The Ladder

Chapter 9 - The 23rd floor

Nashon was nervous for his first day. To his surprise, everyone treated him pretty much like a celebrity. I guess they all knew he was dating Tiffany Winters. Who knew the Winters had so much pull. Good morning Mr. Wallace. I am Lisa your secretary / personal assistant whatever title you feel comfortable with. Can I get you some coffee? We also have a selection of breakfast foods in the break room would you like for me to get you a plate? Oh um, thanks, Lisa. Which way is my office? This is your office sir. This whole room? Yes sir, this is your whole office. I will be right outside this door when you need me.

What in the fuck is going on? This office is like a whole apartment. This is insane. Nashon called Tiffany as soon as he sat down. Tiffany, you won't believe this, my office is the same size as the Oval Office. Don't be ridiculous Nashon, I mean Shaun. I told you don't underestimate yourself you are a stockbroker now. Get use to the perks. Tiffany, I can't thank you enough. You are amazing. You did this Shaun. You deserve it.
Nashon knew this was all because of Tiffany. He could have never made it in this world without her. No one from where he was from had ever made it that far. Nashon quickly got to work. he realized his job really wasn't that hard. He just had to call corporations and convince them to trade on their platform. This is a piece of cake. Nashon realized that some names on his list were customers he had served at Qs. When he said who he was they couldn't thank him enough for selling him their dream car, as he had them believe. They were more than willing to hear more about the platform and the sales were pouring in.

Tiffany was giving Nashon investment books to read and advising him on what courses he should take. Nashon was really becoming a made man. Shaun, don't you think it's time to look for a place closer to work? I don't know Tiffany; it's only been 3 months what if they decide not to keep me. Shaun stop doubting yourself, you are not going nowhere. I'm going to sat up some appointments with the realtor, so we can view a few apartments. Tiffany, I've been waiting for the chance to wake up next to you every morning. Not for me silly, for you. You're not going to move with me? Daddy will not allow cohabitating before marriage.
Well, let's get married. Shaun, we will get there baby, don't worry.

Tiffany and Nashon viewed a ton of apartments, each one more elaborate than the last, but Tiffany wasn't sold. I don't know Nashon none of these apartments are good enough. But Tiffany they all supersede my expectations. Well, they don't even meet mine. Do you have any apartments in Rose Ave? I will check Ms. Winters. Rose Avenue? Tiffany what my black ass is doing looking at apartments in Rose Avenue. Shaun why not. You can afford it, that's all that matters. Rose Avenue was the high class area of the city were mostly millionaires and high earning executives lived. Ms. Winters, we are in luck. A showing just opened up today.

As they arrived the building had valet parking and an exquisite lobby, the floors were black marble and every inch screamed expensive. It had every amenity; pool, gym, spa. This is more like it, Tiffany said. The elevators were glass and it took them up to the 23rd floor. The halls were elegant with crystal chandeliers hanging every 10 feet. The realtor typed in the door code and showed them in. Wow, this is gorgeous!
Nashon raved. The living room was exquisitely decorated with plush white carpet and a gorgeous white couch. The coffee table was all glass and the glass dining room table was nicely placed next to the huge floor to ceiling window, overlooking the city. On the left was a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a white and gray marble island. The cabinets were white with stainless steel hardware. There was a glass staircase leading up to the loft style bedroom area. The glass went up the side of the stairs and continued to form a glass balcony that overlooked the kitchen. the bedroom was fully furnished with a king size bed, a couch, and a desk. The closet was a walk in and situated next to the huge modern bathroom. Does this apartment come furnished? Tiffany asked. No, unfortunately not. Well, you let the owner know that if it doesn't come furnished, we're not renting. Yes, Ms. Winters. Ms. Winters, the owner agreed to sell the furniture for an additional $20,000 on top of the lease price. Great. We will take it.
Excellent you have great taste Ms. Winters. Nashon stood there in shock. Um, baby don't you want to discuss the price first? Shaun with the money you'll be making you could afford two of these. Where does he sign?

When Nashon went back to work on Monday, his secretary advised him that he had a meeting request from Mr. Hall the CEO. Nashon knew it was too good to be true. They're letting him go, he convinced himself. Good morning Mr. Hall. I was told you wanted to meet. Shaun! Call me Tom, please. Have a seat son. Shaun, I've been going over the numbers for the first quarter and I had to ask my CFO was this correct. Son, it seems as if we have exceeded our profits by 90% just in the first quarter alone. Son this has never been done. I don't know what your secret is, but John is right, you are a gem. Shaun you are going to be really going places. if you keep this going, I could see you making partner in the next two years. Sir, I'm honored. I don't know what to say. Son I'll talk to HR right away to see about increasing your salary and changing your title to a senior stockbroker. How far do you stay from the city son?
Well, I actually just leased an apartment in Rose Avenue. Oh yes, my son has a couple of apartments there. Probably for a few of his many girlfriends. As long as his wife doesn't find out, Tom joked.
Well, I'll tell you what son, just send your contract to Suzie downstairs and we will cover your rent. I'm sure you need to save all the money you can for that big day huh huh? Tom teased. Wow, sir, I'm speechless. Well, that's the least we can do for our top broker. Now, you go back to getting those numbers up. Great job son. Thank you, Tom, thank you so much.