Griffin Speaks

A ROLLS-ROYCE FOR DEBRA

Until recently I have debated with my wife, Debra about moving to East Montgomery or remaining in West Montgomery. I remember the frequent trips she made to Wynlakes looking for our dream house. I finally convinced my wife of the benefits of remaining in our comfortable neighborhood Haardt Estates. The year 2004 was a very good year so I wanted to reward my wife for having the wisdom to listen to me. 

Before making any major financial decisions I consult my financial advisor, my brother-in-law, Rev. Lorenzo Harrison Jr. Lorenzo is married to my wife’s sister, Dr. Latanza Harrison. Lorenzo is a very bright and successful Birmingham businessman. He is very optimistic and not afraid to take risks. He once told my mother-in-law, Mrs. Wilma Thomas that he was buying two Mercedes Benz. She asked him why he was buying two? Lorenzo responded, “Why not?” 

Lorenzo gave me his blessings and a few numbers to call. I had to decide how much I was willing to pay for this Rolls-Royce. The national base price for a 2005 Rolls-Royce is $328,750.00 with options $332,750.00. I called Lorenzo back with my figures and he talked me into purchasing a used Rolls-Royce. He told me that the mileage on a used Rolls would be low since most owners seldom drive their Rolls-Royce on a regular basis. He was preaching to the choir because I knew that I could never justify to Debra spending that kind of money on an automobile even if we had won the lottery. I searched the Internet and learned that I could purchase a 1984 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur with 75,000 miles, Interior tan/blue, Exterior blue for $22,999.00. The car was beautiful. I decided to shop around a little more. I went to Auto Connection in Montgomery, Alabama and they informed me that they had just sold a Rolls like the one that I was looking for. So I decided to wait a little longer or find one locally. Someone suggested that I call Judge Charles Conley and see if he would sell me his Rolls-Royce. I made the call. 

It was on a Sunday afternoon when I called the Conley Mansion. Mrs. Conley answered the phone. I identified myself with the usual “This is Greg Griffin, hello!” I assumed she would know the name. Mrs. Conley said, “Who?” I continued to identify myself informing her that I was her neighbor in the rear. She seemed to know who I was and agreed to talk. I told her that I was interested in purchasing a used Rolls-Royce and wanted to know if she and the Judge would be willing to sell their Rolls-Royce to me. She quickly informed me that they had purchased their Rolls-Royce new and had no intention of selling at the moment. She suggested that I look for a Bentley. I wasn’t interested in a Bentley I wanted a Rolls. I wanted to drive around in my Rolls-Royce and collect my rent. Disappointed that she would not agree to sell me their Rolls I asked if she would be interested in selling their mansion to me. She said, “heavens no!” “I would sell the Rolls quicker than I would sell the mansion.” By now I just knew she thought I was a nut, but she continued to be very kind and cordial. 

I was disappointed that I was not able to surprise Debra with a Rolls-Royce, but it turned out for the best. Thank God for unanswered prayers. Just before Christmas we had five vacancies. I had one tenant way behind in his rent inform me that he couldn’t pay his rent because he was saving money for Christmas. However he had his Christmas lights burning in the middle of the day. So here I was with five vacancies and a grossly delinquent tenant. Fortunately I had restructured some debt and could afford to take the hit. 

Greg Griffin is a free lance writer. You can read his previous articles by visiting his web page at www.greggriffin.com