Chapter 4: The New Beginning

Elsa was sitting in a building agent's office. She was playing with a small hourglass, paused on the fireplace placed at the bottom of the large room.

"So Connor Davidson is a great realtor, Elsa, you'll see. He has several homes to show you."

Yes, it is indeed the case, Ms. Mars. Come and have a look, you will not be disappointed.

And why should I trust you? You may not have noticed, but you are rather young for the glory you're trying to sell me."

"Maybe, but I will prove myself, trust me."

"The last time a man asked me to trust him, do you know how it ended? If it had ended well, I would not be here in the rush of time."

"I understand Mrs. Mars perfectly well, but I don't know what to say or do to make you trust me."

"He's a good man, Elsa." added Josefina.

Start by not disappointing me, that's a good start." Elsa concluded as she walked to the desk and sat down.

"Okay, then let's start?" asked Connor.

Elsa said nothing, but nodded at her, the face neutral, but authoritarian. She had carefully put on her strong woman's mask.

So, following my telephone conversation with Josefina, I took it upon myself to pull out the three property listings that I thought you might like. We'll start with that. If you don't like anything, tell me right now, we won't waste time with properties that aren't suitable." Connor began.

"I feel that you and I are going to get along well." Elsa replied.

Connor left the three cards in front of his client. Three sumptuous properties. Elsa took one at once.

"I hate this one."

Then she looked at a second card.

That one, forget it. I will never live in Beverly Hills again.

Then she took the third sheet, looked at it a little longer than the others.

Huuumm no more. Hollywood. I would like something warmer. Something bright, but not white everywhere. Something warm. Preferably not too far from Hollywood, but not too close either. I don't know how my career will be structured for the future.

I'm not even sure I have one anymore actually. I'd like a nice view too. I've always liked a nice view out my window. When Michael and I were picking out our house, I was disappointed that it didn't have that aspect. And more importantly, I need to have some privacy."

"Of course. I think I have something you'll like. Wait a minute, it's somewhere around here. Ah! There it is." Connor said as he pulled out a card from one of his drawers.

"It's nice, right. Oh, Santa Monica? I'm not sure. And it's way too big. 38 rooms!" Elsa said.

"Okay so we're looking for something a little smaller. Wait a minute, I think I know." Connor replied as he pulled out a fifth card and handed it to Elsa.

"Oh. It's really beautiful. I like the California-country style of it. Yes I do. ยป

"Wait until you see the inside. Still a California-country style with some more classic rustic touches. So we're talking about a 21-room house, including 6 bathrooms. It's a little smaller than your current house, but I think it suits your needs better." Connor continued.

"Yes, I like that one."

"So, it's located in Eastern Malibu, at the top of the hill. You'll have the peace and quiet you're looking for. It's all fenced in. It also includes a high security system. You'll have a magnificent view of the ocean and the city. I have a general inspection report here, nothing has been reported and in any case our offices offer you a guarantee in case of hidden problems. Do you want to go see it?"

"Yes, when?" Elsa replied.

"Right away if you want. The current owners have already moved out. They had it built themselves, you know." They are selling it because they wanted to settle in Colorado, so I have the keys and a power of attorney from them. So if you like the property, you can take possession of it very quickly."

"Very well, let's go." Elsa replied with a smile.

About thirty minutes of driving later, the three were standing in front of the sumptuous house. Elsa took off her sunglasses to see better. She was already under its spell. The visit lasted almost two hours. Connor showed Elsa the house from top to bottom and answered each of her questions. Everything was perfect for Elsa: The house itself, its location, the price, everything.

"I'm buying it." Elsa said.

"Are you sure you don't want to see others or take a little time to think about it? If you want, we can talk again tomorrow and conclude if you still agree." Connor said.

"No. I'm really sure of my choice. It's a favorite Connor. Plus, it's a good deal, and the appraisal you showed me is spot on. No, I trust you Connor, you're an honest person, that's obvious. And I love this house. I can already see myself living here." Elsa explained.

"Very well then. Do you want to sign today?" He asked.

"Right away, even." Elsa smiled.

Later, Elsa went home. She had celebrated the purchase of the house with Connor and Josefina with champagne. She was now all alone in her new old house, but she wasn't depressed. On the contrary, she was pumped up. She had already started packing her boxes. It took her mind off things to start from scratch, to have a project like that. It almost made her forget the shit outside and in the media.

For his part, Massimo went home to Nevada. As long as he had fans and paparazzi in front of Elsa's house, it was too much of a mess for anyone to agree to listen to him. In addition, he had to go back to see his doctor for the continuation of his treatments, but he had not said his last word. He had one goal: to see his angel again and stay with her, forever.