“I have to disagree. We shouldn’t be afraid of the full range of human emotions, even if some of them may seem too sweet. It makes your company more human, right? And that gives it the competitive advantage.”
He laughed and took my arm again as we continued walking.
“The four most important traits in an advisor are integrity, competency, accessibility, and amiability. Marcus is all of these. Now, you know that integrity is the most important trait of all.”
“Yes, I agree. It’s the quality of being honest and fair.”
“We both know that Marcus is honest. His father was honest. He comes from an honest, hardworking family.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
“He’s competent. Marcus has a broad knowledge in many areas. He can give you sound advice on estate planning issues, income tax law, retirement planning, insurance and risk management, cash flow, and budgeting, and business succession planning.”
“Marcus is very knowledgeable. Even more so than his father.”
“Accessibility,” I continued. “Although this is important, without integrity and competence, accessibility is meaningless. When you have a need and call your advisor, Marcus is always available. I know he picks his business over anything else. Because he loves what he does and it means everything to him.”
“He always takes my call.”
“Amiable. Again, without the first three traits, this is pointless. Marcus is friendly and pleasant.”
“He’s very charming. He’s taken me out to dinner a number of times. But I don’t like his womanizing ways. That’s what bothers me.”
“He has me now. I think Marcus was just lost for a while. When his father died, he turned to the love of his life. When she rejected him, he didn’t take the loss of her and his father very well. Bottom line, he lost it. But he’s learned from his mistakes. He doesn’t want to lose me. And he’s going to work hard to be a better man. I think everyone deserves a second chance. Don’t you?”
He looked at me as he pondered.
“Markus will be loyal to your company. He’ll work hard and be committed to your company's success. He’ll work for you and do his best and often even put your company's interests ahead of his own. You know that firsthand. And he’s not only loyal to the company, but he’s also loyal to you. Your company means everything to him. Markus told me his dad worked hard for you. Now please give Marcus the same opportunity. He has so many ideas and plans to take you to the next level, including a merger. You just have to take a chance. He’s a good man and I think you know that, Mr. Takahari.”
“Would you invest your money with him?”
My eyes travelled to where Marcus was standing in the sun, gazing out over the lengthy course as he considered his next move. The corners of my lips curved up in a little smile at the look of extreme concentration furrowing his handsome face. Then, without a moment’s hesitation, he took a swing and sent the ball sailing toward the next hole.
“You know what…” We both watched as it hit the flag, “…I think I would.”
Chapter 17
“He wants to set up a meeting!” Marcus beamed as the limo sped away into the setting sun. “I can’t believe it! A preliminary strategy session to talk about a merger.”
As I gazed out the window, I couldn’t help but smile. “That’s amazing, Marcus.”
“I don’t know what you said to him out there, but whatever it was, it worked!”
I twisted around to face him. “It wasn’t me—that was all you. You’re the one he’s thinking of investing with.”
For the second time that day, his hand flashed out and caught my wrist. When I glanced up in surprise, he was staring at me intently, his face both thoughtful and sincere.
“I’m serious, Rebecca. This meant the world to me. Thank you.”
I gave him a genuine smile. “You’re welcome.”
He grinned, and his face lit up once more with that boyish enthusiasm. “Well, the day’s not over yet. Where do you want to go? It can be anywhere.” He faltered for a second at my expression and quickly corrected himself, “Or I can just take you home. Whatever you want.”
I thought about it, but realized that I didn’t want to go home yet either. Believe it or not, despite the fact that I’d spent the day at a golf course, I was actually having fun.
“Santa Monica Pier,” I announced.
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