My Baby Daddy
It is well into the afternoon, Archer and I have done so much work.
He updated me on the latest company progress and I have to say I couldn't have done better. Archer is a perfectionist, businesslike and reliable. His deals with third parties are always watertight, he keeps to agreements punctually and is no-nonsense with fickle and tricky customers. I have read a few contracts and am very impressed. And when we went through the financial numbers, there came the surprise of my life.
Not only has he significantly increased our rates, but he has also tripled the customer base despite that. Most are small and medium-sized enterprises that are starting up and inexperienced with administration issues. This market was not our focus before. But in the files, I even see letters of recommendation that satisfied entrepreneurs have sent in. “Archer, you're much better at this than I was. This is amazing. You've entered a market that competitors find boring and frustrating and see how much that has contributed to the overall profit. You are a genius!” I compliment him.
He grins. “I was able to do that wholeheartedly and to interest this group in the new products that we have specially tailored to them. Doing administration is a bottleneck for many entrepreneurs, they are often cheated by quacks after paying a decent amount of money,” he explains. “And I speak from experience. My company went bankrupt, mainly because of a bad and not well-digitized administration. My software package was so outdated, I had to press so many buttons for the smallest information”, he sighs.
And when I go to payroll, I almost fall over with shock.
“Archer, you have almost aligned the benefits of the lower staff with the top staff. Why? The toppers still have to feel important, you quickly get dissatisfaction”, I say, startled. He has expanded the medical facilities quite a bit. Maternity leave for men is now subject to the same hourly wage as working on Sundays and public holidays and can be requested immediately on the day of the baby's birth. That equates to a whole month of extra wages, plus the bonus and holiday allowances.
"We can handle it, Loraine," he claims. “We've had this arrangement for three years and the men are very happy with it. Helping their wife with a new baby at home for a whole month with an extra month's salary to be able to handle the extra expenses." I can't believe my ears, this Archer thinks we're part of the government's social security department. “Are you throwing my money around, Archer? We are not a branch of the Ministry of Social Security. Everyone knows that children cost money, so they have to do family planning, including financially,” I let him know darkly.
The man in front of me frantically tries to suppress his laughter as I look at him dead serious. Now, do you see why people say you should never mix friends with finances?! I should have brought the finance department under separate management, but I wanted to give him a free hand and not let it come into conflicts over spending. And look what it gets me now! Kaylah has blessed this mister with a daughter and then he immediately thinks he can secure his own leave and that of his future son-in-law so that he can laze at home at my expense. I eye him accusingly from under my reading glasses.
"Listen, it's not what you think, Loraine," he begins. “This year the ranking of the companies with the best social benefits for employees will be published. The ranking is per sector, and a distinction is made between progressing companies and already established facilities. I want us to be in the top 5 this year. Will really boost our name when it comes to sales of our smaller products like games and gadgets.” I let my thoughts go on about it and indeed there is music in this theory, actually I am slowly getting excited about it in seconds. Windrug&So the most adept with employees can also be a branding.
I now look proudly at this smart guy, it was still a jackpot to have him as a friend and business partner. Then I take a look at the transfers to my personal account and my eyes go wide. “That's a lot”, I point out to Archer with my finger on the numbers. “You see now what it looks like? So, you understand that the facilities for the staff cannot be left behind”.
“A month's bonus from my private account for everyone except the top staff. Paid immediately today”, I decide. Surprised, Archer leans back in his comfortable leather chair. “And you accused me of generosity? What do you call this impulsive decision, Loraine? Do you already know how much it will cost you? Salaries aren't like they were five years ago, they're almost fifty percent up,” he reminds me.
“Don't worry, just pay out”, I say.
He doesn't bother to hold back his laughter now and the room fills with his deep tone. “Kaylah told me about your sudden hunches, and now I know what she's talking about. But it's good that you also let the staff know that you're back. I think they're all waiting for this announcement, it's totally you." He presses the intercom and at a single ring, we hear the finance chief. “A month's salary for the staff, apart from the top. From Miss. Windrug personal account. Today itself”, he chuckles. A buzz comes from the other side, both Archer and I raise our eyebrows. Why do I have the feeling that there are several people waiting in the finance chief's office?
“Told ya!” Archer beckons silently. “Okay, Mr. Rocambeau. Consider it done”, it clicks happily on the other side.
Archer and I give each other a meaningful look, he was so right.
And then the intercom rings again. “Mr. Rocambeau is Miss. Windrug still in your room?” asks his secretary, who I still have to get to know. Archer answers in the affirmative.
“Mr. Fellogan for her on line three,” she announces. I drop my pen in shock, anger flashes into Archer's eyes for a moment. “Loraine, please, think of Aziel. Don't fall for it again."
I sigh, I know exactly what he means, but I don't have much of a choice.
“He is the father of my son. I must handle this with all caution. My son's interests come first." Archer takes my hands, pleading to do the right thing without undermining my happiness.
I understand him...
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
