The Ladder

Chapter 8 - Who you know

After their weekend Nashon's mind was only focused on Tiffany. He would drive to her house every day after work to see her. He was introduced to Tiffany's parents and they seemed to like him. Tiffany had her own wing in the house so they had their privacy when Nashon visited, but Tiffany's daddy was strict with his rules and Nashon must leave before 10 and no sleeping over. Nashon hardly had time to spend with his family and was losing his drive at work. His only interest was Tiffany.

One day, Nashon's Aunty came to his job to see him. Hi baby, I feel like I hardly see you. You don't come home for dinner anymore and you leave so fast in the morning, we don't get a chance to talk. I know Aunty, I'm sorry I've been spending a lot of time over Tiffany's. I know baby, but you gotta check in from time to time. I see that Tiffany is really keeping you busy, huh? Yes, Aunty I really found the one.
Well, why haven't we met this "the one"? You will Aunty don't worry. Well, I'm just checking on you, making sure everything's alright. Yes, Aunty, it is thanks for checking. Well, you can come home for dinner now and then you hear. You're looking kind of skinny, what she feeding you? I will Aunty soon. Ok, you stay safe now, Love you. I love you too, Aunty.

Tiffany and Nashon had been dating over a year. Tiffany was always trying to improve Nashon in some way. She would give him lots of business books and self-improvement books to read. She even changed his wardrobe by taking him shopping for all new clothes. She would often correct his speech and encourage him to speak more proper.
Nashon was getting more and more familiar with Tiffany's high-class lifestyle. She would take him to the country clubs and elite events
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Nashon was rubbing shoulders with quite a number of wealthy people. Tiffany always made him feel comfortable. She and her family were well respected, so no one dare say anything out of line. One day, at dinner Tiffany asked Nashon what he plans to do with his life. Well, I figured if I could save up enough money working at the Q's, I can one day own my own vehicle shop. Vehicle shop? Why on earth would you aspire to own a vehicle shop? Well, I know a lot about vehicles and I'm good at making sales. Why not?

Nashon, you have to think bigger than that. You think daddy would have what he has by working at a vehicle shop. Nashon it's time for you to think about your future, our future. Tiffany's right in her world working at a vehicle shop would not cut it. Tiffany, I'm not like you or your dad, I don't have some Ivy League education you know. I didn't even go to college. Nashon it's not about what you know, but who you know. Let me talk to daddy and I might be able to get him to pull a few strings. I don't know Tiffany, I don't feel I have any place in your daddy's world. Nashon don't underestimate yourself, you'll be surprised at what you can achieve.

Tiffany went to her daddy and begged him to talk to one of his friends to see if they can give him a job at their firm. I don't know honey if I stick my neck out like this, Nashon can't embarrass me. What I look like asking the head of a billion dollar corporation to hire some uneducated boy from the hood? Please daddy Nashon is smarter than you think, trust me. Well, what can he do? Daddy, he's good at sales maybe you can get him a stockbroker position. Trust me, daddy, he will not disappoint you. I don't know Tif. What type of name is Nashon anyway? Shaun, daddy you can say his names, Shaun Wallace.
Ahh...Ok, honey, I'll see what I can do, but no promises. Thank you, daddy!

Nashon I have great news! I can't wait till you knock off. What is it baby? Tell me now! No, this news calls for a celebration. I'll see you when you get to my house. Champagne, balloons, and cake? What's all this for it's not my birthday? Nashon, you won't believe this. What? Don't leave me guessing. I spoke to daddy about getting you a job a few weeks ago and he spoke to one of his buddy's during golf who owns Apen and he wants to interview you!!!! Tiffany, Tiffany wait! Apen isn't going to hire me. I don't know the first thing about stocks or investments or any of that. Nashon, I told you it's not what you know it's who you know. Don't worry I will prep you for the interview you'll do well, promise. But what about Q's? Q's! Nashon, we are talking about one of the top hedge fund companies in the world and you're talking about Q's! I don't know Tiffany; I don't think I'll fit in there. Yes, you would. You need to believe in yourself, they will love you.

Tiffany prepped Nashon for the interview questions and got him fitted for a $4,300 suit. Nashon I want you to believe in yourself, you can do this. Nashon walked into a room with 15 white board members in attendance, he kept playing Tiffany's points in his head. Shaun, how are you? I'm very well thank you, sir. I've heard so much about you from my good friend John Winters. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Shaun let's cut to the chase, John tells me you are excellent in sales. How do you feel about joining our team as a Jr. stockbroker? Stockbroker? Um sir...I um...I will be honored Sir. Don't worry Shaun, we have a great team and they would support you every step of the way! Here is your contract, you may want to take a moment to review it. Take as much time as you need.

Nashon scanned through the legally worded document and slowed down on the compensation page. Sir, Um excuse me. I'm not sure if this is accurate. What's that son? It says my wage is $15,000 a month. Oh, don't worry once you get profit sharing, housing allowance, sales commission you will be taking home much more than that and there are no deductions. Ok well...umm where do I sign? Right here, son. Welcome to the team! Each board member shook Nashon's hand and welcomed him aboard.

Nashon was shocked. I guess it is all about who you know. They didn't even ask any of the interview questions they went over. $15,000 a month! I was barely making over that for the whole year. This is incredible my life is really going to change, he thought to himself.