“What about your move?” Ella asked. Giselle had possession of the mansion for five days after closing, but the gigantic residence looked in no way prepped for such a massive undertaking as a full household move.
“The movers are coming after we leave, everything’s going to storage, the whole darn thing, every last bit of it. I just want to go away for a while.”
“Where are you off to?”
“Azerbaijan.”
“Oh really? How interesting.”
“We’re going to a petroleum spa. It’s the latest thing in relaxation. One dips one’s body in tank full of deep brown, slippery oil and emerges refreshed as the day is young.”
“Is that… safe?”
Sanjay pushed the wheelchair up behind his beloved. Giselle sat down with a small thud. “It’ll be good for my joints. There is some talk about cancer, but why would I worry about that at my age?”
Ella glanced up at Sanjay, whose dark eyes didn’t convey the same carefree attitude toward cancer risk.
“Oh here, Ella, I have something for you.” Giselle fished an envelope out from a pocket in her skirt. “I know things didn’t quite work out as we all might have expected, so for your effort, here’s a little something.”
“That’s very kind, I appreciate it.” She slipped the envelope into her purse. “Best of luck to the two of you.”
“Come see us in San Ramon, it’s going to be very cozy in Sanjay’s condo.”
Ella turned and walked slowly down the Frackle Mansion driveway.
*******
Jeff lounged on the street outside the mansion gate, leaning against the side of his Jaguar. He’s offered to drive her out to meet with Giselle, then they’d have lunch afterwards.
Ella stopped next to the Barker Brokers yard sign, the thick post still buried a foot deep in the lawn.
“You didn’t really come to get that sign, there’s no way,” Jeff said. “It’s a big job.”
“Actually we have sign contractor that’ll come dig it out and take it away. I just wanted a final visit. Once Delicia and Hank move in, I doubt I’ll be invited back.” She took the envelope out of her purse, and held it up for Jeff to see.
“What’s that?”
“Just a little something Giselle gave me for my trouble.” She smiled slyly while opening it with a fingernail. She unfolded the personal check inside, and then laughed boisterously.
“What’s so funny?”
Ella shook her head. “Not much, it’s for $1,000.”
“That’s your commission on a $56 million dollar sale? You’re kidding.”
“No, I’m not kidding.”
He walked over and put his arms around her. “I just heard something else you might find interesting. Could be good news or could be bad, depending.”
“What now?”
“The latest QuickPrice report shows a sixteenth of one percent drop in San Francisco real estate prices.”
Ella laced her arms around Jeff’s neck, and looked him in the eyes. She didn’t respond.
“Aren’t you going to say anything?”
She spoke slowly. “Thank god.”
He slapped her on the ass. “Come on lover, let’s go eat.”
The End
About the Author:
James Turner works as a videographer when he’s not staring into the abyss of his word processor. He’s also written for various television news operations, and his passions include real estate, architecture and San Francisco. He splits his time between São Paulo, Brazil and California.
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Twitter: @SFValuesBook
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San Francisco Values Page 21
