The Ladder

Chapter 17 - Call Me Dad

The big day was finally approaching. Nashon had a golf day scheduled with Mr. Winters and planned on asking him for his blessing to have his daughters hand in marriage. He made lunch plans for the two of them after the game. The day went well. Tom joined them for a round along with a few other members of the board. Nashon's game was on point and Mr. Winters was impressed.

After the game they were seated at the restaurant, which was owned by the golf club. Shaun, I must say I'm proud of how successful you have become. I know you are up to be considered partner and I'm backing you 100%. Thank you sir, that means a lot coming from you. Nashon sat nervously playing in his mind how he would ask Mr. Winters for his blessing. Mr. Winters as you know Tiffany and I have been together for three years now and I want you to know I love your daughter very much. Yes son, I know. I'm certain I will be a great provider for her, and I will make a great husband. Mr. Winters put down his fork and gave Nashon his undivided attention. Sir with that being said I want to ask you if you will allow me to make your daughter an honest woman and ask for her hand in marriage. Mr. Winters eyes lit up and he sat up straight. Son, I thought you would never ask. I am more than happy to honor your request for Tiffany's hand, and I know you will make a fine husband and a fine son. Mr. Winters thank you, it means so much to me to have your blessing. Son call me Dad. Nashon jumped up to shake Mr. Winters hand and said Dad. Mr. Winters stood up and pulled him in for a hug giving him a hard pat on his back while smiling from ear to ear. This calls for a celebration, waiter Champagne for everyone!

Nashon had to pick out the best ring possible. He knew Tiffany had immaculate taste and didn't know where to start. He decided to call Mrs. Winters to ask for her help. Mrs. Winters was a very classy lady. She was always dressed in top priced brands and wore her pearl necklace with every outfit. She had a petite frame and looked almost identical to her daughter, but age wasn't on her side. She often wore her straight black hair pulled back in a neat French roll or a bun on occasion. She loved her pink lipstick and thick eyeliner. Her fair skin had its share of wrinkles and unlike most women in her circle, she did not have any Botox or fillers. She was always quite dainty in her heels and often wore black Chanel shades to block the sun. She had light hazel eyes like her daughter, and she spoke very proper.

Mr. Winters had a similar complexion and had thinning, dyed black hair that he slicked back. He was clean-shaven and a little short with a protruding belly. He could pass for an Italian if you weren't looking hard enough. The Winters both came from generational wealth and had never experienced lack. They were raised to be successful. Although, Mrs. Winters did not work, she was highly educated and often spent her time organizing fundraisers and charity events. She didn't give her opinion very often and mostly went with whatever Mr. Winters suggested.

Mrs. Winters was thrilled about the upcoming proposal. She said she would arrange an appointment with her jeweler and ask for their best options in engagement rings. Nashon got a little nervous when she said the best options. He had some money saved but not Winters kind of money. He figured it wouldn't hurt to look.

The jeweler agreed to meet at the estate. Nashon took the day off, so he could meet when Tiffany was at work. They sat around the living room coffee table as the jeweler opened a steel briefcase and laid it out on the table. Inside was about 50 huge diamond rings in a black velvet setting. These stones were massive. Nashon was scared to ask the price. The jeweler handed Nashon and Mrs. Winters a magnifying glass as he proceeded to name off the details of each diamond he lifted out of the case. Nashon wanted to interrupt and ask the price before the jeweler wasted anymore time. Mrs. Winters seemed quite impressed with the selection. So, Mr. Wallace what do you think? The jeweler asked.
Nashon picked up the smallest diamond and asked if he can know the price. The jeweler went through his spill about the precision of the cut and the clarity before he answered. This one is priced at $345,000.
Nashon almost blacked out. This was way over his budget. He had a little over $100,000 saved and he wasn't planning on spending it all on a ring. Now, he was starting to understand why Tiffany was in no hurry to get engaged. The heiress of a multi-billion dollar corporation was not about to embarrass herself with a $50k ring. Nashon stayed quiet for a long time after hearing the price. Shaun are you alright? Mrs. Winters asked. Um yes sorry. I was just thinking about which one I like the best. Thank you Yaan. He shook the jewelers hand. I will get back to you once I make my decision.

Nashon had to strategize and he had to do it fast. He remembered seeing in his employee handbook something about interest free loans that were offered to employees by the company. He figured that was his best option.

The next day at work, Nashon passed Steve in the parking lot. Hey, Steve, I have a question for you. Sure dog, what it is? Do you know anything about interest free loans provided by the company? Ya man, you can get a preapproved loan up to 500k interest free. Anything above that will require approval. Pretty dope huh? Your planning on making a big purchase? Ah..just asking, thanks man. No problem my dog.

Nashon asked his secretary to find out more information for him on how to acquire a $400k loan. Nashon crutched some numbers to determine how much he could afford to pay back monthly. He had to make partner, that's the only way he could pay back the loan and keep up with Tiffany's extravagant lifestyle. The next day, Nashon came in and greeted his secretary. Oh, Mr. Wallace, I looked into that information for you. Great Lisa. What did you find out? Well, Tom actually said to give you this. Nashon walked to his desk, while opening the envelope. It was a deposit receipt with the value of the loan and a letter showing the loan payment amount and the principal. Wait, Lisa, I told you to just inquire. I did sir. I went to Suzie to inquire and Tom came by and said to give this to you regarding the loan. Ok, Thank you Lisa.

Nashon checked his account. $523,060. Nashon couldn't believe it, he had a half a million dollars in his account. The loan payment date didn't start until after the date to elect partner. Nashon was confident that position was his.

Nashon called the jeweler back and asked for him to meet him at his house. He carefully examined the rings. He picked up the one he thought Ms. Winters liked the most. How much is this one Yaan? That one is $465,000, sir. Nashon examined it a little longer. I'll take it. Very good choice sir, that is a very unique diamond it's cut is next to perfect. Miss. Winters will be very impressed. I hope so Yaan. I'll get it sized right away.

Nashon stayed in the city for the rest of the week. Tiffany had a Charity event to attend on the weekend and Nashon wasn't feeling up to going. He thought about who he could share the news of his upcoming engagement with, but he didn't know anybody who would truly be happy for him. He messaged Serenity to see how her week went. She said she was upset because the girls she worked with at the grocers were teasing her and calling her a stripper hoe because they figured she must be stripping to afford new clothes and shit. Usually, Nashon would drive to Serenity to console her, but he had too much on his mind. He told Serenity don't worry about those girls they are just jealous, and he would come next week and make her feel all better.