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"Do what you do best, advise. Are there particular services we should consider? Should we focus our efforts on the US? How should our financials look before making this type of move? Should we open an international office?" The questions are flowing, and the more I think about it, the more I wonder if we're ready. Having Platinum Prestige based in Austin works for us.
“What’s that face about?”
"As I hear myself talk, it makes me think about why our business works in Austin. Eight of our ten partners are married, and all of them have young children. We come and go as needed. It's not easy, but we make it work. I imagine adding an international arm to our business would disrupt that flow."
“It could. But working internationally can take many forms. Are you asking for an evaluation and a recommendation?”
“No, I’d like for you to mentor me.”
“Mentor?” His eyebrow creeps up.
"Yes, mentor. I'd like a solid understanding of where we should stand as a company and how I can assist my business partners with this transition. I think handling it in-house could strengthen our structure and give us another level of expertise." I lean forward facing him. "I don't want to be a thirty-year-old intern, but I think I can learn a lot from you. We've exceeded our wildest dreams in the first ten years, I'd love to triple it in another three to five years."
“That’s aggressive.”
“But we can do it.” I’m confident in my team. We’ve managed to turn trust fund babies into millionaire bosses. The GIB are a formidable powerhouse. It can only go up from here.
"I can help you, Alexandria."
I smile, ready to hug him.
“But…I have a request of my own.”
"Okay. And that is?" I search his eyes, trying to anticipate his response.
“Marry me.”
Chapter 4
“Marry you? No… Is this a joke?”
I sit back, reevaluating my approach. In business, I learned the first no is never final. They're usually a knee jerk reaction. I'd be highly concerned if she outright said yes. But I will get a yes.
Alexandria pushes her dark brown hair behind her ears, giving me a full view of her beautiful face. Her plump lips twist in a frown, and I'm not ready to admit defeat.
“Mateo, you can’t walk in and propose.”
“Would you rather I lie like you did about this boyfriend of yours?” I wait for her response. “The Alexandria I knew wouldn’t let me kiss her if she had a boyfriend. Are you the same woman?”
“No, I’m not the same woman. I’ve changed. That’s what time does. You grow up, have mortgages, and stretch the truth a little. I don't have a boyfriend, but we can't just start where we left off."
"Says who? Rules serve the creator, not the subject. I create my own rules. Except on this one thing, I need your help." Hesitation lingers in her eyes, but she doesn't look away. I take a deep breath and notice the magazine in question on the table. "You know I was born and raised in Santo Domingo. But I've only returned for holidays since finishing college. I had more opportunities here after graduating, and I see New York as my home—to my parents' dismay."
“You still can’t get them to move here?”
She remembers. “No, which is part of the reason for my proposal.”
"Okay…I'll listen." She stands up and walks to the kitchen. She pulls out a carton of eggs and a cast-iron skillet. "But this isn't a yes."
I nod, fighting to contain my smile, she sounds like my mother. "My parents have people following them, and earlier this week, they received a nasty threat." I reach for the magazine. "Thanks to this article going into depth about my business and finances."
“A threat?” The clank of the skillet hitting the stove echoes from her quick release.
"I can't get them to move here, but I figure if I can get them here for Christmas, I can hopefully neutralize the situation."
"Why do you have to be engaged to do it?" She leans back against the counter, crossing her arms.
“My mother hates flying. It will take a death, a baby, or a wedding to get her here. She’s so ready to marry me off that I’m betting an engagement to you will get her on the plane.”
