“Okay.” Aaron opened the file. “I assume you want an update on the situation with Wade. It took a week or so to sort everything out, but Peg and I—”
“You can give me the details later on that too. I have another business matter to discuss with you.”
Aaron closed the file. “About the new edger I researched for you?”
“No. This is much more important than a piece of equipment.” His boss leaned forward and linked his fingers on the desk. “I’ve been mulling over the conversation we had a couple of weeks ago, about career demands versus family priorities.”
Doing his best to maintain a neutral expression, Aaron remained silent. It would be too easy to put his foot in his mouth, given Martin’s rocky situation with his wife.
After several beats, his boss continued. “Do you remember asking me that day if management assistance here at the mill would ease my workload?”
Uh-oh.
Maybe he’dalreadyput his foot in his mouth.
“Yes.”
“I’ve been mulling that over too, and I believe your idea has merit. I think creating an assistant supervisor position will do the trick.”
Aaron frowned, trying without success to fathom the logic of Martin’s idea. “I’m not certain how that will helpyou, and I’m more than capable of handling the supervisor role.”
Unless ... had he messed up something?
No. His boss had been complimentary in their prior meeting.
This wasn’t adding up.
Why would Martin—
“Yes, you are, when you do it forty or more hours a week ... but that wouldn’t be the case if you became my partner.”
He stared at Martin.
Partner?
Where hadthatcome from?
Before he could formulate a coherent response, the other man tapped the folder he’d been perusing earlier. “The details are in here, but I’ll give you the topline. I always expected Lucas to join me in the company. I now realize that’s not going to happen, and I’ve made my peace with his choice. But I do want more time with my family, and dividing duties with a partner will give me the breathing space to make that happen. Are you interested in teaming up with me?”
Aaron somehow found his voice. “I might be.”
“Then take this.” He picked up the folder and held it out. “I asked Eric Nash to put a legal agreement together. With all the high-stakes business law he practiced at that fancy firm in Portland before he moved here, I assumed a document like this would be a piece of cake for him. If we proceed, we’ll hire an assistant supervisor you can train before stepping back from the supervisor job.”
Aaron slowly reached over and took the folder. “I don’t even know what to say.”
“I hope you say yes. But take a few days to review the terms and think it over. I realize this is a big step, as well as a long-term commitment.”
Yes, it was. From his own business experience, he could guesswhat would be involved. An outright equity purchase, or one spread over a set period, that would give him a share of ownership and a permanent stake in the company.
“I assume the cost, percentage ownership, long-term plans for disposition of the company, and delineation of duties are addressed in here.” He lifted the folder as his brain kicked into gear.
The hint of a smile tugged at Martin’s mouth. “Exactly the sort of comment I’d expect from a potential business partner. And yes, they are. All open to negotiation, of course.”
“I’m flattered by your offer, and I understand your motivation—but why me?”
The man’s lips contorted into a wry twist. “If you have to ask, I’ve fallen short in the communication department.” He leaned back, rested his elbows on the arms of his chair, and steepled his fingers. “You’re more than qualified for the job, Aaron. You’ve got the business creds, you know the mill inside and out, and unless I’ve misread you, you like the lumber business almost as much as I do. How could I find a better partner?”
At Martin’s praise, a rush of pleasure surged through him. “I appreciate both your confidence and the opportunity.”
