The Territoriality of the Professional Closer

Val was THISCLOSE to committing a rumpus-resting faux pas Tuesday at the closing for our upper 10 acres. It was at the title company we have used many times, starting with The Pony's house four years ago. Nobody called me out on it back then. We were escorted to the room, and I took a chair closest to the door, at the end of the table, where I could get up and down the easiest.

The next time we were there, Realtor had preceded us, and was in that chair. So I went down the left side to the end, and sat in the last chair. In fact, that is where I sat the next couple times. I was used to it, and in my mind, when I imagined going in for the signing, that's where I placed myself.

On Tuesday, Realtor and Hick were already seated when The Pony and I came in. Realtor in her chair on the end, and Hick in the first seat on the left. Well. It's a long narrow room, with a big table and six chairs. I couldn't comfortably walk with my cane behind Hick. So I went down the right side of the table. Got to the last chair, and was maneuvering my cane to sit down.

"That's where Closer always sits," said Realtor.

"Oh. Okay. Um..."

"She usually has you two sit across from her on the same side, so she can shove papers for you to sign."

"That's fine. I can go over there."

"I think you've sat there before."

"Yes! But I couldn't get past Hick this time, since he was already sitting down!"

I went around the end of the table, where The Pony usually sits, to the rolly chair where I am used to sitting. Whew! I didn't mean to upset the applecart! Realtor wasn't rude. She's just matter-of-fact. I have no problem with being told where to sit, as long as I'm physically capable of it.

When Closer came in with her stack of papers, she had no idea that I had almost usurped her rightful chair. I don't think she would have minded at all. In fact, she would probably have stood, rather than say anything. Heck, she would have probably walked those papers out to T-Hoe for me to sign. She's not at all territorial. I think Realtor was just looking out for her.