"Indeed," Richard said.
The comment wasn't a question, so Noah didn't respond. He wiped his hands on his trousers under the table, then pulled at his collar. He ached to loosen the silk tie that perfectly matched his cobalt blue suit. He'd worn this tie dozens of times, and it'd never choked him like this before.
Richard held the pages in two hands and banged their bottom edges against the table, straightening the pile. "I like this idea of a global level liaison between the plants. This proposed position also seems to bridge the gap between operations and distribution, which we know can get heated when miscommunications occur."
Mitch spoke up. "If it's crossing department lines, whom would you have it report to?"
Richard grinned. "Oh, no doubt it needs to come out of your budget, Mitch. Most of the work will be production-based. But I like that it smooths the way between the two departments."
Everyone chuckled at the familiar banter among managers for whose budget would take the hit.
"Let's make it happen." The disembodied voice of their CEO spoke from the conference phone centered on the table. Mitch had forwarded him an electronic copy of the presentation when Jeff Davis had asked for it. "Noah, good job of bringing this forward. I also appreciate that you've suggested proper replacements for the positions being left open at our England plant with this change." He paused before adding, "I'm officially suggesting you be our new director of operations, reporting to the COO, but I'll let Mitch and HR work out the details."
"Thank you, sir." Noah looked at Mitch for confirmation and received a nod.
"Mitch, send me over the paperwork to sign when you and Susan get everything drawn up."
"Will do, Jeff."
"Good. Gentlemen." The light on the phone went off, signaling his departure from the meeting.
Everyone but Mitch stood to leave, conversations about other matters popping up as they wandered out. Several nodded to Noah as they left.
When Mitch stood, Noah pushed back and rose from his seat, blowing out a relieved breath and loosening the tie at his neck.
"Well, it seems you've left me in a pickle with our plant back home."
Noah grimaced. "Sorry about that."
Mitch grinned and tapped him with the bundle of papers in his hand. "No worries. I do like your suggestions on replacements, though. I hadn't thought of transferring someone from the last acquisition, and I think he's a fine choice to replace you."
Noah gathered up the discarded papers and water bottles scattered around the conference room while Mitch planned out loud. He hated walking into a messy meeting room and always straightened up after any meeting he ran.
"Looks like you and I both will be house hunting here in Houston."
Noah froze. It still hadn't quite sunk in that they had accepted his proposal. That he was moving into a global role based in Houston.
"Let's get the plant personnel sorted ASAP. Then we can figure out exactly what your role will be. For now, keep doing what you're doing with the MADS project. We seem to be benefiting immensely from your work there. I'll talk to Susan in HR and have her put together the transfer package for you. She's already working on mine, so she can duplicate what's she's already done."
Mitch shook his head. "I never expected this much change to happen so quickly." He laughed. "I'm not sure why not. It always seems to go this way. Never a dull moment, eh?"
"No, sir," Noah replied. A to-do list was already forming in his head and he needed to organize it into work-related versus personal.
"Noah." Mitch's tone snagged Noah's attention. "Good job, son. This was excellent work."
Noah warmed inside as he sorted the rubbish into the recycle and trash bins at the front of the conference room. He could hardly wait to tell Claire how things went. And Jackie. He owed her an update, too. Hopefully, she'll be okay with keeping him on the project.
Srini held out a hand to help Claire climb from the back of Delbert's rental car. Normally, he rented large, roomy sedans, but this week, he'd chosen a sleek, low-riding sports car that turned exiting the vehicle into an extreme sport and Claire appreciated Srini's help.
"Thanks," she said, smiling at his thoughtfulness.
The entire team had been great today. When Noah's meeting had stretched from one hour into two, she'd given up on getting any work done and joined everyone in the war room. Her nervous energy prompted her to update the task list on the main whiteboard, straighten the room, arrange all the markers and erasers, and clean any whiteboards not in use. Larry had teased her about washing his car since she was in the cleaning mood.
When Noah texted earlier that Mitch ordered lunch in, she wanted to scream. Luckily, the team knew what was going on and tolerated her stress. When Teresa had stopped by for an update and noticed Claire's tension, she'd insisted they all go out for lunch. It'd been the escape she needed. Her steps were lighter and her stomach more settled after an hour of good food, light teasing, and the general camaraderie of her teammates.
"Looks like Noah's meeting ended," Delbert said.
She followed his gaze across the garage and discovered Noah standing by the building entrance, one hand in his pocket and the other holding his suit jacket slung over his shoulder. The sleeves of his button-down shirt were rolled up, showing off those muscular forearms. He smiled at her and her heart kicked.
