“We’re a global company,” Langston explained.“Over the years, we’ve continued to grow, but we’ve limited ourselves when it came to size and portfolio.In the past year, we’ve focused on the management team in an effort to expand our clientele.Since then, we’ve promoted Jordan, brought Jane on in a management role, as well as Bishop when we expanded with a security division.And we’ve hired Clarissa, bringing our contract legal team in-house.”
Please tell me there’s a point to this.
Justin kept right on talking.“We’ve got a lot of balls in the air and still not enough people to handle everything.In order to focus and not overwhelm, we’re branching out.”
“We need more people to carry our balls,” Zeke said with a smirk.
While I appreciated his attempt at humor, I couldn’t get past the partner portion.
“As you know, the four of us have always maintained our own portfolios,” Justin noted.“Landon and Langston are building and expanding the publishing division, while I’m sticking with new products, mainly in the toy industry.Ben will continue to expand the technology companies.Which means we’ll need someone to mainly focus on your area of expertise.Large corporations, not related to technology.Who better to handle that than the man who’s spent his entire career handling them?”
“But you don’t have a corporate division,” I told Justin.
Ben grinned, white teeth flashing.“We do now.”
“Really?”
“If you’re interested, that is,” Landon said.
I realized all eyes were on me, but my attention remained on Justin.Back before Chatter PR had existed, Justin and I had worked for the same advertising agency.We’d joked from time to time about venturing out on our own.One day, Justin decided to go for it.At the time, I wasn’t comfortable committing, so I’d politely declined.The man had been on me for years to come join his company.I’d gotten used to him calling me at least once a month to discuss when I was moving to his firm.I hadn’t regretted giving in.
Until now.
Justin tilted his head, studying me.“What?Did you not expect me to put you on the spot?”
“Would’ve been nice,” I replied.
He maintained a sober expression.“I figured if I wanted to avoid a decade’s worth of begging and pleading, this was the way to go.”
I didn’t look away.He knew I would have more questions, most of them pertaining to responsibilities as well as incentives.I was one of those men who spent my time wisely.If the reward wasn’t worth the effort, I didn’t put forth the energy.
“We can discuss the partnership agreement at length,” Justin continued, “but I felt it necessary to get this out now.”
“Why the rush?”I asked.
For the first time since I walked in the room, Justin smiled.“Because we’re getting married.”
My gaze shot to Ben, who nodded.
“So, she said yes?”Landon asked, referring to their submissive, Addison.
“She did.”
“Congratulations.”Some of the tension eased out as genuine happiness took over.“It’s about damn time.”
“Thanks,” Ben and Justin said in unison.
The tension was back.“But what does that have to do with the company?”
“Well, for one, when we start a family, we’re hoping to be in a position to rely on others to maintain most of the day-to-day.”
And by that, I figured Justin meant they’d shift down to a regular workweek and delegate—something none of them did well—to those they put in place to handle the important aspects of running a global corporation.
“Getting marriedandstarting a family,” I mused.“You’ve come a long way, Parker.”
“That he has,” Langston agreed with a chuckle.“Congrats again, by the way.”
Justin smiled, glanced at Ben.“Thanks.”
