Chapter 4

• Arrived at the right place, I am waiting for the real estate lady, at that moment a vehicle stops.
• -Good morning, are you Mr. Santos?
• -That's right, it's me.
• -Let's go in.
• We arrived at the third floor where there were six apartments. She opened the door and I looked at the place, it looked quite cozy and already had some furniture, much bigger than where I lived.
• - Could I come in right away if I wanted to?
• -We'd just have to see about payment and credit.
• -I would buy it cash, but in up to 3 days, since the bank hasn't given me my checkbook yet.
• -Remember we do not accept personal checks.
• -You'll see that we do, while you wait, but it's a place I like.
• -When you have the money, call me, I'll be glad to help you.
• -I'd like something else.
• -Tell me, Mr. Santos.
• -I'd like to know the cost of a plot of land, something that measures a whole block but is in a unique position.
• -I have a single lot like that, if you like I can show it to you.
• We arrived at the lot, it is a full block and its cost is $800,000 dollars, it has a good commercial position, it is a quite passable street, ideal for what I have in mind.
• - Can you prepare the papers for both of us and sign in 3 days?
• -I'm sorry, without any kind of down payment we can't prepare documentation.
• -I understand, ok then in 3 days I'll call you to pay the total for both plots.
• -I will wait for your call.
• Who would imagine this, I have big plans for this land, for the moment I have to go somewhere.
• I'm here outside my old job, I don't know what will happen, but I have to do it, I walk in and the first thing I hear is:
• -I knew you'd come crawling in like a worm, today I'm in the mood if you ask me on your knees to give you the job I'll give it to you, but at a lower salary for leaving.
• I've been wanting to do this for a while now, without him expecting it I give him a good punch in the face.
• -I'm not here for your job.
• I continue to the kitchen and turn to Isabel.
• -If you want your life to change, trust me and let's get out of here.
• -But what are you talking about, I can't lose my job.
• -I offer you something much better than this.
• While I was talking to Isabel, the owner came in.
• -You two scumbags, get out of my restaurant immediately if you don't want me to call the police.
• I see Isabel walk up to him and slap him.
• -I hope that's true," she said.
• -Sure, let's get out of here, I'll buy you lunch.
• She follows me, I stop a cab and take her to the same restaurant I went yesterday, I wanted to show her how serious I was.
• We arrived at the restaurant and this time the reception was different.
• -Welcome Mr. Santos. Nice to see you again, would you like a table for two?
• -That's right.
• -Come this way.
• -What are we doing here, you know how expensive this place is and why are they treating you with so much respect," said Isabel.
• It was clear that she would be very confused, if the last time she saw me I only had a simple $15 dollar plate to eat.
• -Allow me," said the waiter, pulling out a chair for Isabel to sit down.
• -You can bring me the same wine.
• -I would be happy to bring it to you.
• The waiter left and Isabel's interrogation began.
• -What are you up to, two days ago you only had a few dollars and today you bring me here. I hope you're not doing anything illegal because I'm leaving.
• -Relax, it's nothing illegal, luck favored me and I won a large sum of money.
• -And that's the only reason you come here to spend it.
• -I assure you that this is nothing compared to what's coming.
• -I don't understand what you did to earn so much money.
• -I won a lottery and hit the jackpot, I won't tell you any more.
• -Really, that's luck.
• The waiter interrupts us and pours the wine.
• -I recommend the dish of the day.
• He told me what it was, but as it was a very strange name I just asked him not to make it strange, he just smiles and leaves.
• -Then what do you plan to do with your prize?
• -I plan to make an investment and I want you to be in it.
• -Aha, and what kind of investment.
• -Look at the elegance of this place, I want one like this, you'll be the chef and in charge, I'll put you in charge of all the staff. Of course, I'll also put you professionals helping with the finances.
• -Why me and not someone else?
• -Because since I've known you, you've helped me not to give up, although sometimes you're hateful to me, I consider you a friend; besides, you're a single mother and you've been working double shifts for 4 years without resting.
• -You can't expect me to be your wife, because I'm not.
• -At no time did I insinuate that, I only want to help you, just as luck came to me, I also want you to share in it.
• -But you don't have a restaurant for me to go to work now, because I can't afford to be out of work.
• -I understand your concern, what's more, to show you that I'm serious, I'll give you a special bonus. I want to give you a house so you can live in peace, just tell me where.
• -You're crazy, on what basis will you give me a house?
• -To compensate you for all the time you will work for me, take it as an advance. Besides, I'll give you triple what you were earning before, this while I'm building the restaurant. I want you to prepare yourself better, I know you have talent and it's not worth wasting it.
• -Then you will give me a house wherever it is and triple what I was earning before, all this with the only condition that I work for you.
• -That's right.
• -Okay, I want a house in the heights of Eden.
• This woman really knows what she likes, a house there is around $300,000 dollars, it's an exclusive area, but she deserves it, so I don't mind paying whatever it's worth.
• I call the real estate lady.
• -Hello, I would like to ask you a favor, find me a house in Altos del Eden, no matter the cost.
• In two days she would have the information, although I heard her a little doubtful, I imagine it is because I have asked her so much and I have not released any money, but I have to wait.
• -Ready, in two days you will see your next house.
• -Yes, you're crazy, I just hope you don't regret it.
• -I won't.