“I don’t remember giving you a list,” I said.
“I had Megan create one from all of your contacts,” Scarlet said.
“You didn’t tell him?” Mom asked.
“Phyllis, from Grace’s office, called and said I was to send it over. I just assumed …” Scarlet trailed off.
“No, I think this is my fault,” Grace said. “My executive assistant tries to read my mind at times. She may have misunderstood what I asked for. I told her that when David was ready, he would send over a list of potential clients,” Grace explained to save Scarlet from my mom … and, later, me.
“Look,” Dad interjected. “As long as we aren’t abusing the list and all the people are making informed decisions, there should be no issues.”
My dad was famous for saying that if someone was over 21 and of sound mind, then they could decide for themselves. I wondered if that applied to his kids.
If I were ever to get serious about business, I would someday have to work my contacts for different purposes. Why not make them all some money in the process?
I decided to let it go.
“I’m fine with it,” I said aloud.
“We also wanted to deliver your first dividend check in person. This is your portion of the first quarter’s earnings that we voted to pay out,” Grace said.
I peeked and about swallowed my teeth. But I kept a straight face as I looked up.
“I’ll go over the list with Megan and see if we missed anyone,” I offered.
I handed the check over to Scarlet and told her to have Megan deposit it. Mom snatched it out of her hand and examined it. She leaned over to my dad to show him.
“It’s not quite walking-away money, but damn, Son. You should’ve sold your business a long time ago,” Dad said.
“If you all don’t mind, I’d like to spend a moment talking to David alone. Then we can have an internal meeting of our own,” Grace said to her team and me.
◊◊◊
While we waited for everyone to exit the room, I did a little mental calculation of what everyone else made. Jack and Bev Mass’s company, along with Frank Ingram’s, owned twice as much stock as I did. They had to be happy. Grace owned 51 percent, which meant she’d made a chunk of change.
Grace sat down next to me and patted my hand that rested on the table.
“I’m going to give you some advice,” she began.
“I’m not going to like this, am I?” I asked because she looked serious.
“You’ll be fine,” she assured me. “First of all, I’m sorry about the lead mix-up. With that being said, the people on your list were quite receptive. So far, the feedback has been positive. They love the image consultations, even the Hollywood types who are used to looking good in public.”
“I noticed you took them up on it,” I said.
“That’s why my granddaughter dumped you,” Grace said as she gave me a look that only a mother could.
“I didn’t mean that in a bad way. I was trying to say you look good,” I tried.
“Anyway. The reason I wanted to talk to you is that you are about to graduate from high school. We spoke about you wanting to lead a ‘normal’ life your senior year. I hate to tell you, but ‘normal’ is over,” Grace said.
I could see her point. For the next seven months, I would be immersed in making movies. Something the studios did well was generate buzz about their upcoming releases. That meant I would be under scrutiny from both the film’s PR people and the entertainment press.
“I agree.”
“What you must realize is that while you were in high school, you got a pass on a lot of stuff because of your age. That’s balanced out with all the good you’ve done. You’re an extraordinary young man who has accomplished more than most do by the time they’re in their thirties. My concern is it can all be taken away with one misstep.
“I’m aware of how narrowly you avoided some quite serious trouble stemming from your trip to Europe,” Grace said cryptically.
“Are we talking about the princess? I had no idea who she was,” I said to defend myself.
“No. Even though the UK press had a field day with you, it wasn’t serious. To be honest, if a prince wanted to sweep me off my feet, I probably would go for it,” Grace admitted.
“Then you’re talking about Greece.”
“Yes. That’s the kind of thing that can bite you in the butt. It’s unlikely anyone else will find out, but it’s still a possibility. If you pursue a political career, someone will pay a lot for that information, even years after the fact,” Grace reminded me.
She had to be talking about the sextasy. It reminded me of the absolute rage my dad had gone into over my behavior. He was trying to make sure I understood what I had been jeopardizing by misapplying my ‘No regrets’ line in my life goals yet again. At least by now, I’d realized I’d been using that line to justify all sorts of stuff.
I took a moment to figure out who had told Grace. The only logical source was Brook. I connected the dots to when Paul had blurted it out in front of Cassidy. It didn’t take a genius to figure out she’d told Brook, who’d talked to her grandmother.
“Brook,” I said.
Grace smiled.
“She still cares for you, enough so that she wanted my take on it. You should feel lucky that you have that kind of friend in your corner,” Grace said.
“I can see that,” I conceded.
“I realize I don’t have to remind you of this, but I wouldn’t be doing my job as a mentor if I didn’t. There are a lot of people who depend upon you now, financially, emotionally, and in many other ways. Many depend on your leadership and try to emulate the example you have set for them,” Grace said.
“Believe me, I am fully aware of that fact. Honestly, that was the main reason I sold my business to you. You probably know how stressful it can be knowing that if you make a wrong step, it won’t hurt just you but also your family and friends,” I said.
“Stop,” she ordered. “Self-doubt doesn’t become you. You have good instincts, patience, and leadership skills beyond your years. On the other hand, you can be cocky and immature.”
“I honestly didn’t realize I was taking drugs, or I wouldn’t have. That being said, it wasn’t all bad. I feel closer to Scarlet and Ashley now. I know that’s not an excuse, but I thought you should know the facts,” I said.
“You’ve told me that one of your strengths is to seek advice and help from others. Let me give you some more. Be careful who you share information like that with. From what I understand, the weak link was your security man,” Grace said.
“What about Cassidy and Brook?” I grumped.
“Do you honestly think either of them would ever breathe a word that would hurt you?” Grace asked.
“I didn’t think Brook would dump me, either. How do I know?”
Grace gave me a look that clued me in that she’d just given me a life lesson. She finally smiled.
“You’re not alone, David. Every teenager is cocky and immature. They all think they know better until they discover they don’t. A lot of adults never learn that lesson. You’re a good kid who has a tendency to find himself in, let’s say, interesting situations. I’ll admit to having been in more than a few situations when I was your age,” she admitted. “But I didn’t have your responsibilities at that age.”
That was the crux of the matter.
“Thanks. I’ll let you have your meeting now,” I said as I got up to leave.
“David?”
“Yes?”
“Even though you’ve had to grow up faster than most, remember to have fun. According to my grandkids, there will be some parties this weekend to celebrate graduation.”
“I’m having one tomorrow,” I said.
“Have fun this weekend. You can be an adult come Monday.”
I just nodded and left.
◊◊◊
As I walked out, I spotted Manaia waiting for me.