Page 39 of Nash Falls

“Very true. So, anyway, he left you the money in trust. You can access the first tranche at age twenty-five and the second half at age twenty-eight.”

Her face fell. “But that’s years away. I’ll be nearly thirty by the time I get it all.”

“But as trustee I can distribute funds out before that time, if I deem it to be sensible.”

She looked at him warily. “But you made it clear that you don’t think my influencer idea issensible. I believe you thought it was crap.”

“That was yourfirstproposal. You can always do another one where there is less emphasis on flying around the world attending concerts and eating at five-star restaurants.”

She sat back, deflated, but also anxious. “So what do you think I should do?”

“Basic Business 101: Find a need and fill it. Your generation seems to want more of a life balance than people my age or older, and not pointlessly lusting after the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Build a business that speaks to that and you may have something. And then keep in mind that consumers are fickle as hell. But if you frame it right and continue to evolve your offerings you can be a game changer in that space.”

“I never thought of that,” she said, sounding deeply chagrined.

“Business is not easy at any age, Maggie. But if you keep a few principles in mind, your chances of success can be enhanced. Some of them are: keep it simple, know your audience, and never grow complacent.”

“So back to the drawing board.” She hesitated and glanced at him.

He knew what she was going to ask. “It’s six figures,” he said. “The money he left you.”

Stunned, she said, “But he didn’t even know me.”

“You’re his flesh and blood. I guess that was enough.”

“But why did he treat you so poorly then? You were his son!”

“He was complicated. And now I have to get ready for my trip tomorrow.”

She rose. “Thanks, Dad. For the business lesson. Even if it did piss me off initially.”

“Just initially?” he said.

“Okay, I’m still kind of mad at you, but… you did give me some great business advice.”

“It’s one of the very few things I’m reasonably good at.”

At the door she turned back. “And… I’m sorry for how I acted before. I guess since I didn’t go to college I was feeling sort of inadequate and that life was… passing me by.”

“Social media sells the lie that if you’re not rich with a billion followers by the time you’re fourteen, then you’re a failure. But life is long, and it’s no fun going through it either in a neutral gear or facing absurd expectations. I just want you to find your passion. Once you do, I know you will excel.”

“But how do you know my generation wants different things?”

“Well, different generations often do.”

“Oh, okay,” she said, looking a little disappointed.

“But I’ve also been looking into the things that are important to people your age.”

“What, for some business deal?”

“No.”

“Then what was your incentive to spend time on that?”

“You’re my daughter, Maggie.Thatwas my incentive. I thought the more I know about what’s important to you, the better advisor I can be to you. And a better… father.”

She looked surprised.