Celluloid Memories Read Free

in one of the lounge chairs. Someone had been smoking and had put out their cigarette on the pathway. Someone had left an empty can of Diet Pepsi on a small table.
    Savannah sat on the very edge of the pool, pulling up the legs of her print capri pants. She took off her shoes and let her feet slip into the cool water. She wiggled her toes. The pool had been a plus. She’d never learned to swim really well, but had enjoyed evenings spent just like this after she’d moved in with her father. Sometimes, when he was feeling up to it, he would join her, ensconced on a lounger complete with some amber-colored drink over ice that she knew had been forbidden by his doctors. They’d spent a lot of time talking around each other, being civil, trying to behave normally, circumventing the past and ignoring the future. They were like strangers thrown together by circumstance, trying to make the best of an awkward situation.
    Savannah considered now that her father had been remarkably accepting of the fact that he was dying. He never once complained about it, didn’t show anger or fear, but he also never wanted to talk about it. He did have a lot of stories to tell her, about his work, as if that would explain to her what he wanted her to know about him.
    She wasn’t sure how long she sat that way, but when the real estate agent came out to find her, her toes were starting to wrinkle.
    â€œWell, that’s it. I finally got the last person to leave.” She sat on a cushioned deck chair and crossed her knees, smiling in satisfaction. “That went very well, I would say. There was lots of interest, and there were lots of offers. Of course, I told everyone I’d have to speak with the owner as there were other bidders…”
    â€œI’ve changed my mind.”
    â€œLet them think there’s stiff competition. It’s good for…what did you say?”
    Savannah turned to regard the agent whose stunned expression was almost comical. “I’m sorry. I think I’ve changed my mind. I’m pulling the house off the market.”
    â€œYou’re joking, right? You haven’t even heard what the offers are. They’re all higher than your asking price. You’re going to make a killing on the sale of this house.”
    Savannah smiled to herself. Bad turn of phrase, she thought. She shook her head. “I’m not interested.”
    â€œB-but, why? Do you realize how much work has gone into making today happen? And don’t even think about going behind my back to sell this place on your own. I want my commission, regardless.”
    Savannah lifted her feet from the water and pivoted to face the agent, her arms around her bent knees. She felt very calm, very sure of herself. Even her upset stomach had settled down. “I’m not going to sell the house. It’s not anything you did or said. I realized when I saw all those people walking in and out that I can’t let it go.”
    The agent looked frustrated and angry. And then confused.
    â€œYou could have cleared a million, give or take a hundred thousand. We could probably get a little more.”
    Savannah got to her feet and looked around the small peaceful enclosed backyard. The pool surface reflected a wrinkled image of part of the house. The slightly humid air held the sweet fragrance of flowers. They were the same kind that had been used at his service.
    She could hear her father’s raspy laughter.
    â€œIt’s not about the money,” she said simply.

Chapter 1
    â€œM ac, Jeff Peterson is on the line. He said it’s important.”
    The man behind the sleek, modern desk was already on the phone with another call. At the sound of his assistant’s voice he sat back and momentarily stopped his note taking on a pile of official documents.
    â€œMr. Samuels? Sorry to interrupt. Can I put you on hold for a quick moment? Thanks.” He frowned at the young man standing in the half-open