2030_ The Real Story of What Happens to America - Albert Brooks [136]
“Honey, I hear you. I know how hard this must be. You just have to understand this is a very big decision given your public profile.”
“You don’t think I know that?”
“You will hurt his chances for reelection. That I’m sure you’re aware of.”
“Not necessarily. More people get divorced than stay married, he could get all their votes.”
“Well, I don’t know if people who get divorced want their president to get divorced. Do you know what I mean?”
“This is a tough job, Lori. I still have almost two years left on the first shift. There is no way I could sign up again feeling like I do now.”
“I understand. I really do. You have to follow your heart, but maybe if you take a little time to yourself you can work this out. Can’t you go to Camp David alone for a week?”
“I don’t want to go to Camp David. It’s the same as here; the beds are just more uncomfortable.”
“Well, you can come stay with me for a week. We have no room for the Secret Service but we would love to have you.”
And as Betsy listened to her sister’s advice, she realized how few options she had living in the most public bubble in the world.
“Thank you for listening, honey. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Anything I can do, Betsy. If you want, I can come there for a few days.”
“That would be nice. I would like that.”
“Okay. Let me see if I can clear some time. I’ll let you know.”
“Thanks. I love you, honey.”
And Betsy disconnected, not feeling an iota better.
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
“Would you like to see the house in person?”
“Yes. That was the best virtual tour I’ve ever taken. Unless there’s something I missed or the inspection turns out negative, I see no reason that I won’t buy it.”
Kathy Bernard was beaming. The extra expense to upgrade the virtual business had resulted in five additional sales for the month. For the first time she made enough money to pay back some of the medical loan. She felt like an adult and it suited her just fine. She was also growing very fond of Clyde Folsom. Kathy realized that this was the first older person she’d had any major contact with. She had lumped them all in the same group as Max did, but knowing Clyde made her wonder if that was such a good idea.
“You sold another?” Clyde asked.
“Well, I have to meet her there to close but she certainly bought virtually. And this house, unlike some, reads even better in person.”
“Any inspection issues?”
“I had the inspector come out when we took the listing. There was some termite damage, but I fixed it.”
“You know, Kathy, one would think all Realtors would do that, but you’d be very surprised at how many people I’ve had working here who wait until the sale to inspect. And how many sales get reduced or simply go away because some cranky guy with a tool belt says a floor is raised or there’s a water spot. You’re really on the ball to do that first. Who paid for the termite fix?”
“We did. But I added it back in the price. Actually, I tripled it.”
“So we made money on the termites?”
“Yes, sir.”
Clyde sure did like her. He had a daughter ten years older than Kathy who’d gotten hooked on downers, and he’d spent a lot of money and worry trying to get her clean. His daughter finally moved to Canada and married a waiter, and Clyde hated to admit it, but he was happy when she became someone else’s problem. He saw her once a year at Christmas and she always looked fine, but he stopped asking if she was off drugs. When she had a child, Clyde just assumed she’d cleaned up, but he didn’t want details. And the funny thing was, he usually loved asking personal questions. He thought it was the one thing that made him successful at his business. He used to say, “The better you know someone, the better you can sell them the right house.” It just didn’t apply to his daughter.
Clyde met Max Leonard only