“Well, the key is diversification.  I want hard and soft assets.  In other words, I want mutual funds.  But I also want hard, material things that still have value even if the market crashes.  Only way I lose everything should be a war or theft.  And I am going to work hard to make sure even that won’t take everything.

“To answer your question, yes.  Yes, commercial.  Yes, residential.  And yes, I’ll listen.  But I am really not ready yet for real estate.  I need to set up property management first.  There are a lot of laws I don’t know about.  But there are a few I do.  Even those are enough to know I have to set some basic rules.

“I have to meet with tax people, lawyers and such too.  It’s a lot of money.  It’s so much I don’t have to invest at all.  I’d have trouble spending it all regardless.  But I do plan to.  It’s just … a lot.  I do plan to consult professionals.  I am great at math.  But my brain shuts down when you add in dollars and cents … and especially laws.”

He waved his hands as if trying to shoo away troubling thoughts.  “Back to travel.”  He barked a laugh.  “Sorry about the shock factor.  I had a few reasons.  Today made them more concrete.  I mean … my head doesn’t get turned easily.  I had cheerleaders throwing themselves at me in high school … and just had no interest in them.  Yes, they were cute.  No, I’m not gay.  One cheerleader started that rumor because I ignored her.  Truth was, I thought she was a vain and vacuous airhead.  I was a tutor and she tried to monopolize my time and threatened other girls who sincerely needed and wanted my help.  

“Oh, I played a little football.  I was limited to playing Kicker.  Only position I could pass a physical for.  Plus the team had no kicker and it was to be their last season.  Football proved to be a lot more complicated than I expected.  I thought that was pretty cool.  Quarterbacks and Kickers have to be pretty smart - and think fast.  Hesitate and you get sacked.”  He laughed.  “Trust me I know from experience.

“Travel! Before I sidetrack myself again.  I forgot to breathe the first time I saw you.  That plain and simple.  Like I said, I don’t easily let that happen.  Ad it rarely lasts.  And no, that had no bearing on my tips.  I’d tip a guy the same way.  But I also like talking with you.  You’re smart and clever.  Maybe you aren’t Paterski.  Google Physics Girl.  She’s sort of the new Einstein.  But … there is something about you I like.  Basic.  Personality stuff.  And I think you’d enjoy travelling to places I bet you only read about.  Who knows?  You may write your own books someday.  I know a publisher.”

His demeanor became sober for a moment.  “Oh lord.  You know how they say guys are always trying to find their mother in the girls they date?  Gah!  You are a bit like my mother.  I mean you have a similar personality.  You like the same types of books.  I bet you sew or to needlepoint or cross stitch.  You probably doodle, like art.  Do any archery?  My mother used to win competitions when she was my age.  And you probably have a health issue that prevents taking up extreme sports.  You look nothing like her though.

“Anyways, yeah … you are exactly the sort of person I’d enjoy showing the world - or rather share the chance to see it.  Yes, it would mean giving up a job you love here.  You can’t see the world and work in a diner at the same time.  And I know I have probably just scared the heck out of you.  It’s too fast.  Let me tell you something about that.  I know what having your world turned upside down in seconds is like.  I died 6 years ago when a gang broke into our home and killed my mother - and me.  My stepfather was in prison for child abuse and child abandonment.  He died in prison a month later.  I month before, my stepbrother was killed by the same gang.  Life changing stuff.

“A few months ago I won the lottery.  Remember when the Powerball got up to $1.765 billion?  I was the single winner - and I had Powerplay.  $8.8 billion or about $5.5 billion lump sum.  After taxes I should end up with $3.5 to 4 billion if I am smart about it.  $3 billion would be a lowball figure. And that’s why I hired Gary.  But that was also a life changing event.  Trust me, the numbers intimidate me too.  That’s part of why I need help with figuring out what to do with it - not just how to invest it or make more - but how to use it.

“Sure I’ll build real estate - of all types.  I will also likely create scholarships.  I am probably going to fund some good group homes.  I had a brief taste of foster family life and I hated it.  I will build a think tank or two.  I’ll create research grants.”  He fidgeted and shrugged.  He was clearly uncomfortable now.