitive to this day and I must be careful. The doctors wanted to do some hair transplanting in that area as well, but I refused. I had had enough surgery already up to that point. I have gotten used to not having any hair there. To tell you the truth, I like the look. Of course lighter fluid and a match is not a recommended removal technique for your average wimp."

"I'll take it under advisement," Mac said. "I don't have a masochistic bone in my body and don't plan to cultivate that type of activity under any circumstances."

"I'm glad we could have this opportunity to talk," Mac said. "Drew and I feel very fortunate to have met you and Philippe. We sincerely hope we can become friends. You are the first gay couple we've met. We must be careful about our private life. Drew and I really came out together so this is all new to us. We are both very reserved and Drew is an ultra-conservative person. He has very few close friends and confides in no one. However, we do feel comfortable with you and Philippe. We travel in a select circle of society and can afford to keep our private lives private. I am sure you feel the same way. I have a sixth sense about people and I feel very good about the vibrations I get from you and Philippe."

"I'm in total agreement with you," Karl said. "We would like to cultivate a friendship with you and Drew. Philippe and I have met several gay couples and see them on the holidays, but have nothing in common with them. As you said, we travel in different circles and have different philosophies. Our responsibilities leave us little time to really socialize and when we do we tend to spend the time with business associates and family.

"Tell me a little about yourself, Mac. You're somewhat of a mystery to me."

Mac told Karl about his background and of his duties with GW. He also briefed him about his present involvement with the MacDonald-Stevens firm. He gave Karl an overview of his five-year business plan and told how the pieces of the puzzle fit together.

"That's fantastic," Karl said. "Your plan is brilliant. I hope for your sake that everything falls into place. You mentioned that you were working with Eric Rothacher. Where does he fit into the puzzle?"

"Please keep everything I'm about to tell you in the strictest confidence," Mac said. "Eric is my counterpart with his company, but I feel that something is amiss with his firm. I'm meeting with him tomorrow to discuss some new projects, but I'm not too optimistic about the meeting."

Karl told Mac, "Everything I'm about to tell you can go no further, not even to Eric. I am a major stockholder and sit on the board of Eric's company. Eric is my cousin and an honest hard-working executive. His family, who happen to be ultra conservative in their business dealings, tie his hands. Eric is a young tiger and feels frustrated. He is trying to push the company into the 21st century in spite of the family and he is losing the battle. My feeling is that he will not stick around too much longer. I have been pushing him to go into business on his own. Hell, I even offered to back him. Unfortunately, Eric functions better in a more structured environment. Remember, an autocratic father raised him and he is used to that strong chain of command. He does not think outside of the box like you, Mac. He is a smart, competent executive, period. You are going to laugh at this, but you two would make a great team. Eric needs a dynamic leader like you to lead the way. Think seriously about working him into your five year plan."

Mac smiled, "I will let you in on a little secret, Karl. I already had Eric targeted to run my International Plastics group a long time ago."

Karl laughed, "I was right about you, Mac, you are a man of mystery. I'm afraid to ask you the next question; what do you have in mind for Philippe and me?"

Mac smiled, "You will become the President of WORLD-NET Communications. Philippe will head up EPII, the European Protection Intelligence International Division. You are not to mention this to Philippe. He will think I am crazy, and will have nothing to do with me. However, when the time is right, his company will become a division of MacDonald-Stevens."

"We should start heading back," Karl said. "Do you realize we have been talking for three hours? You are a fascinating person. I could listen to you for another three hours, but I know you have to get back to Paris. I hope you can find a place for Eric now that you have an understanding of what he's up against."

"As things stand, I'm not ready to make that move. I have my key people in place now and two other projects that take precedence. I need talented men like you and Eric in my organization. Think of what I've said, and we will talk again. I feel you are wasting your talents; you have the potential, and it's time you made use of it. Come work with me and you will never regret the move."

"I really don't have a choice when you put it that way," Karl said. "You are the first person to ever challenge me to break out of my rut. I plan to give it some serious thought. Let's plan to get together the next time we are in New York. I will block out at least three weeks this time. Philippe and I will spend time with my folks and keep at least a week open to visit you and Drew. I would like to meet with your people and see if you are for real, if that's alright with you."

"You will discover that I'm just a simple farm boy trying to make an honest living," Mac said with a broad grin. "You have my permission to speak to anyone you want about me. You know about my major divisions, but they do not. Please keep what I have told you confidential. I'm relying on your discretion."

"You can trust me on that score, Mac. In the meantime, I want you to feel free to call on me if you should need my help, financially, or otherwise."

"That's the spirit, old chap," Mac said. "I want you to promise me something, Karl, call me the next time you are depressed, no matter what the time, I will be there for you. My most reliable confidant, as a kid, was my prize cow, but she was sold with the farm. I promise to do a better job."

"How did you know I was depressed?" Karl asked. "It's uncanny how much you understand me. I feel I have known you all my life. If only we had more time to talk. Here we are back at the farm and I have not even broached some of the things I wanted to discuss with you."

"You know for a brainy guy you're kind of slow on the uptake," Mac said with a chuckle. "What did I just finish telling you about the telephone, Karl? It's really quite simple to operate, you pick it up, punch in my number, and I answer."

Karl laughed, "I got the message."

"The best time for me is at 5AM, or any time after 8PM if you just want to chat," Mac said. "If it's important, call any time, day or night. My service will reach me if it's an emergency. Let me know the date you plan to be in New York. I'm planning to ask Drew to move his yacht to Paradise Island. Maybe we can sail it from Puerto Rico to the Island. That would be a good time for you guys to teach me to sail."

"That would be great," Karl said. "Why don't we plan on that if Drew agrees? What are the odds that our breakfast will be ready for us when we walk in the door?"

Mac laughed heartily, "Well, since this is a gray overcast morning, I can guarantee that my baby is still soundly asleep."

Karl smiled, "You know, snuggling up to a nice warm body about this time sounds very inviting."

When they walked into the house, everything was quiet and definitely no signs of breakfast in the offing. They smiled and continued on upstairs.

Mac undressed and crawled into bed with Drew, took him in his arms and kissed him until he opened his eyes.

"You smell like fresh air and horses," Drew said. "In other words, sexy, I hope you planned to take advantage of me again."

"God, you're wonderful to come home to," Mac said. "Now I'm glad you didn't get up and make breakfast for me. Are you sure you're not too tired. Maybe we should pace ourselves; we have three more nights to go."

Drew put his arms around Mac and kissed him until he had Mac moaning with desire. After they made love, they stayed locked together.

"That was very nice," Mac said, "but I think we should get ready to leave. Check out time is ten o'clock. Come on, let's shower and dress."

They could smell the delightful aroma of bacon and fresh muffins permeating the stairs before they reached the kitchen. Philippe was standing over the stove and Karl was arranging the plates on the table.

"Good morning, all," Drew said. "Everything smells wonderful, Philippe! I'm starved."

After breakfast, they exchanged cards and headed back to Paris. Drew insisted that Philippe stay home with Karl, and let his assistant drive them back to Paris.

Mac had the driver close the partition and they listened to classical music.

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

"I think I have lined up three future division presidents for MacDonald-Stevens," Mac said. "If you approve, I plan to approach Eric Rothacher before I leave on Tuesday."

"I can't leave you alone for an hour," Drew chided in fun.

Mac took Drew into his arms and kissed him, telling him of his meeting with Karl.

"This is wonderful, Mac. Why haven't you ever told me about your strategic plan?"

"Because I thought you would think my plans were too ambitious and that you would possibly reject the plan before I had a chance to prove its worth. I have looked the plan over from your viewpoint and concluded that it was a bit presumptuous. I was reminded of the scoundrels your mother told me about before we married. You know I would never go forward with anything that you didn't approve. I saw fifteen years of planning go down the drain. You once told me that life was a matter of making the right choices. I made the right choice when I married you. Wherever that path leads us I will follow you to the end of my life."

"How could you ever think I would treat you that way?" Drew asked. "Mac, you are a brilliant young man who has an exceptional mind. You must never be afraid to come to me. You are my spouse and I love you more than anything in this world. You know I'm a successful businessman and would never let our personal relationship interfere with making sound business judgments. Even though I may disagree with you, I would never hold you back if you felt convinced your plan would work." Drew took Mac's hand and said, "Now tell me your plan."

Mac began from the top and laid out his entire strategic plan. He explained the plan in detail. He elaborated on the formation of the ten major corporate divisions. Mac explained why it was necessary to purchase the two major divisions from GW Corporation. He left nothing out, even to the peripheral support companies they would need to purchase in the future. They were so engrossed in the conversation, that they didn't realize they were parked in front of the Ritz. Mac finished his briefing in their suite. "Well, Drew, that's my plan. Are you ready to divorce me, now?"

"My God, I can't believe this. This is the most comprehensive, well thought out plan I have ever heard. You, my beautiful farm boy, are amazing. How in God's name would an eleven year old even care about something of this magnitude? It's times like this that you scare me. Don't tell me this is the subject of your thesis? Because if it is, it will be stolen, before you have had a chance to put it into operation. I'll admit, I'm not comfortable with your idea of splitting up GW Stevens, but I can see the wisdom behind it," Drew said. "Now I understand why you refused to run my company. There won't be much of the company left to run if your plan is put forth. I love the irony of the whole plan. All that will remain of GW Stevens is the building supply company, and the investment banks that old GW started with. I don't think Thomas could handle this concept."

"I think he would put a bullet in my brain first," Mac said. "Thomas will be out of the picture by the time this plan goes into effect. Maybe one of his sons, or Brian King, will be running GW by then. That's your call."

"What are you trying to tell me, Mac?" Drew said.

"I believe our investigation of Thomas Hopkins will reveal that he is the man behind the undermining of US Chemical & Polymers. I know he is planning to force you out of GW Stevens and take over control of the company."

Drew stared a Mac in disbelief, "My God, Mac, this is unbelievable. If it's true, how long you have suspected Thomas?"

"I discovered his plan after reading his mind the night of my graduation party."

"How can he force me to step aside?" Drew asked. My mother and Claudia would vote with me and we control the majority of the stock."

"He will use me as the wedge to force you to resign," Mac said. "I'm your weak link. If he ever finds out the truth about us, it's all over. Think about that for a moment. Now do you see why I wanted to fold the Plastics group into MacDonald-Stevens? We will own the MacDonald-Stevens Corporation and no one can hurt us. I only need a year to put phase one into action," Mac said. "If you approve of my basic plan nothing will stop us, Drew. However, you must be in control of GW to approve my Health Services operation. It will take that long for several of the other projects to kick in."

"Thomas is not ready to make his move yet. He needs more time. After you come home, you can take over and figure out a plan to rid the company of Thomas. You are going to need to build a strong case against him. Charles, John and RW are working on the case now. Your mom is the only other one that knows about this."

"I'm absolutely shocked by this bombshell!" Drew said. "I don't know what to say."

"I feel terrible that Thomas could use me to get at you," Mac said. "To allay any suspicion, do you think it would help you if I moved out of the penthouse until this blows over?"

"That's absolutely out of the question," Drew said. "I'd sooner give up the company. You mean more to me than anything in this world."

Mac turned his head away from Drew as the tears rolled down his cheeks. "You make me feel important and loved. I'm sorry for not telling you about my plans before. I didn't plan to tell you about Thomas until you came back home. I didn't want you to worry. I have everything under control for the present. Just be patient with me. I promise you I will do better. I may be a genius in your eyes, but in my own mind, I'm still the country boy who walked into the life of a rich and powerful man. Did you really think I could make that transition and learn everything there is to know in ten months? You have no idea how difficult it is to keep up, and make sure everything is on track. I don't want to make a mistake that may cost you a small fortune. Thank goodness, I have not made any mistakes where it mattered. Drew, you were born into this lifestyle and you were groomed to take over the company at an early age. You've been exposed to this opulence since childhood. It's difficult to for me to accept the fact that you would turn your back on your company, your family, and friends, for me. Your life was simple and less complicated before I came along."

"That may be true, but it was also very lonely, Mac. I look upon you as my equal," Drew said. "As a matter of fact I find you far superior in many ways. Case in point being your strategic business plan. Constructive criticism is part of the learning experience. I am not annoyed by your plans for GW Stevens. I will have to study your plan and your supporting data before I will make my final decision. Based on what I have heard so far, your plan sounds like a winner. I forgive you for not sharing that with me from the beginning. Granted, I was a little disappointed that you felt you could not come to me first."

"Now that you know about Thomas, I want you to read my mind whenever you wish. This way you will know what I'm thinking," Mac offered.

"Good, now that we have settled that, let's move on to our other business. I think you should go ahead with your plan to recruit Eric Rothacher. I will dissolve U.S. Chemical Systems and sell the two plastics divisions to MacDonald-Stevens. Prepare the complete plan together with the financing. I want to hit them with everything at once. When can you make your presentation on the Health Services Group?"

"I will have the rough draft for you by the time you return next month."

"Good, now what about the e-mail?"

Mac briefed him on all their messages and his responses.

Then Mac added, "I would like you to follow up on Philippe and Karl. I want to make sure we meet again in New York on their next visit. I would also like you to consider moving the West Wind to Paradise Island. If you agree, they could help you sail to the Island. Maybe you can teach me how to sail at the same time."

"That sounds like a winner," Drew said, "I think we'll get more use out of the boat down there. Let's plan on that. I wish I could return to New York with you. I feel that I'm missing out on all the action. I can't wait to begin my campaign against Thomas Hopkins. I never liked the guy. Besides, I'm afraid if I'm not around to watch you, you'll work yourself to death. I can see the heavy workload you are under already. Running two businesses, and trying to keep up with your university is really too much for one man. I can see the tension is building up, and I don't like it. Please promise me you won't take on any new projects until I return."

After they finished lunch, they caught up on the backlog of business they had neglected. Drew took care of the cash transfers for Mac, and signed all the corporate documents Mac had carried from New York. The session moved along quickly. Mac made an oral presentation on each document from memory. Drew made his recommendations for his department heads. Drew put together the employment package for Chip Buchner, and suggested several scenarios for Eric Rothacher.

"Do you realize that we have been at this for six hours?" Drew commented. "I think that's enough for one day." He got up and walked behind the chair Mac was sitting in, put his arms around him and kissed him on the ears and neck and rubbed Mac's chest.

"That feels good. Come around here and sit on my lap and we can both have fun," Mac said.

After a few minutes of passionate petting, Mac said, "Sweetheart, let's continue this in the bedroom."

"You make me feel so alive, Mac. I'm amazed how much we can accomplish working together as a team. These sessions are always intense, yet I never feel tired after a solid session. Of course, we don't always have the luxury of unwinding like this every time, but I'm sure we can use our imaginations. Something you said this afternoon bothers me. You made that statement about being a simple farm boy. You are by far the most complex person I have ever known. You have adapted so well to your new status. You're proficient in several languages and have developed an appreciation of music and the arts. You have become a polished person and I am awed by your extraordinary ability to solve complex problems far beyond your years of experience. You must never blame yourself for Thomas turning against me," Drew said. "There will always be a Thomas Hopkins in our world. That goes with the territory when you are a powerful leader. If I had been minding the store, I may have caught him eventually, through our investigation of US Chemicals. However, you caught him and took the appropriate action. My judgment in you was justified and together we will neutralize Thomas and thereby remove another threat against us.

"Never be afraid of losing me, because you never will. Always come to me to discuss anything you feel is important. I will always be fair-minded and give you my honest opinion. I happen to be a good executive because I listen to what people have to say, and if it's good for my company, I will go ahead, even if I am personally opposed to the idea. You are doing an excellent job at running my company. I've been receiving very favorable comments from the same executives who were opposed to you in the beginning. I'm pleased for the way you have handled a difficult job. You've earned the respect of my department heads and you are giving them the support they need. I plan to give you a healthy salary increase and bonus for a job well done.

"I've changed my mind. Now I want you to accelerate your strategic plan for our new corporation. If you need any advice or any additional financing make sure you let me know. I have to admit, you've got me excited about this whole new business plan."

"I've known from the beginning that we would make a great team," Mac said. "You are an easy person to work with, and you have an intimate knowledge of the games played inside the boardrooms. It wouldn't be the same if you weren't by my side." He pulled Drew into his arms, kissed him very tenderly. He explored every inch of Drew's body and kept him at the point of climax, then would stop. He kept this up for a long time until they could not hold back any longer and each experienced a long, satisfying orgasm.

Mac awoke to the sounds of the evening traffic. Drew was asleep with his head resting on Mac's chest. Mac kissed him and woke him up.

"You're a delight," Mac said. "Are you ready to feed the farm boy, and treat me to an elegant dinner at one of those intimate candlelit restaurants that the natives love so much? I want to be your lover tonight. Then we can take a stroll and find one of those little sidewalk cafés, and have an espresso and a brandy while watching the world walk by. What do you say, my love?"

"You're turning me on again," Drew said. "I know just the place. Hand me the telephone." Drew rang the manager, asked him to make the reservations for two at Anna Marie's, and reserved a limo for the evening."

"I think it might be a good idea if we dressed," Mac said.

They were up, showered, dressed, and left for Anna Marie's. The restaurant was exactly as Mac pictured it.

Drew ordered the wine and made a toast, "To us. May we always be as happy as we are tonight."

"You are absolutely radiant tonight, baby," Mac said. "You are so handsome and so wonderful to be with. I never thought I could be this lucky."

Drew was enjoying Mac's companionship. He couldn't believe how handsome Mac was. Drew thought, 'He is so expressive and when he speaks, his eyes sparkle with his disarming smile and charming manner. He makes me very happy. It's at times like this that I realize how full my life is with him now.'

Mac looked into Drew's eyes, "What's the matter, sweetheart, am I talking too much?"

Drew smiled, "Not at all. I was reminiscing about the last time I had dinner here. I realize how lucky I am to be married to you. I was admiring your handsome face as you were telling me of your plans. The last time I was here, there was a charming young couple sitting at a table nearby, obviously very much in love. They were oblivious to the other people in the room, yet I couldn't help but observe the loving glances and the occasional touching. I was envious of them and felt very lonely that night. I wanted to have someone to love and to share my life with, just like that young couple. How circumstances change. Here I was resigned to the fact that this would never happen to me, and then you walked into my life."

"Now, a year later, I am married and sitting across from my spouse, the most beautiful creature in the world, planning our next vacation," Drew said. "You have made me feel alive and happy. I will always love you and I promise I will drop this presidential assignment. I don't want to be separated from you any longer."

"This is wonderful news. It will be nice to live a normal life with you again."

They finished dinner and took a leisurely stroll until they found a delightful sidewalk café. They ordered espresso with brandy and watched the world pass by.

"Can we return to our hotel now?" Mac asked. "I think you've had enough excitement for one weekend. Anyway, it's past your bed time."

Drew smiled, "You always want to go to bed, don't you?"

"You bet, now pay the nice man and take me home and put me to bed. I'll signal our chauffeur."

Mac checked his voice mail and returned his calls while Drew was doing the same thing in the second bedroom. His last call was to Eric Rothacher. He closed his computer and walked into their bedroom to undress. He used the bathroom then slid into bed to wait for Drew to finish his calls. He heard Drew softly whispering his name. He opened his eyes to find Drew was naked lying on top of him, biting his ear.

"I could do anything I wanted with you and you would just keep on sleeping," Drew said. "You didn't stir when I lay on top of you and I'm no light-weight."

"I'm used to your lying on top of me, sweetheart," Mac said. "I have trained myself not to wake up unless you play with me, or whisper my name. I have a ten o'clock appointment with Eric tomorrow morning at his office downtown. I'll bet you woke me to tell me what time you want me to wake you in the morning?"

Drew smiled and said, "Yea, right! I don't have to be there until eleven, so we can sleep in."

"That's nice. Would you like me to show you how much I love you, baby? I was so turned on in that restaurant that I thought I would go bonkers. You have to stop giving me those sexy looks and telling me how much you love me. I want to take you in my arms and smother you with kisses. You feel good, baby. God, how you can turn me on." They made love and fell asleep. The next morning Drew woke up at five and made love to Mac again. They finally got up at seven, dressed, and were having breakfast in the dining room.

"I received confirmation this morning that they've transferred two hundred million into the MacDonald-Stevens account," Drew said. "Now before you get upset I want you to listen to me. You really don't have enough working capital in the bank to take care of our new projects. Nineteen million will be withdrawn on Friday to purchase Paradise Island. You will need another ten million to develop the Island. That will leave you a little over thirty million of working capital. If you work a deal with Eric, and with your Health Services start-up you are going to need that and more. You'll need to rent office space and to hire and train your staff. We'll know more by next week when Rod comes up with a budget."

"You're right. Why would you think I would be upset? You have more experience in both finance and management. My plan is based on a five-year schedule and I can see the need for the additional capital. If you are sure about fast tracking the three projects, I'll move ahead. Drew, you know I'm still a neophyte in the business world. I have set my goals and have created these plans. However, they are still only theories, they have not been tested. I believe strongly in the plans and I am convinced they will succeed. I have one question; what if I lose your money? I would feel terrible if I lost it all. I don't want to fail."

"We all take risks in business, Mac. I believe you will become a driving force in the future. I'm also convinced your plan will work and that is the reason I am investing the money. You are not alone. I'll be there to help you and keep my eye on the petty cash box. I won't think any the less of you if you lost every penny I've invested. It is a risk I believe will pay off. Did you think I was going to give you the money and walk away? My job is to pour over the balance sheets and make sure we are on budget. You may be a neophyte in business, but I'm glad you are not my competitor. Being young has never had anything to do with genius, or talent. There's not a man in my company that can hold a candle to you. So please, holler for me when or if your start to feel the walls closing in on you. Clear your mind of any negative thoughts about your abilities. I believe in you and that's all that really matters. After all, baby, it is half your money anyway. Didn't you read our marriage contract?"

"Mac smiled and said, "Yes, dear, but I never intended to use it. You give me everything I want without asking. Thank goodness, you want to handle the financial side of the business, I find it very boring. Why do you think I dropped Finance and became a lawyer?"

"Ah, the truth comes out at last. I will be happy to handle that end of the business, dear."

They finished breakfast and left for their next appointments.

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

Mac arrived early for his appointment with Eric Rothacher. He asked Eric's secretary for a vacant conference room to work in until Eric arrived. He plugged his lap top computer into the phone line and transmitted his e-mail to New York. By the time Eric arrived, Mac had made a good start on his daily correspondence.

"Good morning, Eric. I thought I could sneak this work in before our meeting. It's good to see you again. You are a hard man to track down, my friend. What wonderful new business deal do you have for me this trip?"

"I'm afraid I have nothing to offer you this time around. I thought I had a firm commitment from my board, but at the last minute, they turned me down. Unfortunately, they have decided not to fund any project that does not tie directly into our basic business. I realize this must be disappointing news to you. I was excited about these projects."

"I'm not disappointed to hear that, Eric. In fact, I'm pleased. I am still convinced they would have made a handsome profit. Your ears must have been burning this weekend. I had a long chat with your cousin, Karl. He agrees with me that you are wasting your time with your present company. Eric, as you have gathered by now, I don't beat around the bush. Therefore, I'm going to lay it out for you. I want you to come and work for me."

Eric laughed, "You continue to amaze me, Mac. Why would I want to do that?"

"Well, for openers, you can become the president of my new Plastics Division. If you're interested, I will be happy to discuss it further."

"You have this uncanny way of crossing my path at the right moment, just like the first time we met," Eric said. "Anything I tell you is off the record. Your timing could not be better. It's not a question of my working for you. It's more a question of ethics. I would have a problem taking a job with the company my firm is doing business with at the present time."

"I agree, but my firm is the MacDonald-Stevens Corporation and it has no connection with the GW Stevens Company," Mac said. "You forget, I'm a lawyer, Eric, I would never put you in a compromising position. Look, Eric, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that something has changed dramatically since we started working together. I was convinced that the new products we were researching showed great promise. Yet every proposal we presented has been put on the back burner. I knew you were not the obstacle; you were just as enthusiastic as I was about the projects.

"Naturally, I was disappointed that so much time has slipped by without any action being taken. Your company has sat with these proposals long enough. Your firm has exceeded the deadline and has lost their option. I have no alternative, but to proceed without them."

"I'm sorry we let you down," Eric said. "I have really gone to the wall to get approval for these projects. I feel as strongly as you do about these projects. The only reason I accepted the presidency of this company initially was to diversify and to add new products to our existing product line. We cannot continue to rely on one product in today's changing market. I have been preaching this for years, but my ideas have been ignored. Mind you, our business is healthy and our profits are up. The bottom line is that as long as the stockholders feel that way, my hands are tied."

"I'm going ahead with the projects in my new division," Mac said. "I would like you to join me, but it's your decision. I like you, Eric, and feel that we would make a good team. You surely also realize, I must move ahead and find a man to fill the slot if you're not interested. I am not leaving for New York until Wednesday morning. If I don't hear from you by tomorrow evening, I will assume that you are not interested. In any event, I wanted you to know that Drew will continue to handle your account."

"Are you severing your relationship with GW Stevens already?" Eric asked.

"No, I'll be staying on as Drew's executive assistant until he returns to New York. After that, my time will be spent running the MacDonald-Stevens Corporation."

"I'll miss you, Mac. Let's say I'm interested in your offer; who would I be reporting to?"

"You would be reporting directly to me. I am CEO of the corporation and Drew is the Chairman. If you accept, you will be the President of the Rothacher Division and a corporate VP of the MacDonald-Stevens Corporation. I am offering you the opportunity to make a name for yourself. If you join me, you will be a very happy man and a wealthy one as well."

"It is difficult for me to make such an important career change based on the information you have given me so far," Eric said. "I would need to know a lot more before I could possibly consider your offer."

Mac explained his plans for the new division and the plan to purchase U.S. Chemicals and Plastics from GW Stevens. He spelled out Eric's duties, and what he was expected to accomplish within the first five years. Mac went on to explain in detail, how both he and Drew would support Eric until the company was fine-tuned. He explained the role the other divisions would play to provide support him in the administrative end of the business.

"When you call to accept my offer, I will need a starting date, your résumé, and your present salary package," Mac said. "It will take me about a week to draw up a contract. After that's out of the way, you will fly up to New York where I will run you through our battery of corporate tests. Do you have any objections to taking my tests?"

"None," Eric replied. "We are governed by the same rules."

"My cardinal rule in business is to hire the best talented people I can find, and help them build a great company," Mac said. "I've known from day one that we would be working together in the future. If you are willing to do what it takes to make this work, you will not be disappointed. Think of the endless possibilities open to you when you are running your own division. Moreover, you will be sharing ideas and strategies with other creative executives in the corporation, who are as progressive and as motivated as you."

"You certainly make everything sound inviting," Eric said.

"Will you be free tomorrow?" Eric asked. "I think I would like to talk to you again about this if you have the time."

"I'll make the time," Mac said. "Let me know this afternoon."

After the meeting, Mac returned to the Ritz and spent the rest of the day reading reports and making calls to New York. The house telephone rang this time and it was Drew.

"Sorry. It looks like I will be tied up until seven," Drew said. "I was hoping I could get away early."

"That's fine. I didn't realize the time," Mac said. "My God, it's five o'clock. No wonder I'm so stiff. I have worked straight through since this morning. Why don't you pick out a nice casual little bistro where we can dine at a leisurely pace? I'm going to the gym to work out for an hour. See you at seven."

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

Mac felt relaxed and rejuvenated after his workout. He was reading the newspaper when Drew came in. "You look all in," Mac said. "Why don't you change and we'll have a glass of wine."

"That sounds inviting. Give me a few minutes."

Mac opened a bottle of chilled white wine and poured it into the glasses.

Drew came in and sat down on the sofa next to Mac. He leaned over and kissed him, "You smell fresh. How did your day go with Eric?"

"Why wouldn't I smell good, I'm a clean cut country boy? We always smell fresh. I had a fantastic day, thank you. I met with our future division president and had a very productive meeting."

"Great, I must be in early tomorrow morning, but I'm planning to knock off at lunch and spend the rest of the day with you. We can have lunch on one of the riverboats that run on the Seine for starters, and we'll play it by ear for the rest of the day. How does that sound to you?"

"Very romantic, I'll schedule Eric for a breakfast meeting. I did a little mind reading on him and he has already decided to accept my offer. In fact, he is very excited about everything. I'm sure he wants to talk it over with his wife tonight."

"That's wonderful. We're going to have to come up with a good package for him."

Mac briefed Drew on the entire conversation he had with Eric, including Eric's thoughts on the proposal. "I'm impressed with some of the projects he wants to tackle. What do you think, Drew?"

"He has some great ideas and I think we'll make a few dollars on this deal. You're right, he'll be an asset to our firm and he couldn't come along at a better time. Well done, Mac, another interesting and profitable weekend thanks to you. It looks like you are going to keep me busy putting packages together for your new divisions. This gives me a perfect excuse to resign. He definitely has to find another man."

Mac smiled, "I can't wait to have you home and live a normal life with you again."

Mac called Eric and agreed to meet him at eight o'clock for breakfast at the Ritz.

The following morning Mac was up at five, shaved, showered, and returned to bed to make love with Drew. Mac always enjoyed their early morning lovemaking sessions. He liked to catch Drew when he was still half-asleep, because he could play with him longer before he climaxed. As Mac's desire became stronger, his brain waves stimulated Drew more. They always had the most satisfying and tender lovemaking sessions.

Later, they showered and dressed for their morning meetings. Drew did not waste any time. He was out of the hotel suite before seven. Mac spent the time finishing the rough drafts of the salary package for Chip and Eric.

Eric was seated at the table when Mac arrived. "Good morning, Eric. Let's order right away, I'm starved." Eric motioned to their waiter.

Mac smiled, "Well, Eric, where is that envelope with your résumé and your salary package?" Mac asked.

Eric chuckled, "No one will ever accuse you of being laid back. I've always admired your directness. This was not a decision to be taken lightly. It was only yesterday that you made me the offer. I've thought of nothing else since yesterday. I was so preoccupied in making the decision that I didn't sleep well. I'm glad we could talk again before you left. It's not easy walking away from the family business and the trappings of being president of a large and respected firm."

"Forgive me, Eric, but how could you even give a second thought about staying with the present company? Either you would walk out on your own, or they will force you out. In either event, it's not a healthy situation. Surely you must see that. Can't you see how our association will be good for the both of us? The timing is perfect. I'm giving you the opportunity to move on with all our pet projects. In addition, I'm giving you two companies to run. Granted you are the president of an old and respected firm, but we both know you're nothing more than a figurehead. Your family is in charge. If you stay on with them, you will become frustrated and unhappy.

"Look, Eric, we think alike, we're both smart and creative. I don't intend to let you carry this heavy burden of forming the new division all alone. We will work side-by-side until we have fine-tuned the division. After that, I will continue to give you all the support and help you will need. Once your division is up and running and you feel comfortable, I will fade into the background and you will run your own show."

"Thank you for your honesty and for your confidence in me," Eric said. "You have helped me more than you realize, I'm truly grateful. I discussed your proposal in detail with my wife last night. She has agreed to support me when I told her I was going to accept your offer if you could clarify some of the questions I had. In light of what you've said, I feel confident that we can work together, therefore I'm happy to accept your offer.

"You will have my résumé and a breakdown of my present salary package this afternoon.

"After we sign the contract, I will tender my resignation. It will take me at least three months to wind down everything at my company and to help with the selection of my replacement. This will not prevent me from working with you to whip our new company together. I can be working on our five year plan and start doing some number crunching for our budget."

Mac smiled, reached over, shook Eric's hand, and said, "Welcome aboard, Eric. It's a pleasure to shake the hand of the president of the Eric Rothacher Division. We are going to be two very busy people for the next few months. I know Drew will be pleased when he learns you have accepted our offer."

Eric told Mac, "It's hard to believe how you have matured in the short time I've known you. I find it extraordinary that you would end up being my boss. If you had told me eight months ago that this would happen, I would have thought you were crazy. The strange thing is I feel good about the arrangement. Where did you acquire this uncanny grasp of business? Drew Stevens was no fool when he set you up in the MacDonald-Stevens Corporation. If I had the money I would have beat him to the punch and grabbed you myself."

Mac smiled, "Thanks for your kind words, Eric; I have been blessed. However, always remember it takes a smart man to recognize talent and a great man to develop that talent. Drew Stevens is the great man that has given me the means to develop my creative talent. He has encouraged me to move ahead. Drew is a perceptive business leader and I am continuing to learn more from him every day. I'm using his years of experience and knowledge to build my corporation. In your case, I'm creating a division to develop your creative abilities. I've been lucky that everything has fallen into place in my ten year business plan," Mac said. "Someday, when you have the time, I'll share that with you. I think it will help put everything into the proper perspective."

Eric chuckled, "I plan to hold you to that, Mac. Maybe I'll learn the secret of your success."

"I plan to share that success with you, Eric. Your employment package is my top priority right now and I will have it for you next week. You will be receiving your laptop computer by the end of the week. Please use that to communicate with me from now on."

"Everything sounds great," Eric said. "Let me know the medical group you are using over here for the tests and I will get that out of the way next week. I will check my e-mail messages every day. I am sure we will be busy every day. Well, I must get to the office and put that information together for you. Thank you again, Mac, and I am looking forward to my trip to New York." They shook hands again and walked out of the dining room.

Mac returned to his suite and worked on the proposal until Drew returned for lunch. They elected to eat in one of the charming sidewalk cafés for lunch. After lunch, they took the tour of Paris in the private car Drew had hired for the day. Their driver made the trip enjoyable with his colorful narrative of Paris.

Drew had made reservations for dinner on one of the larger riverboats that specialize in candlelight cruises around Paris. After dinner, they had a drink at a sidewalk café and walked back to the Ritz.

When they returned to their rooms, Mac said, "Thank you for making this day so enjoyable. I have fallen in love with you all over again, as I do every night lately. It is exciting to be married to you."

"This weekend has made me realize that I never want to be separated from you again," Drew said. "Whether you admit it or not, you have a magic that draws people to you and I'm delighted to have you here this weekend. It is hard to believe how much living we have packed into four glorious days. You are the most electrifying man I have ever known. You have taken my monotonous life and made it beautiful. I love you and I can't wait to be with you every day."

They went into the bedroom and undressed, went to bed, and made love.

Mac was up early the next morning, showered, dressed, and went into the sitting room to tackle his e-mail. His goal was to complete the draft of an employment contract for Eric. He wanted Drew to approve the deal before he returned to New York. After he was satisfied, that everything was correct; he printed the copies he needed. Then he began the final draft on Chip's contract. He included all the points that he had agreed upon in their discussion on Thursday. He finished up by eight o'clock and was glad he had tackled it while his mind was fresh. His stomach was telling him it was time to order breakfast and to wake Drew.

He went into the bedroom and sat on the bed next to Drew. He leaned over and kissed him on the ear and cheek. "Wake up, sleepy head. Our breakfast will be here in twenty minutes. I have to catch my plane in less than two hours." He kissed Drew again. "God, I hate to leave you. I wish I could take you home with me."

"I don't want you to leave, my handsome farm boy. I'd better shower."

Mac had scanned all the papers as he waited for Drew. By the time Drew walked into the sitting room, the waiter had set up the breakfast table and left.

"You should have good flying weather," Drew said. "It's a beautiful day, but that is always true when you are sitting across the table from me. Is there any last minute issue you wanted to go over before you leave?"

"As a matter of fact, there is," Mac said. "You must be reading my mind again."

"As a matter of fact, I was. I enjoy reading your mind, particularly when you get that lusty look in your eyes. You want me to look over Eric's contract, am I right?"

Mac smiled, "Right. I see your powers are becoming stronger every day. You don't mind, do you?"

"As soon as we finish breakfast, I will look it over."

After breakfast, Drew read the contract while Mac finished his packing. He returned with his bags and loaded all the documents Drew had signed for GW Stevens into his carry-on case.

Mac walked over to the sofa and sat down next to Drew. He waited until Drew finished reading the employment contract.

"Well, I think you've put together a good contract," Drew said. "I think Eric should be pleased with it. I think it's just fine. We still have time to make a decision on how to handle the existing business with the Rothacher Limited account. When he signs our contract, we can ask him the best way to handle the account."

"Is there anything else you wanted to discuss business-wise?" Mac asked. Drew shook his head. Mac took him into his arms and held him. "The time passed quickly. Oddly enough, I feel good about our marriage. For the first time I really feel like a married man. I'm going to miss you just as much, but I'm able to accept our separation. I know if it gets too hard to take, I can hop on a plane to be with you."

"I knew that you would finally reach that conclusion in time," Drew said. "This separation has been difficult for both of us, yet it has made our marriage stronger. I feel we have come to understand our commitment to each other much better. We will have a lifetime together. One month is not too long to wait."

Mac gave him a long passionate kiss and said, "Well, that kiss will have to hold me until you return. It's time to leave now. Take care and I will call you tomorrow morning unless some emergency rears its ugly head."

"I love you, Mac, and I will miss you," Drew said. "Please call me if you are feeling lonely."

Mac took his bags and left to catch his flight to New York. 

To be continued...

Posted: 03/02/12