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This man in front of me has been talking about some hot dog van he wants to open. Yes, that’s what New York needs, another hot dog van. “Stop talking, were you born in New York?”
“No, no sir.” He looks at his presentation then back at me.
"I wasn't born here either, but as a businessman, I know that New York already has hundreds of hot dog stands, so how about you leave and think of something that no one else has done." This is the fifth person to walk into here that I've kicked out before they have had the chance to finish their presentation.
“If I—”
“Not interested, you can leave now,” I tell him, turning away from him to look out the window. There are over eight million people in New York. You’d think one of them would have something that I would be a little interested in.
“Mr. Masters, your next applicant is here,” I hear Katie say behind me.
Giving her a nod, I look at the rest of the board staff that is here. Most of the time, I have no idea why they come. They never talk or ask questions. I know why that is; they piss me off, they might lose their job. The business lawyer is always here, just in case I overstep and say something that I shouldn't, but that still doesn't stop me.
Turning around, I look at the group of four setting up. They look at each other and whisper something then turn to face me.
“You four, family, friends?” I ask them. There seems to be a vibe that’s off about them. It’s like they work well together, but there’s also something wrong between them at the same time.
“Friends, since high school.” They shift from foot to foot.
“And?”
“We’ve just broken our engagement.” One of the men points between him and one of the girls. “Two weeks ago.” Great that’s all I need, to hand my money over to someone that has just broken up with their partners.
My eyes move to the board behind them to see what their idea is.You Are Loved.
"Mr. Masters, if I may talk." The girl steps forward, my attention moves over to her, then back to the board. I give her a nod, and she continues, "Yes, we broke up, but I promise that it won't get in the way of what we have in front of you. Joe and I came up with this idea when we were in high school, then my best friend Beth and her boyfriend joined us when we knew that we could make this work. We've spent almost five years coming up with this. Our break up won't get in the way of it. I can promise you that."
“Joe, Beth, you two are?”
"I'm Chloe, and this is Adam."
Leaning forward, I look at them. I can feel that they have worked together and known each other for a while, but relationships in business can mess things up. "I should tell you to leave because business and pleasure should never be mixed, but something's telling me to at least hear what you have to say. So, you have one minute to hook me," I tell them, and they look at each other, working on something. "Your time starts now."
The guy, now known to be Joe, steps forward, "Rape is one of the number one crimes in this country and women are not the only victims. Men are scared to speak up about it so we want to open up a center where they can come talk to us. Three of us are training to be lawyers who will fight their cases pro bono. They don't have to worry about anything and Chloe is training to be a psychologist to help them talk about and deal emotionally with what happened. Yes, we are doing this without financial gain, so we aren't asking you for money. What we want is your name to be behind the charity." Joe stops talking, and I lean back in my chair as they watch me.
We've had a few charities come in here and ask us to join them, but my answer has always been no; not because I don't believe in what they do, I think they're amazing in what they do. I've just never found one that fits well with us.
“Clear the room,” I tell everyone. “You four stay.” I wait until everyone has left. “Has one of you been assaulted?” I know it’s none of my business, but someone who knows how to help people through such a situation must have been through it.
The group exchange concerned glances as if none of them wants to speak. “Prom in high school,” the girl known to be Chloe answers.
I don't need to ask anything else. I know how hard it is to talk about it, so I'm not going to push the subject. I know respect, and I'm giving it to her.
“Do you have a booklet ready with your presentation?”
“Yes.” Adam grabs one from the table behind him and brings it over to me.
"I'm going to read this, and I'll get back to you," I say as I take the document.
“Would you like us to talk through—”
“No. Three questions. One, when do you all finish your degrees? Two, do you have a lawyer that has some experience to help you? Three, are you planning on getting other jobs, to help pay for your living expenses?”
"We finish in a year. And no, we don't have an experienced lawyer, but if you help us then we will be looking for a lawyer and no, all of our time will be spent on the You Are Loved project.
So, what are they doing for money?
I nod. I'm impressed but won't admit it. Not yet. "Again, I'll read over this. Give me some time, and I'll get back to you with any further questions." I stand up, and the four of them look at each other with those rabbit-in-headlights expressions again. "Don't look so worried, I'm leaving with your presentation, that's the most anyone has got from me this month. You might not think it, but it's a win for you."
