She had a small manufacturing company that made stuff not germane to this story. But more than just her products, she had a research department that spun out one idea after another. That was what they were after, those ideas. It was clear that mom had not considered the concept that someone might come after her company. I had my work cut out for me but the biggest challenge was going to be to get her to listen to me.
By the time I left my office at nine PM I knew as much about Miranda’s company as she did. Warren had set up a meeting with her, in her office, tomorrow at ten. She assumed it was with Warren.
My mom kept her maiden name for business reasons and the partners had not delved into her personal life so they were sending me to what they thought was a tough meeting with a tough broad. That part they had right.
Mom’s secretary tried not to leave her mouth gaping open when she looked up at me. We chatted briefly, I was of course, charming. The secretary was fortyish attractive and well-built with a small maybe B chest and a wedding ring. I made no attempt to make a pass at her even though I knew she’d say yes if I did. I had much more important issues. She ushered me into her boss’s office, got me some coffee and left.
Five minutes later Miranda Kaufman, my mother, strode through the door. I stood up. She saw me, quickly looked around the room and looked at me again, this time quizzically.
“John, it’s wonderful to see you but your timing is a bit off, I was supposed to meet with someone. Could you come back another time?”
“Hello Mother. Actually I can’t come another time. This is my appointment.”
She was back in charge now. She sat at her desk and called up her calendar.
“I’m not sure if you’re trying to be funny but you’re not. I’m meeting with Warren Jasperman today and it’s very important so I need you to leave.”
“I work for Warren, he sent me.”
I had told mom I worked for an investment bank but she never asked which one. In her world, nothing was serious except her. She looked at me in surprise. There was a pause.
“No, no, no, there is some mistake. I am NOT putting the future of my company in the hands of a child.”
I began to speak and she waved me off as she poked the phone. I sat as she talked to Warren. He clearly was not letting on he knew nothing of this and he also was not giving ground. After a few minutes mom hung up. She just stared at me.
“You really traded your tuition into a million and half?”
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? Ask me to invest?”
“Because I knew you wouldn’t take me seriously. Would you?”
She thought for a moment.
“No, I wouldn’t have.”
I looked straight into her eyes.
“And what would you have said after the position cratered, mother?”
She did not like my inquisition but she answered.
“I would have told you that you were stupid and an amateur.”
She paused.
“Well, Warren, whom I trust beyond words, says you are the best and that they will be reviewing any moves with you so I guess I’m stuck.”
I decided to ignore that remark.
“I have a plan of action and I’d like to go over it with you.”