Chapter 14: Suzanne's Success

The next morning Fred had to leave early to return to Brisbane. He made the promise to call her later. Just as Fred left, Suzanne rang with a bubbly voice. “What are you doing now?”

“I was waving my boyfriend off to work and about to get some brekky. Why?”

“How would you like to join me at Nobby’s and its my shout for food. I have some brilliant good news for you!” Suzanne asked.

“OK see you in 15 at the cafe we met in.” replied Helena.

Collecting her handbag and an additional $10,000 in an envelope. She locked her unit and got into a cab. Arriving in 20 minutes Suzanne was already at the cafe with a cappuccino ready for Helena.

“My we are bubbly today, what is the good news?” Asked Helena.

“Well you had a good call last Saturday, I got mine last night.” Looking around to make sure no one was listening Suzanne said “I won $20 million last night. Thank you for encouraging me to get the ticket. I plan to split half with you.”

“No you won’t split the winnings with me, that is all yours, I already have $40 million. you keep the $20 million. It will make life easy for you. When do you collect? Replied Helena.

“I have to go and do a 100 point identification and have my tax file number together with my bank account details within the next two weeks in Brisbane. Can I use your limo guy to take me? Asked Suzanne.

“Sure, you are coming up with me week Friday, we can do it on that visit.” Asked Helena.

“AAH I forgot about that, Yes we can do it together” replied Suzanne. “Thank you.”

The girls then ordered breakfast and generally chic chat whilst eating. After breakfast and a few cappuccino’s later, Helena realised the time was pass 9am. Making a telephone to June at the lottery office, she asked if both Suzanne and herself can do the winning paperwork at the same time on Friday week? As she got a telephone call last night. June confirmed that would be OK but Suzanne’s funds would not be paid into her account until the Tuesday night. This is the 14 day ruling in the act. She then asked about any special celebration wine she did prefer. Helena mentioned she does not drink and Suzanne does not drink alcoholic either, Could they have just sparking water please. (Suzanne was shaking her head to the mention of alcoholic). June mentioned that would be no problem. They often had non drinkers at these events.

The girls decided to have a beach walk and started to walk and talk towards Surfers Paradise. When they arrived just below Surfers, Suzanne saw an old weatherboard 2 story home for sale. As there was an elderly lady sitting outside, they asked if she was the owner? “Yes,” she replied “are you interested in buying?”

“Yes.” said Suzanne, “The house looks fantastic. Can we have a look inside please?”

“How could you pay for this house, you don’t look like you have any money?” She asked.

Looking around to see who was interested, no one, Suzanne mentioned “Last night I won the first division prize in Gold Lotto. I currently live in a one bedroom box and needed to get out. Your house has character, charm and a beach outlook. I was going to start look for a place later this week but this is a home, not a house!”

With the praise given, the lady invited both girls onto her property advising them she was not a nimble as she use to be. Helena introduced herself then introduced Suzanne, confirming her story about the lotto win. Mrs Jones introduced herself and took them inside to check out the property.

The house was old but certainly had charm. The furniture was a mixture of old and new. The room were spacious but lacked some housekeeping. This was understandable with her age. Mrs Jones offered them a cup of tea. Helena mentioned for her to sit down putting her hand gently on Mrs Jones shoulder saying “Tell me where the tea items are and I’ll make it for you.”

Helena, making old fashion tea, in a teapot with tea leaves. Bring over the tea, cups, milk and sugar, she placed them down on the dining room table. Mrs Jones acted as mummy in the tea pouring.

Suzanne, who had never purchased a place in the pass asked Helena “What do we do from here?”

“Well first thing is what is the asking price, do you have any real estate agents and mainly why are you selling?” Advised Helena.

“Well let me answer the questions backwards, I have realised this home is too much for me to handle. My children do not visit any more. And my health in the last 3 months has gone down hill fast. I have a real estate agent coming around in an hour to sign some paperwork. And I am asking one million dollars for my home.”

Suzanne stood up offering her hand saying “I buy it for one million dollars but I cannot pay for 15 days is that OK?”

Taken back Mrs Jones reached out and shook Suzanne’s hand saying “OK Deal. What do we do from here Helena?”

Helena looked at both and said, “Do you have a solicitor?”

“No.” they both replied.

“Just wait a minute, I’ll step outside to make a phone call!” replied Helena.

Stepping outside Helena rang, of all people, Bill. “Bill I need some help please, do you know of a reliable solicitor, who is free now, to assist with a land purchase and some other paperwork, Pleeeese?”

Bill, recognising Helena’s voice, said “Yes but I must tell you he has only just set up practice in Coolangatta and I am related by marriage. Our wife’s are sisters.”

“Can you ring him now and can he come to Surfers now? Can I wait on the phone whilst you ring?” requested Helena.

Bill grabbed Julie’s phone and rang Ben. Asking if he would like to do a conveyancing job today and can he leave for Surfers now. Ben replied yes I do need some business to pay the rent.

Bill advised Helena “Yes he can be there shortly, I still have him on the phone.”
“Good” Helena advised Bill the address, then mentioned, “Bring the limo and pick up Ben, I’ll pay the limo costs, OK. See you in 40 minutes.” She did not consider to ask if he was free as well.

Helena returned to the other ladies and advised Suzanne that Bill, the driver, was bring a solicitor to help with the purchase.

The two ladies then talked about the furniture, whilst Helena looked at the painting. Seeing a painting with a naked lady covered by a sheer cloth hiding her private parts, Helena remarked about the beauty of the picture. Mrs Jones mentioned the picture, painted with Oils, has been in the family for over 100 years. It is beautiful, sensual yet innocent.

Suzanne asked “What would sell the furniture for?”

“I don’t know, but the real estate agent said it’s basically worthless in the second hand market. Why? Asked Mrs Jones.