Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 50872 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 170(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50872 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 170(@300wpm)
Chapter 16
Austin
I pull into the parking lot of Blaze Distillery. I know my brothers are worried about me and Ally, but I bypass the offices and head straight to the distilleries. I don’t plan on being here long, and I need to do what needs to be done so I’m not hanging out here all day. Normally, I work six days a week, and when I’m here, it’s all day and half into the evening.
“How’s it going, Mark?”
My assistant manager is walking toward me with a clipboard in his hands. He looks surprised to see me. “How’s Ally?”
“She’s as good as can be expected. She’s not happy she has to stay in bed.”
He laughs. “I can imagine. Take her some ice cream and flowers when you go home. Then put her favorite TV show on and lie down and watch it with her. It will make her feel better and you’ll get some brownie points.”
I look at him doubtfully. “Really? TV, ice cream, and flowers are going to make her feel better?”
He holds up his left hand to show the band around his fourth finger. “You don’t have to believe me, but I have been happily married for over twenty years, so I do have an idea of what I’m talking about.”
I slap him on the shoulder. “Okay, you convinced me. I won’t go home without the ice cream and the flowers.”
“Great. You can thank me later.”
“Okay, so what have I missed? I’m only going to be here a few hours. Catch me up and let me know what I need to do.”
“The to-do list you sent me at the first of the week is complete. We’re working on next week's orders. The new chute came and was installed. I put the old one in storage.”
Stunned, all I can do is stare at him. “You’re done? Everything’s caught up?”
He laughs. “Yep, everything’s good. Trust me, we’ve all missed you around here, but yeah, everything’s caught up. It’s been a slow week, and all the equipment has stayed intact.”
We’re walking next to each other through the plant, and I’m looking around, watching everyone and everything as I go. Everything is running smoothly, and it feels good to know that I can take time off and everything doesn’t fall apart. “Mark, you don’t have to try to cover up the fact that no one has missed me around here. You’re doing a good job.” His chest puffs out in pride, and I know I made a good decision in promoting him last year. “I appreciate everything you’ve done here, and I don’t expect you to keep working like you are without getting compensated for it.”
Mark stops walking and holds his hands up. “Now, Austin, you pay me really well. You pay me more than most people in this position make in the big cities.”
“We may own a distillery in a small town in East Tennessee, but we’re sold all across the country. We’re adding new distributors every week. We make more money than distilleries in big cities.” The fact he feels appreciated already makes me want to give him a raise. “It’s done. I’ll talk to HR, and your raise will be on your next check.”
For the first time ever, Mark is speechless. He stutters for a minute until finally he gulps and reaches for my hand. “Thank you, Austin.”
I give him a firm handshake. “No thanks are necessary. Trust me when I say you’re already earning it, but I do need to let you know that for the next few months, I’m cutting back my hours. I’m going to need to know I can depend on you.”
Mark’s jaw tightens. “You don’t know this about me, but when Mary and my first son was born, Mary had complications. I spent months worried about her and Mark Jr. I swear I aged ten years in those nine months. To say I understand what you’re going through is an understatement.” He blows out a breath and shakes his head. “All that to say I’m here. I’ll be here, and you won’t have to worry about this. I got it, and I won’t let you down.”
The relief is instant. It’s like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. “Thank you, Mark.”
I barely get the words out when I hear my brother hollering across the plant. “I knew I’d find you hiding over here.”
Before turning to Ford, I assure Mark, “I’ll be here a few hours to catch up on emails and stuff. Call me anytime.”
Mark looks at my brother and then back at me. “Sure thing, boss.”
Before I turn to Ford, I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. I know before I turn around that he’s not going to be happy with me. “Hey, Ford, for your information, I’m not hiding. I just got here.”