I was starting my sixth month as an associate at Graham Wealth Management working for Don Graham, founder of the 20 year old firm. It was an amazing opportunity to work in high net worth investing as I was not even 30 years old and making serious money.
As great as the work and the money was, the best part was working for Don. He once referred to me as Kevin the market wizard, but it was his mentoring that made me successful. He taught me the business and gave me my chance to succeed, but it was his kindness and the friendship we developed that made our relationship special.
Don did not have a close relationship with any of the other associates. He was successful because he was expected his employees to perform well and anyone who did not was shown the door.
Don was so kind and affectionate to me that months ago, I was a little concerned he wanted to be more than a boss and friend. There was quite a contrast between us. I was single, young, six foot two, and a well built 190 pounds. Don was mid 50s, five foot eight, and had not been to the gym in decades. However, we shared a mindset, a way of thinking that I had never had with anyone before.
Any concerns I had quickly faded as I knew he was married and our trust in each other grew. We were very comfortable with each other an had an unusually close relationship. Don had not talked about his wife Linda too much, but I knew it was his second marriage and she was younger than him.
I was in Don's office as we finished a status meeting and I saw a new photo of Don and Linda on his desk. I picked up the photo and found myself looking at Linda, probably a little too long. I handed the photo to Don and said, "She's beautiful Don, a beautiful woman." Don took the photo from me and now it was his turn to gaze at Linda.
After a long pause, Don said, "Kevin, would like you to meet Linda?" He didn't look at me and his voice was not much more that a whisper. He kept looking at the photo and added, "I think you would enjoy her, I mean enjoy meeting her... I think she would enjoy it too."
I knew what Don was thinking and he knew what was going through my mind. I responded plainly, "Yes Don, I would like that very much."
Don did not look at me and he paused for another moment, before saying, "Kevin, come over Saturday at about four so you can meet with Linda. I've told her about you and she wants to meet you."
I waited a moment and said, "I'll be there at 4." And then added "Don, will you be there too?"
Don said, "Yes, I will be there too."
Don's house was impressive, much more than the typical suburban McMansion. I arrived on time and rang the bell at the front door. Don opened and looked as happy to see me as he ever had. He invited me in and spent a couple minutes telling me about the beautiful house. He gave me a tour of the first floor and the outdoor space in back, but there was no sign or mention of Linda.
We went back inside and sat in a large very well decorated living room. Don sat on a sofa and I sat on the opposite side in a plush chair. We chatted for a few minutes and he asked if I wanted a drink. I told him I would have what he was having. In a voice that I thought was a little stern he said, "Linda come in here."
I heard footsteps and Linda entered the room. She didn't look like she was happy to see me. She looked tense and nervous, and maybe a little scared. She was just as pretty in person and nicely dressed in a tight blue sweater that buttoned in front and a plaid skirt that was a little shorter than most women wear around the house.
I followed Don's lead and neither of us got up when Linda came in the room and Don did not introduce her. Instead of a cordial greeting, I said, "So this is Linda."
Linda looked so tense. She kept her eyes down and just managed to say, "Hello."
Don said, "Linda, go get two glasses of scotch - ice for Kevin, you know how I like mine." There was no mention of anything for Linda.
After a few minutes, Linda returned with the drinks handing one to me and crossing the room to gave one to Don. Linda was not invited to sit, so she turned from Don and started to walk away, but Don said "Linda" and she stopped in her tracks.
Linda stood in the center of the room facing me, positioned directly between Don and me so that we could not see each other. I looked her over up and down. Her dark brown hair shoulder length hair was perfect as was her make up.
