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Terry and Mack were inside of Dynasty Luxury Rentals pouring over the company’s records.
“Business is steadily growing,” Terry commented, keying at his computer.
“We’re definitely bringing in more customers. Our SUVs have been booked up for three weeks straight. It looks like we have to buy a few more.” “Imagine how far we can take this company if we put our all into it.”
Mack placed the portfolio he was reviewing down on his desk. “What do you mean? If we weren’t putting our all into this place, it would have been tanked.”
“Nah. We ain’t fail because we’re natural hustlers. What I’m saying is if we leave our other business alone, we’ll have a lot less stress and more time to focus strictly on the growth of Dynasty.”
“So, you’re saying you want to go one hundred percent legit?”
For the first time, Terry looked away from his computer screen. His eyes met Mack’s. “Yeah.”
There was a light knock on their office door. Kerri, their secretary, poked her head inside. “Excuse me, Mr. Mack, Mr. Frankel is here to see you.”
The name quickly registered to Mack. However, it was a complete shock that Marty not only found out about the rental company, but he also made the trip from Manhattan to pay him a visit. “Show him in, Kerri.”
A moment later an impeccably dressed, clean shaven and vibrant, Marty Frankel, walked into the office accompanied by his reestablished comrade, Vincent. Mack slowly stood from his desk, surprised at the man who stood before him. Marty approached, displaying a pleasant smile. He extended his hand, giving Mack a firm handshake.
“Good afternoon, Mack”.
“Is this really you? What are you doing here?”
“You said you’d be back in three weeks. It’s been three weeks and two days, so I figured I’d come and check on you. I hope you don’t mind, but I brought a friend with me.” He turned to Vincent and introduced them. They shook hands.
“Marty, you remember my friend, Terry, right?” Mack asked.
“Sure.” Marty turned to Terry. “How are you doing?”
Terry stopped typing on the computer long enough to look up. “I’m doing well. I’m sorry, but I can’t think of where I remember you from.”
“Remember the guy from Starbucks in New York who gave us the advice on the stocks?”
Terry studied the man’s face more closely. “Oh, shit, that’s him!” He quickly stood from his desk and walked over to Marty. He shook his hand. “You look like a new man.”
“I am a new man. Thanks to Mack and Vincent...oh, I almost forgot.” Marty reached inside his suit pocket, pulled out a white envelope and handed it to Mack.
“What’s this?” Mack accepted the envelope.
“That’s the five thousand you gave me, plus an extra thousand bucks. Within the past three weeks, I turned that five grand into thirty-six large.” He then recited a line from Coming To America, “Mortimer, we’re back!”
Mack, Terry and Vincent laughed. “I appreciate this, but I didn’t loan you that money. I gave it to you. I’m just happy that you used it to get back on your feet.” Mack gave the envelope back.
“I have always been a man of my word. I told you that I’d get myself together. I haven’t had a drink since the day you left my apartment. Our conversation and the faith you had in me played a pivotal role in me taking the needed steps to get my life back on track.”
“My words could only do but so much.” Mack gestured for Marty and Vincent to take a seat, and resumed his place behind his desk. “It was your actions that created the change.”
“Nice try at being modest and minimizing your role, young man. However, I’m not letting you off that easy. Like I said, I’m a man of my word. I told you that I’d make you rich. By the looks of this place, you’re not doing bad at all, but I want to introduce you and your friend to generational wealth. Are you guys ready to play in the big leagues?”
Terry looked over to Mack, unsure of what was going on. “Mack, why didn’t you tell me that you went to see Starbucks?” he asked, referring to Marty.
“Because you didn’t see what I saw at the time.”
“Well, I see this man standing in front of me, and I’ll be the first to admit that he’s a completely different version of the guy we met. It’s obvious he knows what he’s talking about, and we’d be fools not to listen to him for the second time.”
“No question,” Mack said, then turned to Marty. “Mr. Frankel, if it’s okay with you, we’d love to become your students as well as investors and partners.” All four men shook hands, solidifying their starting point...