Chapter 18
— chapter eighteen
Another three weeks had passed in a blur.
After much debate, Nelson called Peter Graber and told him the real, no-holds-barred account of Jimmy’s accident.
He shared that several employees had been interviewed by the police and their statements were on record.
Finally, he relayed that he’d been trying to save Jimmy’s reputation for both him and Jenna.
If Peter and Mary moved forward and actually sued Alliance Millworks, he’d have no choice but to bring all the statements to light.
He couldn’t let Peter or Mary ruin the company’s reputation.
Peter had almost immediately backed off.
When Nelson hung up the phone, he felt relief but no pleasure.
He realized he would always mourn Jimmy and would always wish that he could have helped him in some way.
A few days later, he’d started visiting Jenna again. Each visit was very brief.
Worse, she seemed okay with that.
It was just as well because a prospective customer he’d been meeting with for the last year had finally made a decision.
Gibson Logistics gave them a huge contract.
His little family-owned company was not only going to be doing all the built-in cabinetry, workspaces, and flooring, but they had been hired to work on the president’s house as well.
George Gibson lived in a hundred-year-old sprawling estate on the banks of Lake Erie in Bratenahl.
The opportunity would showcase their work to a whole new audience.
Nelson had planned to tell everyone about the news in their company’s newsletter. Fanny had shaken her head and planned a party instead.
And that was why the front lobby of Alliance Millworks was packed with people, and any space that wasn’t filled with men and women was filled with streamers, balloons, plates of food, and stations of soda, coffee, tea, and water.
“Wow,” Nelson said when they got out of the elevator in the back of the lobby.
Standing beside him, Fanny smirked. “Wow? Come on, boss. You better start thinking of some better words in your vocabulary, because wow isn’t going to cut it.”
“Yeah, it probably isn’t.” Fanny had put this shindig together in a thoughtful and pleasing way. The food looked amazing, and the decorations looked fancy. It was a far cry from someone ordering a couple of deli plates from the grocery store and taping up a couple of streamers.
She cast a side-eyed glance his way. “Are you nervous?” Before he could answer, she continued in a rush, “I mean, it’s okay if you are because this isn’t really your thing, but I hadn’t expected you to be tongue-tied.”
“I’m not.”
“Not nervous or tongue-tied?”
“Either.” Frustrated with how his cousin could make even the most simple conversation seem convoluted, he added, “I’m fine.”
“Oh. Good.” She smiled. “Because pretty much all two hundred employees are staring at you, boss. It’s time to get your game on.”
Fearing she was right, he turned. And yep. Fanny wasn’t exaggerating. It was like he was Santa Claus and it was Christmas morning. He needed to do this.
Stepping forward, he cleared his throat. “Hi, everyone.” Uh-oh. Only a couple of people had stopped talking.
“Here.” Fanny thrust a microphone into his hand.
Where she’d gotten it, Nelson had no idea. But that was supposedly why he kept her around. Well, that and a million other reasons. Fanny could work small miracles in five minutes. She was also always prepared and seemingly unflappable.
“Thanks.”
When he heard his voice echo through the vast lobby, a couple of people chuckled.
He chuckled too. “Well, I guess it’s obvious that speaking to all of you with a microphone isn’t my forte.
But I’m glad Fanny handed it to me because I want to make sure every person in this room hears what I have to say.
” He took a deep breath. “Congratulations, everyone. We did it. Because of your hard work, we just earned the Gibson Logistics account. We’re now a multimillion-dollar company.
In addition, our employees’ accomplishments are so strong, it’s time to expand.
I’m pleased to share that within one year’s time, we will be starting a new branch in Wooster. ”
“Woo-hoo!” Fanny called out and started clapping.
Little by little, everyone in the room cautiously began clapping with her, their confused expressions giving way to bright, honest smiles.
“When my grandfather started Alliance Millworks, he had one goal in mind, and that was to provide quality construction and locally made materials to the area for an affordable price. My father and uncle improved upon that goal, and I’ve spent the last ten years of my life making sure that everything our company does will both be lasting but also appreciated for years to come. ”
Looking at all the faces staring up at him, Nelson felt a lump form in his throat.
“I know all of you by name. For some of you, I even know your families. It’s been my honor to have you work here and my honor to call you friends.
Thank you for making this company everything my grandfather could only dream of. Thank you for everything you do.”
Taking another breath, he said, “When we got the news about the Gibson account, Fanny and I knew that we should mark the occasion, so we immediately got busy with ordering everything we could get our hands on—well, Fanny did!”
“Obviously I went a little overboard!” Fanny called out.
He grinned. “Please enjoy yourselves, have some cake, eat some sandwiches, and please take the envelope with your name on it before you leave. Everyone is receiving a small bonus today. One hundred dollars for every year you’ve been part of the Alliance family.”
A gasp from Big John made everyone grin, especially himself. Big John had been there twenty years. He was going to be bringing home a nice check to Tam, his wife.
“What about you?” Big John asked. “Are you gonna be giving yourself a bonus too, boss?”
“Not at this time.”
“You might be needing it, Nelson,” Big John teased. “It’s about time you got yourself a wife and started a family like the rest of us.”
He felt his cheeks flush, but he knew the ribbing was all in good fun.
“When I find the right woman, I’ll act on your advice,” he joked.
After everyone’s laughter died down, he said, “Enjoy yourselves, thank you for always going above and beyond, and get ready to hear more information as things get organized.”
“Here’s to Nelson!” Victor Hershberger called out from the floor.
“To Nelson!” everyone cheered.
Pleased that his speechmaking was done for the day, Nelson handed the microphone to Fanny. “Here you go.” Wordlessly he scanned her expression, looking for the telltale signs of either her acceptance or displeasure with his talk.
She patted his arm. “You did good, boss. Now go on down and get something to eat and drink.”
“If I’m doing this, you are too.”
“I know.” Her cell phone rang. “After I take this call.”
He shook his head. That was Fanny. She encouraged him to take breaks without ever doing the same thing. But maybe that was why they were a good team. They continually pushed each other to excel and to concentrate on what really mattered the most.
When he got to the floor, he walked over to Big John first. Not only because he was one of their most senior employees but because he was one of the few people in the room he felt completely at ease with.
“Ah, Mr. Harper. You sure have outdone yourself today.”
“Not so much.”
John waved a hand around the room. “I think differently. This was a good thing, boss. Your father’s gonna be proud.” He winked. “He’ll probably question the whole party and bonus thing, but he’ll be pleased with ya.”
“I dare say you are right. I hope you know how grateful I am that you’ve stayed with us, John. You’re a master craftsman and one of the main reasons for our company’s good reputation.”
“Danke.”
“How are things going at the Arias house?”
“It’s gut. I’ve been bringing Tim with me, and he’s taken over the majority of the woodwork in the master bedroom. He’s also been talking to Hank.”
“Oh?”
John nodded. “It seems that the two of them have taken a shine to each other.”
Nelson grinned. “That’s good.”
“That’s what I said.” Waving a hand around the room, Big John continued, “I think all this is a good thing too.”
“I hope so. I wasn’t sure how it would go over.”
“Look around ya. Everyone’s eating and smiling and calling their families to tell them about their checks. Even if you weren’t handing out money, this recognition is good for everyone’s souls. Especially after the last two years.”
After Jimmy’s accident. “You’re right.”
“I know I am. They’re real glad about this party. But don’t get me wrong, my bonus is gonna be much appreciated by my wife.”
“Good. Changes are going to be coming, and I want everyone to feel as energized and hopeful as I do.”
“I reckon they will.”
“Don’t forget to take a piece of cake home for Tam. She’s likely going to appreciate that as much as your envelope,” he teased.
“I reckon so.”
Before Nelson knew what was what, Big John enveloped him in a hug.
A few men surrounding them laughed at Nelson’s awkwardness, but he didn’t care as he hugged Big John back.
It was a good moment. No, it was more than that. This was an afternoon to treasure.
He supposed he’d needed this party as much as the rest of the employees did. Taking some time to rest and recharge was a good thing.