"Mr. Lowell, beyond your portfolio's performance and the tax and estate planning concerns that we just discussed, what goals are the most fundamentally important to you?"

I nod my head because that's a good question. A lot of wealth managers seem to miss this. I'm trying to focus on her words—I'm trying to keep this all business—I'm trying to keep my eyes above her neck—but let's be honest; the image of us on the 6 train keeps replaying itself in my mind like a song stuck on repeat.

"Sure, let's break down these goals," I say.

I steal a quick glance at her breasts because I can't help myself, and I think back to her firm ass grinding into my lap. Sure, she made the first move, but I eagerly went along with it. Why did I do that? If you knew me, you'd know it's completely out of my character. I'm not in the habit of letting random, strange women grind all over me on the subway. How exactly did that even happen again?

My focus snaps back to the present.

Alicia continues, "Among the items we should discuss are: strategic use of credit, health planning, strategic philanthropy, investing for social impact, identifying your family needs and goals, and—"

I cut her off. "I don't have a family—not yet. I mean, I'm single."

She pauses for a moment before continuing. "Well, we can discuss your extended family as well. And beyond that, we should discuss the growth of your assets. Are you willing to seek higher returns if it means more assumed risk on your part?"

I try to analyze her question, but all of her words are getting jumbled in my mind. They no longer have any coherent meaning to me, and I can't help but notice a new look forming in her eyes. Is this a loaded question? I look around the conference table and see my lawyers scribbling notes into their yellow legal pads.

"Sure, I'm willing to take that risk," I say.

I think back to this morning and how I ended up on the 6 train in the first place. My limo broke down, and instead of calling a cab, I thought I'd change things up. If I hadn't made that decision, I would never have met Alicia.

And now that I'm looking at her again, I realize just how much I admire her. It takes a good amount of confidence to approach a man like that on the subway, and then to manage ultra high net worth clients for her day job—well, that takes a level of financial savvy that a lot of people don't have. I can appreciate both of those things in a woman.

"I think we should take a quick break and resume this meeting in 15 minutes. Does that sound good to everyone?" Alicia asks.

I nod my head and the lawyers all agree in unison. I watch as Alicia steps into the hallway, and I slip out to join her.

"Wait," I say. "Now that we have a moment to ourselves, I just wanted to say—about this morning—"

"Why didn't you tell me?" she snaps, cutting me off. I can see anger flashing in her eyes and it catches me off guard.

"Tell you what, exactly?"

"Why didn't you tell me you were a billionaire?"

"And how should one go about telling strangers on the subway that they're a billionaire? Should I just wear a name tag that reads, 'Hello, My name is Derek and I'm a billionaire?'"

"I just mean that if you had mentioned something, we wouldn't be in this awkward predicament."

"Is it really all that awkward?" I ask. But she isn't listening.

"And honestly, what kind of billionaire takes the subway anyways?"

"The kind of billionaire who goes by the name of Derek Lowell," I smile. I don't feel like going into any details about the broken down limo, so I change the subject.

"Can I take you to dinner tonight?" I ask.

"No," she says, shaking her head. "I don't date clients. I don't want us to cross into inappropriate territory here."

"Isn't it a little too late for that?"

"That was a mistake," she says, looking down at her watch uncomfortably. "Our time is up. We need to jump back into our meeting."

"After you," I say, extending my arm and indicating that I'll follow her lead.

We enter the conference room and I notice that Nadia, the firm's Managing Director has joined us.

I look over at Alicia and give her a smile. I'm trying to keep things as casual as they can possibly be after what happened in the subway this morning. She glances back at me momentarily, a half-smile on her face, and resumes the meeting.

"Let's discuss how to allocate your investments portfolio," Alicia suggests.

"First, I have a question for you," I say to both Alicia and Nadia. "What happens to my account if something happens to both of you?"

"That's a good question," Alicia answers. "I—uh—I think I need to consult—"

Nadia steps in and cuts her off. "What Alicia means to say is that understanding who your next point of contact is at Carter Jeffries, and how liquid your assets are is paramount. We will provide you with all of this information."

Is it my imagination or does Nadia seem to suspect that something is going on—or was going on—between Alicia and I?

"Pardon me for interrupting, but I believe that's what Alicia was about to say."

Nadia seems slightly annoyed that I jumped in and protected Alicia, but she continues on and we discuss my portfolio. We spend a few hours going through a series of back and forth questions and answers until Nadia says, "Let's adjourn for lunch. We can take a quick 30 minute break, and then finish for the day."

We all agree. As the lawyers file out, Nadia turns to me. She is standing close enough for me to smell her perfume. She has one hand on the conference table and she is leaning toward me. "Care to join me for a drink tonight?" she asks. She poses it as a question, but by the tone of her voice, it comes out more like a command.

I notice that Alicia is listening because she pauses for a moment in the doorway. She's pretending not to notice, but it's obvious to me that she can hear every word.

"I'm not sure," I say. "I think I may already have plans."

"Oh come on," Nadia nudges. "Just one drink. I promise I don't bite."

"I suppose I can manage one drink," I say reluctantly.

With that she pats her hand on mine, smiles, and leaves the room.

What have I gotten myself into?