Ch. 14: The Partnership

Three weeks later

Elliot POV

I sit back and rub my eyes before finishing the report on the current project. I've been working in unison with Falk Industries on this for the last two months, and we're finally wrapping things up. I type away just trying to reach the end so I can go and enjoy dinner with Ana. I finish up the last line of text when the business line I keep in the office alerts me of an incoming call. I don't usually take calls this late, but instinct urges me to seize this one.

"Hello, this is Elliot. How may I help you, sir or ma'am?" I say into the receiver with a pleasant business tone.

"Hey Elliot, this is Dominic Falk owner of Falk Industries. How are you this evening?" the caller says with equal enthusiasm.

Wow! Mr. Falk? This is the guy. I met Mr. Falk in Boston during the convention. He's the owner of the largest contracting agency in Boston. His company shadows mine with the sheer scale of the projects they take on. I've been lucky to get in with them on this most recent one. It's really put my name out there.

"I'm doing great! Thanks for asking. What can I do for you, Mr. Falk?" I'm beyond enthusiastic for receiving this call.

"That's awesome to hear; please call me Dom. Hey man, I wanted to talk with you about a business proposition. Is now a good time?" Dom ask, his voice is clear and precise. I'm becoming one of the big names.

"Yeah, now is great. I've been really enjoying working with you guys, so working on a new project together would be wonderful. What did you have in mind?" I'm trying to contain myself. This will do wonders for my business.

"Well actually, I was thinking something a little more permanent." He responds.

"Permanent? How do you mean?" where is this going?

"I was thinking…maybe you'd like to partner up and join us in Boston?" his voice sounds unsure now. Like he is worried I may reject the offer because he was too forward.

"Wow! Really? Wow! That," I clear my throat and switch tones for a more formal response, "That sounds like it could be great. What did you have in mind?"

"Well, we've been looking to get our foot in Seattle and what better way to do that than to partner with someone who knows the area? We'd have to sort out the details for relocation, merger agreements, etc. If you can, just head over to our temporary office there in Seattle and we can arrange all that, say, tomorrow? Sound good?" he sounds relieved that I've not outright rejected him.

"Whoa! Tomorrow? When you say relocate, you mean you'd move me to Boston?" I hadn't considered that.

"Yes, we'll need you in Boston. I know that this is all so sudden, but other companies have been discussing making offers as well and I don't want you or us to miss the opportunity. Also, our headquarters is here in Boston, and we'll be taking you on as a partner for our future Seattle headquarters." He answers, the hesitance returning.

"How long are we talking? That I would need to live in Boston I mean?" what am I going to tell Ana?

"Maybe 3-5 years while we get everything in that area sorted out. We'll be able to discuss all this when you come in tomorrow." He says.

"Of course, no, that sounds great. I will see you tomorrow then. Thank you for calling me." I'm excited, but now I don't know. Can I really just up and leave Seattle? I need to tell Ana.

"Thank you, goodnight Elliot." I set the receiver down and sit back in my chair before stepping out of my office to find Ana.

She's seated on the couch reading a book resting on her swollen stomach as I step out of the office.

"Ana, honey, I have some really great news," I say, moving around the couch and taking a seat next to her. She finishes a line in her book before turning to face me.

"What up, babe?" she asks, her face seems impassive, but her voice is cheerful.

"Dominic Falk, from Falk Industries just called. They're offering me a partnership in Boston!" I can no longer contain my excitement.

"Wait, what?" she sets her book down and sits up a bit, "Like, we'll need to move to Boston?"

"Well, yeah, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity babe. I still need to work out the details." I answer her. She seems less than enthusiastic.

"Elliot, what about the baby? And my job? And everything else? Our family, the house, there's a lot that goes into moving to Boston. Plus, how will we even get there? Who's going to pay to move us? I know we can afford it, but it's still a big hassle," she sounds annoyed.

"Baby," I take her hands in mine, "I don't know all that yet, but a chance like this may never come again. I go in tomorrow, and I'll sort out some of the details. Besides, there are plenty of publishers who'd hire you in Boston. Also, I promise we'll wait until after the baby is born before we do anything. Okay?" Please understand Ana, this will be perfect for us.

She bites her lip in thought trying to process everything I am saying, "Okay," she sighs, "You go in tomorrow and find out, but promise not to agree to anything unless it's in our favor. If they want you bad, enough they'll meet all your demands and offer ones you didn't think about."

I nod, "Of course, I would never do anything that could jeopardize this family baby. I will make sure it's in our best interest to accept this."

Ana looks down for a second biting her lip again in deep thought.

"Baby?" she snaps her head staring at me anxiously, "Are you okay? What's on your mind?" she's worrying me again.

"Nothing, sorry, just thinking about work and everything. This will be good for us. Just let me know tomorrow what you find out."

"Sure babe," we kiss, and I stand up to grab a plate for dinner, "I love you, Ana."

She pauses for a moment before going back to her book, "me too, babe."