He wasn't used to being challenged. Certainly not by someone like her. You know nothing about real finance, he said, his voice low and hard. Nothing about how the world actually works. You carry plates for a living.
And you carry other people's money, Felicia replied. The question is whether you're carrying it to safety or carrying it into a fire you started yourself. From the corner of the restaurant, Harold Brennan watched with quiet satisfaction. He'd always known Felicia was exceptional. Now everyone else was about to find out.
Caroline stood up abruptly. I need to make a call. She walked toward the exit, phone already pressed to her ear. Other diners had stopped pretending not to watch. Whispers rippled through the room.
Garrett, sensing he was losing control of the narrative, made a desperate move. "You know what? Let's settle this right now." He pointed at the CNBC screen. "Pull up Nexus. Let's see what the real experts say." Philillip, the manager, hurried to increase the volume.
On the screen, Nexus's stock price held steady. 142,50, Green, stable, normal. Garrett spread his arms triumphantly. See nothing. You're full of He never finished the sentence.
Garrett's confidence swelled. The stock was fine. The screen proved it. This waitress had just embarrassed herself in front of everyone who mattered. As I was saying, he continued louder now, playing to the room.
This is what happens when people who don't belong try to pretend they understand things beyond their station. He stood up, buttoning his jacket, preparing to deliver the killing blow. "Let me explain something about the real financial world, sweetheart," he gestured expansively. "I've made more money before breakfast than you'll make in your entire life. I've advised presidents.
I've moved markets. I've built an empire." He stepped closer to Felicia, towering over her. "And you? You move plates. You refill water glasses.
You exist to serve people like me. That's the natural order of things. That's how the world works. And no amount of googling financial terms in your sad little apartment is going to change that. A few nervous chuckles from the room, but fewer than before.
Something had shifted. Garrett didn't notice. "So, here's my advice to you," he said, his voice dripping with contempt. "Go back to the kitchen, finish your shift, and never embarrass yourself like this again. Felicia didn't move.
Are you done? She asked. Garrett blinked. Excuse me. I asked if you're done.
Because I have a few more things to say. The room held its breath. Where did you go to school? Garrett demanded. Community college online degree.