A Heartfelt Christmas Promise

by Nancy Naigle

  “That’s important. I bet you have a stellar team.”

  “I do. I handpicked each one, and they are as dedicated as I am.”

  “Well, that is wonderful. To reward you for your efforts and long years of service and dedication to grow the brand and instill quality in the products…” Vanessa slid a stack of papers across the desk. “… I’ve put together a wonderful package for you. You’ve been entitled to receive retirement and pension benefits for quite a while.”

  “Well, yes … but…” Edna’s face twisted as she reached toward the papers. “I love my job.”

  “It shows. Thank you so much. I’ve been able to provide you with extra compensation and a very nice bonus along with the package you’re already eligible for. I’m so excited to be able to do this for you.”

  “Why?” Edna stared blankly across the desk. “Why would you want to do this for me?”

  “We appreciate you.” Vanessa smiled, trying to pull her into the good part of this news. It was a substantial bonus. She flipped over the first three pages and pointed to the bonus amount. “Right here.”

  Edna leaned in. “Wow. That’s a lot of money.”

  “For years of dedication and service.”

  “This is very generous,” Edna said. “I’m just doing my job, though. Like everyone else. We all love Porter’s.”

  “I know. And now you can relax and enjoy the reward of all those years of effort.”

  “I see.” Edna sat back in her chair. “Changes are coming,” she said quietly.

  “We’ll be repurposing the footprint. Leveraging some of the unused space for warehousing, as I mentioned the other night. Were you able to join us?”

  “Yes. I was there.”

  “Look, Edna, some jobs will change. You’ve been a huge part of Porter’s success and I want to be sure you’re well taken care of. Nothing is set. I’m just beginning the analysis and putting the plan together, but no matter what the eventual outcomes are, it’s your turn to take advantage of what you’ve worked for all these years. I don’t want you to lose any of that. I’m so delighted I was able to look after you a little with the extra compensation.”

  “I’m not that old, you know.”

  “Of course, but isn’t that what makes this even better? You can use that bonus to do some of the things you’ve always wanted to do, and you’re young enough to enjoy it. It also moves your salary into a different bucket, giving me a little extra room for others in this budget.”

  “I should be very grateful,” Edna said as if talking to herself. “I’m grateful. Thankful, of course. It’ll be interesting to see how things work out.” She stood, then reached across the desk to shake Vanessa’s hand.

  No hugs this time, but Vanessa knew that most people didn’t hear much after the first words in these types of conversations anyway. She was certain Edna would be delighted after a few days of sleeping in, and especially right here at the holidays. She could bake until her little heart was content.

  “Thank you again.” Vanessa came around the desk and gathered the papers for Edna. She tapped them straight and slid them into the envelope she’d already prepared with the contact information for corporate for specific questions about the package.

  “You can have the rest of the day off, and I hope you truly enjoy every day going forward.”

  Edna nodded as Vanessa walked her out.

  Bill sat in the chair across from Lilene’s desk. He looked at Edna, then flinched and jerked his gaze toward Vanessa.

  “You must be Bill, come on in.”

  He clambered to his feet and followed her into the office.

  “Hi, Bill. Thank you for all you’ve done for Porter’s. Some of these buildings are a little spread out. I was excited to see how much you’ve done across the entire site.”

  He flashed a wary glance. “Yes. I have. I’ve been here since before we had all these buildings. Since back when we only had one kitchen in the tiny corner store. We used to serve right out the window to people.”

  “I had no idea.”

  “Now that’s the gift section of the retail store. It was a small five-person team when I started here.”

  “Amazing.”

  He shrugged.

  “So, tell me about the warehouse buildings.”

  “Like what?”

  Like pulling teeth, apparently. “I’m staying over at the corporate apartment. What is that building used for? Why is it not being used now? I don’t know. What’s the history there?”

  Bill became a little more animated. “When Mr. Porter passed away, his son really began to grow the business. He built that warehouse. Part of it was used to store the boxes ready for shipment to retailers. One section was a garage for maintenance and repair of the vehicles they used to deliver everything across the region.”

  “You did your own distribution.”

  “Yes, for years. Then it became more affordable to outsource that part of the business. He was a smart businessman. People around here didn’t always like his decisions, and he was kind of blunt about things. But in his defense, his smart thinking kept this town alive.”

  “What is that building used for now?”

  “Just for you to stay in while you’re in town, I guess. There’s no hotel around here, so it works.”

  “Is everything else in working order?”

  “Yeah. We make sure everything gets checked on a regular schedule. It can be bad to just leave a building sitting. I make sure she’s taken care of. The HVAC systems are new. We upgraded all the wiring a few years ago.”

  “Why? I mean if the space isn’t being used, why the new HVAC and electrical?”

  “I’m not sure. I guess Mr. Porter was going to start something new, but then he sold to AGC instead.”

  “I see.” She jotted down some notes. “How about the building directly behind us?”

  “That’s not really good for anything except a warehouse, and not up to code for food products anymore.”

  “But it would be usable warehouse space for nonperishables. Say, sporting equipment?”

  “Definitely, if it was cleared out.”

  “How big is that one?”

  “Oh, it’s actually much bigger than where you’re staying. The way it’s laid out is deceiving. At one time there was talk of dividing it into three units. That could still be done.”

  “Great. Good. Well, you really do know your stuff about this company.”

  “There’s old equipment stored in that building. I’ve been telling AGC that all of that surplus needs to be scrapped. There’s a lot of money in that scrap metal. No one has listened, though.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.” It would have fallen on Micky, since this was his account to have kept up with the company. Even though some of the businesses got taken apart and consolidated with others, the bottom line was that they were supposed to do whatever it took to get the business on solid ground. “Can we work together to clear that old equipment out? It makes sense to do that.”

  “Sure. It won’t take long. I know a guy. One call and I can have it taken care of. Just wasn’t my call to make without corporate weighing in since they bought us out.”

  “I understand. Well, consider it a go. Can you make that call today?”

  “I can. Won’t happen until Monday. Holiday and all.”

  She turned to her computer and typed in the request. “Thank you.”

  Edna had seemed disappointed, making her stomach grind a little as she started to share the good news with Bill. “Good” being relative. “Bill, you’ve been an exemplary employee with Porter’s. Well, you know that already, but we really appreciate it.” She slid the stack of papers in front of him. “I’d appreciate it if you won’t disclose the details of this, but in reviewing your…” The rest was kind of like reciting from memory.

  Only Bill didn’t look sad at all. A big toothy grin spread across his face. His scruffy mustache and beard bounced as he grinned. That was a grin … wasn’t it?

>   She was still talking, trying to read the expression, when he burst out in a guffaw.

  “Ah-ha-ha. You’re paying me to retire, and the bonus is…” He flipped through the pages. “Enough to buy the boat of my dreams. And then some. I’ll be dipped in mud!”

  Is that a good thing?

  “This just doesn’t happen to people like me.” His eyes glinted as he lifted them to meet hers. “Not in small towns like this. This is great. Thank you.” He pushed a thick hand under his nose. “Look at me getting all misty. Joy. That’s what that is. Pure joy. Thank you.”

  She let out a breath. Finally, someone that saw it the way she did. It was good news. An opportunity. Isn’t retirement what we all really work toward anyway? “There’s one more thing, and this isn’t in the documents, but I’ll have them drawn up after the holiday if you agree.”

  “What is it?” His brows knit together. “Should’ve known there was a catch.”

  “No. No catch. All of that is yours. This is completely separate.”

  “Yeah?” He leaned in.

  “Yes. I think you could help me get a few things done quickly. If you’ll help me evaluate all the warehouse space, I’ll pay you a consulting fee on top of that package.”

  “I don’t have to do it?”

  “No. The deal is the deal, but I hope you’ll help me. We have a sporting-goods company that needs warehouse space that will bring more jobs to the area. I need to make sure it will work.”

  “More jobs to the area?” He eyed her. “And make some jobs go away.”

  “I don’t know. Corporate thinks it’s an either-or, but I’m thinking we might be able to do both. Their priority is getting that sporting-goods warehouse ready to roll starting January first. We’re in a time crunch. I need to prove doing both is still viable. Can I count on you to help me?” She wrote a number on a slip of paper. “I’ll pay you this. Per hour. On top of what you’re getting.”

  “You’re really trying to see if the factory can remain the same?”

  “It might not be exactly the same, but it’s a possibility. Yes. There’s way more opportunity, I think, in the other buildings for the project they want to bring here. Help me prove it’s feasible. But it has to stay between us for now. I don’t want to worry everyone.”

  He didn’t respond.

  “Look. I promised this town I’d evaluate things quickly. I won’t ask you to stay quiet long.”

  He nodded. “Have you talked to Buck about this?”

  “Umm. Well, I don’t…” She stammered for words to answer the puzzling question. “Do you mean gray-haired Buck who was making the chicken stew last night at the game?”

  “That’s the one.”

  “No. Why would I? Did he use to work here too?”

  “Not exactly.” One brow curled up. “Never mind. Yeah, I’ll help you. Let’s make this happen. When do we get started?”

  “Now. Sign the package. Or take it home and review it.”

  He leaned forward and scribbled his signature on it. “Done.” He tapped the pen on the desk and dropped it.

  “Great. How about we meet tomorrow morning at the warehouse? Eight o’clock? You’ll be back before Thanksgiving dinner is served.”

  He shook his head. “Nope. Can’t do that.”

  “I’m sure your wife would understand—”

  “No. I hunt on Thanksgiving Day. It’s tradition. Unless I get that ten-pointer tomorrow; then you’ll see me on Friday. If not, it’s going to have to be Monday. I promised my grandson we’d get that elusive buck this year. I don’t break family promises.”

  Seriously? He’s putting hunting before work? Does he realize he just got laid off?

  She glanced down at the hefty consulting rate on the paper in front of her.

  “Not for any amount of money.” He stood and shoved his hands in his pockets, and stared at her. “We could walk over there now. I just got laid off. Got nothing to do for the better part of the day.”

  She scrambled to her feet. “All right then.”

  Two hours later she’d completed the inventory of equipment, tagged everything for salvage, assessed the property, and discussed roadblocks with Bill. She had everything she needed to get the plan together to transition that building for the January first deadline, and Bill had reassured her that there was enough space for a considerable expansion in the building where the corporate apartment was to cover growth.

  “Bill, I wish you a very successful hunting adventure.”

  He shook her hand. “Thank you. I wish you luck too. I don’t know what all this means, but I’m trusting you to take care of this town. You hear me?”

  “Yes, sir.” His grip was firm, and his eyes were kind, but serious. “I’m going to do my best.” Accomplishment coursed through her.

  His lips pushed together. “Best isn’t good enough.” He shook his head and did a half turn and waved a finger in front of his nose. “This is a special town full of hardworking people. Good people. Do right by them. I’m happy. Some folks in this town aren’t going to see it the same way that I do, though.”

  “I promise,” she said.

  “People with good character keep their promises. My granddaddy told me that when I was a boy. I live by that. I believe you have good character, Ms. Larkin.” He tapped his nose and walked away. “See you Monday.”

  She walked back to her office. She’d promised, and she never promised in business. She wasn’t the only one making these decisions, but something about that man who wouldn’t break a family promise to a kid had challenged her to dig deeper too. Especially since it seemed that broken promises might have been part of what had led to the situation at this site.

  Fairly confident she had what she needed to prepare this place for a soft landing, she gathered her papers and her laptop. She jostled her heavy tote on her shoulder and started the long walk to the diner. She didn’t mind it really. At least it was a peaceful enough walk today without that giant falcon swooping after her squawking today. Most of the shops had already closed for the holiday.

  A cherry-picker truck lifted an orange-vested worker into the air as two others shouted orders from below to install Christmas decorations on the lampposts down Main Street. While others relaxed at home thinking about the huge meal that would be consumed the next day, six-foot zigzag garland Christmas trees with golden stars on the top were hoisted one at a time and affixed to the utility poles, bringing a dazzling splash of color to the landscape.

  It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Vanessa noted the sign on the diner door. CLOSED ON THANKSGIVING.

  She squeezed by a cluster of people hanging out by the door, apparently waiting on takeout orders. She took a seat already knowing that she’d order the chef’s salad for tonight, and an extra one to go for tomorrow.

  The waitress, Lisa, walked over, but rather than exhibiting her usually audacious attitude she handed Vanessa a menu. “I’ll get you some water while you decide.”

  “Thank you,” she said, but she doubted the waitress had heard her over all the commotion. She pushed the menu to the side, and checked her phone.

  “Know what you want tonight?” She slid a glass of water onto the table. “The special is spaghetti.”

  “I’m going to have the chef’s salad. Light Italian dressing. And I’ll take a second one packed up to go.”

  Lisa finished writing on her tablet with a pounce of her pen to the paper, grabbed the menu, and walked away. The conversation was louder than it had been before, making Vanessa a little lonely. Thankfully, her phone rang.

  “Anna? Perfect timing. I was just ordering dinner.”

  “I was hoping you’d be done for the day by now.”

  “Wrapped up early. You’d be proud.”

  “I’m glad you’re finally starting to listen to my advice.”

  You’ll never be truly satisfied by work until you are fulfilled by your personal life. “Uh-oh. Don’t go getting moti
vated to dish out more advice. I can only accept so much life balance at a time.”

  “Now, isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black? You’re the one always forcing change on others. Isn’t that in your job description?”

  “Forcing”? That sounded harsh. “In a way. Yes. I suppose I am, but sometimes in a good way.” Vanessa turned and looked over her shoulder. The booth behind her was empty, and the other people in the restaurant were busy in conversations among themselves.

  “Well, don’t go wasting the best days of your life doing it.”

  How am I even supposed to know I’m living my best days? Compared to what? Or who?

  “Speaking of good,” Anna said. “I have good news.”

  “I love good news.”

  “I found a place to stay in Fraser Hills. It’s absolutely adorable, affordable, and roomy enough for two.”

  “That’s great. I hadn’t gotten around to asking Lilene to do that yet.”

  “You’re too busy for all of that. I took care of it. It was quite easy. Do you want me to send you my itinerary?”

  “Sure. I can have the driver here in town come get you at the airport.”

  “I’ve already got all that arranged too.”

  “You’re making me feel unneeded,” Vanessa teased.

  “Hardly. I’m simply lightening your load so we can spend more time together. Is everything going to plan out there?”

  “It is. I had a great day today. Really made some good progress.”

  “I’m so glad to hear that, because I found a slew of fun things to do out in that area. I know you have to work, but we can make time for a few things too. There’s plenty to pick from.”

  “Wonderful.”

  “I’m not going to keep you. I just wanted to let you know that I found a place to stay and I’ll see you soon.”

  “I can’t wait.” As Vanessa hung up the phone, Lisa slid the large chef’s salad in front of her, and placed a brown paper sack with the top folded over on the table as she slid herself right into the booth bench facing Vanessa. “Look. I know you might think that this is none of my business, but I just can’t let it go without saying my piece.”