Page 3 of Yours, For Good

Fuck those grants who didn't pick me. This was the start to my life. I could taste it. I just needed Mrs. Lippett to stop dangling the ticket an inch too far from my grasp.

"You see," she continued, "he is one of the few people in the country who can sponsor students into a very selective incubator. He has set several rules around it that we must follow at all times. I suspect it is because, traditionally, only those with the right connections get accepted, and John Grier pupils are not likely to meet those requirements."

The evil woman took a moment to sip from her tea, leaving me in suspense. I bit the inside of my cheek not to show just how tormented I was by waiting.

She finally continued, "The ten young entrepreneurs who receive invitations obtain direct, high-level mentorship the likes of which you can't properly imagine. For six months, participants study how to network, how to build a business plan, how to present such a plan, and how to get started with your company. I am not sure of the specifics but, if you're successful, you may get connected to an international network of investors that may provide a generous financial seed. If this happens, you'll receive additional coaching to help you negotiate and get you properly started toward success."

My body's temperature lessened several degrees. If I understood her correctly, Mrs. Lippett suggested that I… that maybe this board member had taken an interest in… me?

Her lips pressed together into a thin line. "Mr— that is, Mr. Smith, like I said, is a unique person. During the meeting today, he read a few student reports, but really focused on yours most of the time. After the other trustees left, he requested a meeting with me, in which he informed me that he had chosen you as the recipient of this great favor. He discussed the requirements at length and left only a few minutes ago— you might have caught a glimpse of him on your way here."

"Yes, ma'am." My throat was tight and my voice hoarse; I wasn't sure if it was out of overwhelm and bewilderment, or because I'd been forced to sit in silence for so long. Likely both.

"I cannot stress this enough, Eleanora— you're extremely fortunate to have caught Mr— Smith's attention. His offer is incredibly generous." She offered me a folder. "The details are all here but, the gist of it is, he's extending a full-ride sponsorship. You'll move to San Francisco and live in one of his condos, rent-free. The students for whom he's done this before have said it's not a particularly grand place, but that it's comfortable. You'll receive a monthly stipend to facilitate your integration into the incubator group as an equal, and enough that you will not have to work to supplement your income. Your full-time occupation will be to prepare and study according to the fast-paced schedule of this program. If you're kicked out of the incubator, you'll have two weeks to find another place to stay, so I trust you understand that this is not entirely a fantasy. You'll have to work hard."

"Yes, ma'am." My hands shook; the corner of the folder vibrated with the force of it.

"As you might have guessed, Mr. Smith is not this trustee's real name." Mrs. Lippett's eyes closed with as much of a beatifical look as I had ever seen on someone's face, her hands steepled under her chin. "He does not wish this investment to be repaid and he does not need recognition. All he asks is a monthly email summarizing your experience with a report attached of what you've learned; the steps you've taken and plan to follow in the upcoming weeks, until your next email. At this point I'm supposed to ask, do you know the names of any of the trustees on the board?"

It took several seconds for me to realize Mrs. Lippett asked me a question. When my synapses finally fired in the right order, it surprised me to realize I had no idea who was a part of the board.

"No, ma'am."

"While I can't fully appreciate your disinterest in the organization that has taken you so far in your career, this is factually the best answer. Mr. Smith has added a legal document that requests you do not look at the public list of John Grier's trustees, for there's a small chance you might deduce who your patron is by a process of elimination. The previous students who participated in this opportunity had no problem following this rule, and I expect you won't either."

"No, ma'am."

"He will never respond to your emails and might not read them, as he's a busy man, but you have to write them. Any necessary form of communication will occur through his personal assistant, Mr. Griggs. You'll be respectful and thoughtful, showcasing the education you've enjoyed to date."

I stood. Mrs. Lippett had to be almost done, and too much restless energy ran through my limbs to sit any longer. I took a step back, but the director stopped me with a hand gesture. I had always known that Mrs. Lippett liked to hear herself speak, but if I wasn't allowed to go hide in my room, I might hyperventilate and faint right there.

She pursed her mouth. "Read the documents in the folder tonight. If you agree with Mr. Smith's terms, send an email to Mr. Griggs and he'll schedule your flight for the day after your convocation. We're proud of having been your benefactor for all these years, and a small part in Mr. Smith's offer to you. Rarely does someone with your circumstances receive such an opportunity—"

"Yes, thank you so much, ma'am." I took another step back and, patting the door behind me, found the handle and opened it. "Thank you. Yes. Most gracious. I'll go read the documents— have a good night!"

"Don't ruin this opportunity, Eleanora—"

Mrs. Lippett's eyes opened wide, but I ignored it. I ran to my bedroom which, by some miracle, was empty, and read deep into the night.

Chapter 2

Date: July 2

To: [email protected] From: [email protected] Subject: Let me introduce myself

Dear Mr. Smith,

You wanted a summary of my activities every month and it's probably too early to start, but I couldn't stop myself. I've been in San Francisco for less than a day and I've lost count of how many times I've had to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming.

I'm brimming with excitement. I don't quite know what to do with myself!

A thrill like this has to be expressed somehow. The documents I received didn't include instructions as to the tone expected from my messages, and I have to

admit I find that to be a relief.

Let me explain. As someone whose childhood involved only one parent and no other family; and since we moved around and she passed— this complete rootlessness plus devotion to studying and working has left me quite alone. I don't really know anyone who cares about what my life looks like, except you… or knows much about who I am and where I come from, except you… in the weirdest way possible. That means there's no one else I can turn to for that familial support but you (Mrs. Lippett will never be an option). I hope you can cope, because feeling like this is too much to contain into one single brain. Please let me borrow yours!

I know this is quite unconventional, but I hope you won't mind. If you are a JGH board member, and are sending me to this exclusive incubator despite its rules, and are paying for my everything like this… then maybe you're a bit unconventional too, right?