Chapter 41 third quarter

When Decker arrived at about 6:00, he was surprised to find an unfamiliar car parked in Beth's driveway.He figured the maintenance crew should use a truck or a car with the business name on it, so who the hell was visiting at this hour?He parked his car next to the unmarked vehicle, got out, and noticed an Avis Car Rental document on the front passenger seat of the blue Chevrolet Cavalier. folder.As he walked down the gravel driveway toward the front door, the carved gate at the end of the drive opened, and Beth appeared in the doorway, accompanied by a man Decker had never seen before. The man was tall and slender, with a businessman's attire, of medium height, and a kind face.His hair was thinning and graying, and he looked to be in his early 50s.His blue suit is well-crafted, but not expensive.His white shirt made him look even paler, but by no means sickly.Just by looking at his clothes and lack of sun tan, you can tell he's definitely not a native of Santa Fe.Decker has lived here for a year and three months, but he has seen no more than a dozen people in suits, and half of them are from outside to discuss business.

"...Is the asking price too high—" the man stopped in the middle of his sentence.He turned to Decker, raising his thin eyebrows curiously.Decker opened the front door and walked toward the gatehouse. "Steve." Beth kissed him happily on the cheek. "This is Dale Hawkins, who works at a gallery in New York where my paintings are sold. Dale, this is that good friend I told you about, Steve Decker." Hawkins smiled. "I've heard Beth say she can't live here without you." He held out a hand and said, "Hello!" "If Beth had been praising me all the time, I'd be delighted."

Hawkins laughed, and Decker shook his hand. "Dale was going to come here yesterday, but he's got business in New York, and he's staying," said Beth. "I was so caught up in the house deal that I forgot to tell you he was coming." "I've never been here before," Hawkins said, "but I've realized I should have been. The sunshine here is amazing. The mountains change colors a lot as I drive all the way from Albuquerque Second-rate." Beth looked very excited. "Great news from Dale, he has managed to sell three of my paintings."

“It’s all the same buyer,” Hawkins said. “This customer has shown great enthusiasm for Beth’s work, and he wants to be the first to see all of Beth’s new work.” "And he paid $5,000 for the sneak peek," Beth said excitedly, "and that's not counting the $100,000 he paid for the three paintings." "100,000?" Decker grinned. "It's unbelievable." Impulsively, he hugged her tightly. Beth's eyes sparkled. "First the house, and now this." She hugged Decker, too. "So much to celebrate." Hawkins looked uncomfortable. "Okay," he cleared his throat. "I've got to go, Beth. I'll see you tomorrow morning at nine."

"Okay, let's go to Pasquale's for breakfast. Do you remember the way I told you?" "If I forget, I'll ask the people at the hotel." "Then I'll show you the galleries," Beth said. "I hope you enjoy walking. There are over 200 galleries." Decker felt that he should take the initiative to keep him. "Would you please stay and have dinner with us?" Hawkins waved his hand playfully. "Thanks, no. I know when not to get in the way." "If you are sure." "I'm sure." "I'll take you to the car," Beth said.

Decker waited downstairs.Beth walked Hawkins down the drive and had a brief conversation with him.Hawkins got in his car, waved them off, and drove off. Beth bounced back, returning to Decker with a big smile on her face.She pointed to the paper bag in his hand. "Is this what I want?" "Claret and Dom Pelliyanne. The champagne has been chilled all afternoon." "Open it right away, I can't wait."