Part 100 (1/2)

walk you through. Naturally, it's the only one of its kind,

well-constructed, immaculate, and decorated to the nines in

Ralph Lauren's cla.s.siest southwest decor. Of course, it's right

on the golf course, and we usually invite you to sit on the

deck for plenty of drinks and appetizers-the royal treat-

ment. Then we show you maps of the property, and a

schmaltzy video showing the other phases-rather parts of

the other phases. We usually know exactly which lot we

want to sell, and we tell you that we have this really special

lot-the only one of its kind-and only available because

someone died or something dramatic like that.”

”And do people buy it?”

June nodded sadly. ”Many of them have had a few too

many drinks by then, and they're caught up in all the

glamour. We help them to imagine themselves suddenly

living out their fantasies of the lifestyle of the rich and

famous. In other words, they buy in haste and repent in

leisure.”

”Is anyone happy here?”

”Oh, some might actually be happy, but they're the ones

who have money to burn. And, of course, they all live in

Phase One. We'll drive through that first. We can stop at the

model home if you like.”

”Let's do that. It might be effective for me to get the

whole 'royal treatment' as you put it.”

158Melody Carlson