The Art of the Hustle 2 (Complete)

Chapter Twenty-Three

Trevor wasn't sure what to do with Deon, so the two just walked around and got to know each other.

"So how did your first session go with Dr. Chang?" Trevor asked.

"It went alright, I guess. She's nice. And pretty."

"Please tell me you didn't hit on her."

Deon laughed. "Nah, I didn't hit on her, but if I did, she'd—"

"She'd what?" Trevor interrupted. "If you think you could get Dr. Chang? You're more delusional than I thought."

"You don't think I could get her?"

"Oh sure, you're just her type. A seventeen year old wannabe thug."

"I'm much more than that, you know."

"I'm sure you have a lot to offer a woman like that who has her PhD and is nearly twice your age."

"Maybe you could get with her, B. Unless that's not your thing. Come to think of it, I never see you with any women."

"Choose your next words carefully," Trevor said with a noticeable anger in his voice.

"Look, Trevor, I'm sorry for being so insensitive about your personal life. I won't bring it up again."

"It's fine, don't worry about it."

"Are you sure because—"

"It's fine."

"I want to tell you something personal about me. Something I've never told you before. I have a daughter — Chanel. She's three. You wanna see a picture of her?"

"Sure."

Deon pulled out his phone and showed Trevor several pics of his adorable daughter.

"Does she live with you?"

"Nah, she mostly lives with my ex, but I get to see her two or three days per week."

"That's amazing, man."

"Do you have kids?" Deon asked.

It was a soft spot for Trevor and he wasn't comfortable letting Deon get too close.

"No I don't. But let's not talk about me."

"You don't like talking about yourself?"

"I do to friends and my therapist. You're neither of those things."

Deon stopped dead in his tracks. Trevor continued walking a few paces before stopping himself and turning back.

"Yo, that's pretty harsh, Money," Deon said.

"Let's not get this twisted. You're here to learn from me, and I'm here to teach. This is a master/student relationship, nothing more."

"My bad, I thought it was something more."

"Deon, in my life, I've had a lot of help getting to where I am. I've had people help me out with my tuition, study groups, friends, family, teachers, councillors, coaches, professors, and partners who I could count on when I needed them. They have given me time, advice, encouragement, knowledge, food, clothing, shelter, money, motivation, support... I have, and have had, a whole support system my entire life."

"What's your point?" Deon asked.

"How many of those people do you have in your life?"

"I don't have any of those people."

"Wrong, you have me. I'm here to help you get you to where you want to be. Take this time that we have together seriously because I'm giving you the greatest gift imaginable."

"Money?"

"No, my time. You may not realize it yet, but some day you will. The knowledge you get from me will change your life. Ask me questions, take notes, and study the lessons. Use this time to soak in this wisdom, apply it to your life, and get yourself out of your current situation. That's what this time is for. Understand?"

"Yes."

"Good. Now, tell me what you hope to get out of this so that I can best steer you in that right direction."

"I don't know."

"You don't know?" Trevor scoffed. "You don't know? Why am I even wasting my time with you?"

"Yo money, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."

Trevor recognized that he was being a little too harsh on the kid and that was mainly due to his emotional state. While he was frustrated with Deon's answers, he needed to remind himself that Deon never had someone like Trevor in his life. He didn't grow up with the same resources and goals that someone from a privileged background would have.

"I want to be rich like you," Deon said.

"Okay, that's a start. How do you want to become rich and when do you want to become rich?"

"I'm not sure, I was sort of hoping you could tell me."

"There's not one way to become rich, nor is there some magic formula to make you rich. It's a process. A long winding journey that requires hard work, persistence, and a little luck. And the first step on any journey is selecting a destination. If you don't know where you're going, how will you know when you've arrived?"

"Okay, so you want me to pick a destination?" Deon asked confused.

"I want you to set some goals. You should have large goals, medium goals, and small goals. The more specific the better. Then every day you wake up, take a step toward achieving those goals."

"You make it sound so simple."

"If you have the right tools, you know the destination, and have the drive, then nothing can get in your way."