“No. He isn’t even on my team.” Grant sighs. “He would’ve shorted, like I said. I’m leaving after this semester.”
“Oh.” I pick at my food. “I wish I were in it,” I blurt, my tone crabby despite myself.
He raises his eyebrows. “Why aren’t you?”
“I tried, but they said I needed an invitation.” My mouth tightens. The two guys I spoke with laughed a who-do-you-think-you-are laugh.
“Dicks,” Grant mutters. “You don’t have to have an invitation. You can just tell them you’re an econ major.”
“I did. I told them I wanted to work in finance. Stockbroker.”
He scowls. “And they still said no?”
My face burns. “They just laughed. I guess they couldn’t believe I knew anything about the market.”
“I’m sorry,” he says. “I swear, some of the guys in that society act like they’re still in high school.” He leans forward. “You still interested in joining?”
“Yes. I know some of the people in there are going to be nasty, but my advisor said it’d look good on my résumé.” I’m already sucking up. I can endure a bit more.
“We take in new members every semester. I’ll invite you.”
I blink in shock. “Really? But didn’t you say you’re going to quit?”
“I don’t mind,” he says. “It doesn’t cost anything to be in it.”
He shrugs like it’s nothing, but it has to be something for him, who is headstrong and used to doing what he wants. “They said whoever invites me has to vouch for me too.”
“Yeah, it’s a rule. But why wouldn’t I vouch for you?”
“You aren’t afraid I might not know anything and embarrass you?” Those are what the two guys said when I tried to apply.Sorry, we don’t accept people who don’t know anything. And in a way, they’re correct—I’m familiar with some of the terminology, but some of the words they were throwing around were totally new to me.
Grant scoffs. “Like most ofthemknow anything? They’re dabbling. It’s just a game to them.”
“Isn’t it to you, too?” I keep my tone neutral.
“No. I actually risk my own money. I make the same trades in the market that I do in the society. And I’m way, way ahead of the team, since some of them execute trades I wouldn’t.” He smiles. “Why don’t you join next semester, and we can be on the same team—just you and me? That way, if you aren’t sure about anything, I can help.”
“For real?” I ask, my heart fluttering with hopeful joy. “What if I make a bad trade?”
“Everyone makes some bad trades,” he says with a shrug. “The key is, are you making money overall? If you know what you’re doing, the market can nosedive, and you can still make money hand over fist. I’m going to make sure we’re going to be the best team next semester, and those assholes who laughed at you are going to kiss your butt.” His eyes sparkle.
I laugh. But there’s more than just humor running through me. I’m also touched and reassured that he’s unconditionally in my corner. He doesn’t talk about the difficulties or how much work it’s going to be. As far as he’s concerned, I’ll be in the Investment Society, and he and I will team up, and we’ll kill it. No other option exists.
I suddenly realize that, other than my grandparents, Grant is the only one I feel comfortable talking about what I want to do when I’m out of college. On top of that, his belief in me boosts my confidence.
He doesn’t see somebody poor when he sees me. He sees somebody with limitless potential. My heart swells, seems lighter than a balloon. I feel like I can reach up and pluck stars from the sky.
I’m falling for him. But then, how can I not fall for a guy who makes me feel like I can do anything?
“Thank you,” I say. “I’d love to join the society and show them.”
“Awesome.” He beams. “That’s a promise.”
I nod, laughing, as excitement bubbles in my heart.
Our server comes over and refills our drinks. Once he’s gone, Grant asks, “By the way, what are you doing for spring break?”
“Probably staying here,” I say with a shrug. “You?” He’s undoubtedly jetting off to Mexico for a week or something. He probably won’t hit Cancun, since it’ll be full of other college kids. He’ll pick someplace more exclusive and upscale that peasants like me have never heard of.
