. Gary remained aware of his unemployment status, having continued to monitor the Sonora Union Democrat for employment opportunities, noticing the Columbia Village Apartments having placed an ad, accepting applications for a soon to open facility management position, by the, Apartment Investment & Management Company. One of the largest owner operators of multifamily apartment housing companies in the country. Gary approaching Fran with his recent discovery, pointing out that with her bookkeeping and business management skills, his maintenance experience they would make an ideal team for the position. Fran somewhat hesitant then agreeing, the couple setting about documenting their resume’, Gary traveling to the Columbia Village location, just over a mile east them on Parrots Ferry Road, leaving the resumes’, being told he would notified.
. The couple expecting a long wait, but to their astonishment receiving a phone call the following afternoon asking them to meet with the complex manager for an interview. Gary and Fran arriving, the interview going well, but as expected the result was indecisive, informed there were other applicants, but they would be notified as to a decision. The phone rang and it was the expected call, requesting the couple meet again, this time scheduling a meeting with a corporate representative at a recently opened AIM CO Apartment complex in Sonora.
. An ensuing evening trip to Sonora, their AIM CO host began by providing information about the responsibilities and duties of facility manager, the security of the building and residence, questioning Gary about his maintenance capabilities, and referencing the company’s belief it was beneficial to have a husband and wife team with both fiscal management and maintenance skills. The interview was completed, the couple leaving but still no employment confirmation. The following morning the couple received their third phone call from AIMCO notifying they had been accepted for the position and to meet at 2:00 p.m. that afternoon at the Columbia Village office. The afternoon arrival finding a conjugal hostess introducing them to the paperwork that accompanied new employees and handing them an itinerary for a two-week training course that was to begin in three days. Gary was about to mentioned fiscal compensation when the lady brought up the subject, their position would of course provide an apartment and monthly salary, their total employment package in excess of $47,000 per year. She continued that their new working environment would not be in Sonora or Tuolumne County, but a new complex in Roseville, 18 miles northwest of Sacramento, it was about to inaugurate a Grand Opening and there would be an influx of new tenants. The drive back, Gary elated, he and Fran having found a once in a lifetime opportunity where they could both work together and begin a substantial life.
. The schedule was set for the training sessions to begin, Gary making a phone call about their first session time, Fran asking him to inquire about pets at the new facility. Gary interjecting the question during his phone conversation, being told that upon initiating a new complex opening, the policy was, no pets allowed. Upon hearing this, Gary knew there was no way they could accept the management offer, giving Fran the news about the no pet policy, and acknowledging the hopeless situation. Gary noticing a change in Fran, a standoffish ere, wondering if she felt like she was responsible for their loss of opportunity. Gary was disappointed with the circumstances, but having been through many disappointments in life, had learned something more meaningful than disappointment, that was understanding. Deciding it best to drive to Columbia Village, giving the AIMCO management the explanation, because of the no pet policy, they would have to decline the position.
. Fran displaying a disquiet disposition not serious but problematic, Gary reason it was because of the lack of intuitiveness and their failure to obtain a mutual goal. Fran having mentioned she would like to visit her cousin Rhoda in New Jersey, Gary agreeing that it might give the couple time to recoup from this their first marital set back. With an airline reservation obtained, they made a late afternoon drive, spending the night in Oakland rather than San Francisco for the early morning flight east. The return drive to Columbia was enduring, Gary concluding, him and Sammi would have to wait for Fran to reconcile any misgivings, for time can heal what reason cannot.
Inquisitive Quest 
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