This is a fictional story with all characters over eighteen and all rights reserved to the author. Special thanks to Allison.
*****
Monday morning, it was back to work, with no time to concentrate on anything else. The market began the week losing 269 points, followed with two more down days, sending signals that a bear trend might begin. I was so deep into work that until Wednesday I barely stopped to breath. Late hours kept me at the office too late to even get in any tennis. If this week was any example, there was no way I could properly do my job from a farm in Wisconsin.
Fortunately, the market proved the pundits wrong and started to bounce back with a 285 point gain on Thursday, recovering over half of the three days' losses. Additionally, second quarter GDP results showed the economy grew at a strong four percentage points. That would later be revised to three, but it still gave everyone a breath of confidence. I even got some tennis in with Mark that night. He wanted to know where my head was at after such a tough week; I had to tell him I still didn't have any answers.
After dinner on Thursday, I decided to call Elly and invite her and the boys down for the weekend. It was eight o'clock and I hoped I wasn't calling too late. Elly didn't answer her cell so I just left a message. Two minutes later she called back.
"Hello, Elly."
"Hi, Jack...how are you?"
"Good, after a rough beginning to the week."
"What was so rough?"
"Oh, the market was going crazy."
"Sorry, I don't follow the market as much as most people I guess."
"You're lucky. But, it's my life."
"Well, your knowledge of Wall Street is what makes you so valuable and makes you so much money, right?"
"Thanks. I guess that's true."
"Must be."
"Hey, are you free to come down with the boys this weekend?"
"Wow...Um...I can't really. I'd like to, but I already promised my parents I'd come up with the boys for a cookout on Saturday. How about you come up here instead?"
"Go to the cookout?"
"Yeah, sure. My parents would be happy to meet you."
"Ah...Um..."
"Ha! What's the matter, Jack? Worried I'm trying to show you off to my parents?"
"Well...it's okay...I mean..."
Elly laughed more, "You don't have to. I just thought it would be fun. Don't worry about it."
"No. No, I'd like to."
"Jack, don't worry about it."
"No, really. I'd like to come."
"You sure? I don't want you to feel any pressure, or like you're just doing it because you think I'm challenging you."
"I'd like to come. Can I bring anything?"
"Not necessary, but if you want, my parents like red wine."
"Sounds good."
"Can you be here by noon?''
"Sure."
"We'll drive together, then, and if you want to leave early we will."
"Okay."
"Have you responded to Mrs. Warner?" Elly asked.
"No. She called again on Tuesday. I will soon."
"Okay. See you Saturday."
"Goodnight."
"Bye," Elly said and hung up.
Friday, the market retracted again, but just a little. By the time Saturday morning rolled around I was ready for some relaxation and fun. I'd even stayed home on Friday night instead of going out with friends.
I stopped at the supermarket on the way to Wisconsin and bought three bottles of an expensive red wine I'd had several times. I hadn't thought to ask what Elly's parents would be serving so I just went with a good Cabernet.
The drive to Wisconsin gave me plenty of time to think. I decided to call Mrs. Warner with a low offer, and see where that led. I'd sort of decided to go for the farm if I could get it at a good price. The thought was to start low and settle at an acceptable midpoint. My hope was to get it at nine hundred to nine hundred fifty thousand.
"Mrs. Warner?"
"Mr. Thompson?"
"Yes. Jack please. How are you?"
"I'm fine, and glad to hear from you."
"Yes. I'm sorry I didn't return your calls earlier, but between work being crazy and not being sure what I wanted to do, well, I'd like to move forward now."
"Great."
"However, I have to tell you that my interest is to pick up the property at a good price."
"As you should, and I think you can."
"I'd like to offer seven hundred fifty thousand."
"Okay. I'll present that and we'll see what they come back with."
"Thanks."
"No problem."