Chapter 4

Tom had a pleasant time dining with Lauren. She had a warm personality and seemed to enjoy Tom’s company. He asked her for a second date the following Saturday, but she turned him down, saying she already had another commitment. That being the case, he went to Benny’s to see what was happening there. There wasn’t a large crowd at Benny’s because college was out for the summer. He did notice a few good-looking women, but they already had male companions. That being the case, Tom started conversing with a fellow sitting next to him at the bar. This fellow introduced himself as Zack Middleton.

In the course of their conversation Zack said, “If you are familiar with the card game Texas Holdem, have you ever thought of going to Las Vegas and getting into one of those card tournaments? You can win a few million dollars in a card tournament.”

“I have thought about doing that since I watch those card-playing television shows. My thought is not to do it. I say that because it’s like buying a ticket and trying to win the power-ball lottery. It is pure and simple gambling involved in those card tournaments. Paying that large entry fee infers that all the card players know how to play the game. That being the case, it boils down to getting the right cards to win. That is the gamble and something you don’t control. While the money you can win will make you a millionaire, it can be done less expensively if you buy a ticket and win the lottery.”

“I guess you are right, but like winning the lottery, it is fun to think what you could do with all that money,” said Zack.

There was more conversation before Tom decided to call it a night and left the lounge.

At work, things seem to be going well for Tom. He hadn’t had any problems managing the unit when Russ was gone. His comfort level was shaken when Tom was told the CEO, Colton Ackerman wanted to see Tom. Tom couldn’t help but wonder if there was a problem.

Walking into Colton’s office, Colton greeted Tom.

“I suspect you are wondering why I asked to see you.”

“You can say that.”

“The reason is to tell you that Russ Casey will be retiring shortly. His wife has some medical issues that are causing Russ to retire. He wants to spend more time with her. Russ recommends you be promoted to take his place, and I agree. There is a bump up in pay, and we think you can handle the job. What do you say?”

“I don’t know what to say other than to thank you. I will try and do my best. We do have good people in the unit.”

“Take the time to work with Russ before he leaves to learn what you need to do in this position. All the management duties, such as performance evaluations, salary administration, and budgeting will now be your responsibility.”

Tom shook hands with Colton and said he would do his best. At the same time, he hoped there were no employees who were pissed because they didn’t get the promotion. Tom could only hope that no one would try to undermine him.

It looked to Tom that there were mixed reactions among the unit members when Russ announced his retirement and Tom’s promotion. Tom spent time with Russ before he left learning the management duties of this position. Tom knew he would be uncomfortable giving performance evaluations to employees involved in training Tom when he was hired. Administering those performance evaluations would be a tough thing to do, and Tom was not looking forward to doing it.

Tom was in a good mood because of his promotion when he phoned Lauren and asked her out. She congratulated him on his promotion, saying it was announced to all the departments. Arrangements were made for dinner this coming Saturday.

Lauren looked damn good when he called for her in the dark blue dress with the V-neckline she wore. He thought that when he brought her back to her condo after dinner, she looked even better without the dress. It was in less than a minute after they were in her condo, that Tom took her in his arms and kissed her. She didn’t object to him doing that, nor did she voice an objection when he pulled down the zipper on the back of her dress. That was followed by more clothes falling to the floor. They moved to the bedroom and reclined on the bed making love.

Tom appreciated the feminine body that Lauren possessed. Nice size breasts, a narrow waist, and womanly hips made her quite an attractive package. Her having that body, along with being an active participant, made for a delightful evening and an enjoyable morning. Tom was one tired puppy when he left her condo, but without a doubt, he was sexually satisfied.

Later that day, the caller ID on Tom’s phone indicated Jason was calling. He answered the call and exchanged pleasantries with Jason. Tom asked Jason how his project of jamming and controlling the radio signals a drone received was progressing.

“Pretty good, I have purchased all the necessary equipment and only need to complete the programming. There will be testing, but I think it will work as intended. The problem is getting this project patented, as there isn’t any money left for me to do it. I heard it costs ten to twelve thousand dollars to have a patent attorney do it.”

“You do know Jason, that these patent attorneys are no dummies. If they see value in what you want to patent, they may waive their fees in return for a percentage of the money they think your idea will generate. If I were you, I would ask around for recommendations on a patent attorney who is a straight shooter. I remember reading an article in the newspaper that Steven Casey, a patent attorney, waived his fee in exchange for a percentage when Kevin Reeves wanted to patent his idea of extending the range of an EV.”

“That is a good suggestion, and I will try to do that.”

There was a little more conversation before the phone call ended.

The forthcoming winter season was approaching as judged by the change in the temperature. Snow falling on the mountains in the distance made for a picturesque scene. People in the office, including Lauren, were becoming excited that they would soon be going skiing.

Tom never skied since there were no snow-top mountains in Texas. Because of that, he did not share in this excitement. Since so many people enjoyed skiing, Tom was willing to try skiing. Lauren said she would be his guide and instructor in this endeavor and would let him know when they could go skiing.