INSTALLMENT  16
 
 



Richardson House:
 
 

   Chase Richardson unlocks the front door ready to escape from the cold 
March air.  As he makes his way into the kitchen, he kicks himself for 
blowing another job interview.  As he starts unloading a bag of groceries, 
he starts thinking about the financial strain on his family.  As he is loading 
the items into the cupboard, he hears heavy breathing coming from the 
living room.
 
   Making his way into the living room, he catches his son Stephen kissing a
very striking Hispanic woman on the sofa.  Unsure of how to proceed, he 
decides to knock on the wall.  He knocks on the wall which causes Stephen
and his date to stop kissing and stare right at Chase.
 
   “I would ask how you were doing, but judging from the look of things, I 
am going to assume you have had a very good day.” Chase jokingly 
remarks.  “Don’t be embarrassed, you are lucky that I found you instead 
of your mother.”
 
   “Dad, I didn’t realize that you would be home so soon.  I thought you 
were going to be home around five.”  Stephen looks at the clock and 
notices it’s almost five. “I guess time flies.” 
 
   Chase focuses on Alicia then asks.  “So aren’t you going to introduce me
to your girlfriend?  I assume you are the young woman my son has been 
seeing.”
 
   “Yes, Mr. Richardson, I am that young woman, hopefully.”  Alicia replies.
 
   “Dad this is my new girlfriend Alicia Salgado and Alicia this is my father 
Chase.”  

   Both Alicia and Chase exchange pleasant greetings to one another.
 
   “I didn’t realize it was so late.  I have to be going but I hope to get an 
opportunity to talk with you again.”  Alicia kisses Stephen goodbye before 
walking toward the door.
 
   “Call me Chase and perhaps you can come over some night for dinner.”  
Chase suggested which she nods in agreement before leaving.  Chase turns
toward his son and gives him an odd look.  “Now, I know you are an adult,
but making out with your girlfriend in the living room?”
 
   “Dad, I didn’t realize it was so late.  I invited her over for some lunch; we
started talking, and started kissing.  I was hoping to introduce her to the 
family after dating for awhile.”
 
   “I’m not saying anything about not being introduced to her.  I can 
understand wanting to wait until things become more serious.  I mean she 
could even be a rebound girl for you”  
 
   “Dad, doesn’t being on rebound mean dating someone new right after 
getting out of a long term relationship?”  
 
   “You weren’t in a long term relationship, but you were in love with 
Melinda.  At least, that was the impression I got when you came home 
heartbroken about her.  Now I am glad you are meeting other people but 
don’t string along this girl.”  
 
   “Dad, I like being around Alicia and she likes being around me.  We are 
having fun.  I have some papers to grade so call me when dinner is ready.”
  
   Chase sits at the kitchen table figuring out what to cook for dinner.  He is
still in shock over how quickly he is learning to run a household.  He figures 
that having all three of his children fully grown helps a lot.  Just then his cell 
phone starts ringing and he quickly answers it.
 
   “Hello, this is Chase.”  
 
   “Mr. Richardson, this is Andrea Mason down at Falmont Enterprises.  How
are you tonight?”  
 
   “I’m doing alright, what can I do for you?”  
 
   “I was looking over your resume and thought you would be perfect for a
position.  I would like to schedule an interview for you for this coming week.  
Would this be something you are interested in?”
 
   “I would be interested.  I am free on Wednesday after two, would that 
work?”  
 
   “We have you down for an interview at two on Wednesday. I look 
forward to seeing you then Mr. Richardson.” 

   Chase hangs up his cell while standing in complete shock over this latest 
turn of event.
 
 

Golden Chance Real Estate
 
 

   Gillian Richardson is preparing to leave for the evening when her boss 
Bianca Lewiston motions to see her in her office.  As she walks into Bianca’s 
office a thought crosses her mind that this might affect her date with Dale.
 
   “You wanted to see me Bianca?”
 
   Bianca motions to Gillian who promptly sits down.  “Remember I had 
mentioned how Jonathan Falmont was interested in our company?”  
Gillian nods remembering the conversation well.
 
   “Did he decide to not use us?”
 
   “Actually, he wants to meet with you tomorrow in Chicago.  I would go 
but since you know the Falmonts I figured you are the best person to meet
with him.”  

   Gillian is happy about the prospect of meeting Jonathan.  She is weary of
why Bianca is giving her this opportunity.
 
   “I can meet with Mr. Falmont for lunch tomorrow.  Is that all you wanted 
to see me about?”  Gillian asks.
 
   “Yes, I expect that you will be working tonight on selecting properties to 
show Mr. Falmont tomorrow.”  Bianca notices Gillian’s reaction.  “Is that 
going to be a problem Gillian?  If you are unable to put this together by 
tomorrow, I can go in your place.”
 
   “I won’t have any problems.  I will start selecting the properties for 
tomorrow as soon as possible.”  Gillian gets up realizing she needs to 
cancel her date with Dale.  Part of her feels bad but the other part wants 
him to know how it feels to have a date called off on short notice.  She 
reasons she hasn’t made a decision on his marriage proposal and needs 
more time.  These thoughts run through her head as she dials his number.
 
 

Oleary’s
 
 

   Dale Atkins makes himself at home at the bar waiting for Gillian to arrive.  
He’s hoping a night out would help ease the awkwardness between them.  
Just then his cell phone starts ringing and answers it after seeing Gillian’s 
name on the phone.
 
   “Where are you babe?  I’ve been waiting for you to arrive.  How long will 
you be because the waiter is kind of getting inpatient holding our table.”  
Dale looks at his watch and realizes he’s only been waiting a few minutes.  
However, he didn’t want Gillian to know that he also ran late.
 
   “I know we made plans for tonight.  I’m going to have to cancel dinner to
night.  Something came up work related that needs to be taken care of 
tonight.  You understand don’t you?”  
 
   “This couldn’t wait until tomorrow?”  
 
   “You’re the one that always says to never turn down an opportunity that
is work-related.  I would think you would understand that.  I promise I’ll 
make it up to you. It is just ironic that I’m the one unable to make it.  I’ll 
call you later, love you.”   

   Dale is left in total shock at being stood up.  He decides to settle down 
for a quick drink before going home.  He motions for a drink and Melinda 
Mitchell approaches him.
 
   “I was wondering if I could have a scotch on the rocks.”  
 
   “One scotch on the rocks coming up!”  Melinda quickly gets to work 
making his drink.  “Why the long face?  You look as if you got a swift kick 
in the pants.”  
 
   “I just got stood up by my girlfriend.  You know you look very familiar to
 me, have we met?”  

   Melinda studies Dale’s profile for a second as she thinks about his 
question. “Now that you mention it, you do look familiar.  I think you were 
at that benefit at the Country Club.  You’re Gillian’s boyfriend, aren’t you?”
 
   “How did you know that?  Do you know her?”  
 
   “I went to high school with her brother Stephen.  I’ve known her since 
she was twelve years old.  I take it she’s the one who stood you up?”   
 
   “Yes, I think I deserve it considering all the times that I’ve broken dates 
with her.  We’ve been dating for almost eight months and I still don’t 
understand what makes her tick.  Shouldn’t one know after eight months?”
 
   “Most married people don’t even know what makes their spouses tick.  
Don’t worry if you don’t know after eight months.  They didn’t write a book
called “men are from mars, women are from Venus” for nothing.”  
 
   “True, you mentioned you knew Gillian.  What do you think makes her 
tick?”  
 
   “You are desperate.  Obviously she cancelled your date because of a 
pressing work matter. If what you told me is true, she is giving you a taste
of your own medicine.  Just talk to her and that is all I’m going to say.”
 
   “I also tried to propose to her.  She stopped me right before I was about
too.  It was as if she knew what I was going to do and stopped me on 
purpose.”  
 
   “Have you talked to her about how you are feeling?”  Melinda sighs when
she notices Dale shaking his head. “You need to communicate with her 
because it seems like you two are at an impasse.  With that note, I have to
get back to work.  Good luck.”  
 
   Dale is left sitting at the bar finishing his scotch.  He is left thinking about 
what Melinda just told him.