Page 60 of Sweet Harmony

“With a fewrenovations, this place could be exactly what you’re looking for,Mr. Stark.”

“A fewrenovations? I see your vision, Ms. Walker, but this place was lastupdated in what – the eighties? The entire interior would needgutting and the renos required would cost at least a few hundredgrand.”

“Yes, but thetown has been trying to sell this place for the last five years.They’re highly motivated to sell,” Kira said. “I’m confident thatwe can make an offer to the town that will be well below yourpurchasing budget, and they’ll accept.”

He studied hersilently and she gave him a self-assured smile. “As well, I’velived in Harmony Falls my entire life. My father was a contractorwho built a good quarter of the homes here. I can set you up withthe best and most competent tradespeople in this town to do yourrenovations.”

Mr. Starkcontinued to study her, and she resisted the urge to keep talking.She’d said everything she could to convince him. She’d have to hopeit was enough. After what felt like an eternity, he nodded.

“You’veconvinced me, Ms. Walker. Come, we’ll have lunch and we can discussthe offer you’ll send on my behalf.”

She wanted toshriek with joy.

She wanted tohug the tall and scary man standing in front of her.

She wanted todance like a crazy person.

Instead, shesmiled and said, “I know the perfect place for lunch, Mr.Stark.”

* * *

Kira stared atthe paperwork in front of her. Isaac Stark’s signature was a darkslash and she traced his name before sitting back in her chair.She’d done it. She’d made her first sale.

“Kira?”

She turned andsmiled at the stylish, silver-haired woman standing in her cubicle.“Hi, Rose.”

“Congratulations, honey. I knew you could do it. How do youfeel?”

“I… it happenedso fast,” Kira said. “They accepted our initial offer in like, halfan hour. I did the paperwork and Mr. Stark signed it and left me amoney order for the down payment. I’m taking the paperwork over forthe representative from the town to sign and – and it’s done. Ithappened so fast.”

Rose laughed.“Yes, well it doesn’t always happen that way so don’t get used toit.”

She squeezedKira’s shoulder. “I am so proud of you, Kira. I know your mom anddad would be too.”

“Thank you,Rose.” Kira picked up the papers and put them into an envelope.“I’m going to take these over now, I’ll be back in an hour orso.”

“Sounds good.”Rose walked away and Kira grabbed her purse and headed to her car.She was nearly vibrating with excitement, and she climbed into thecar and shut the door before grabbing her cell phone. She had toshare her news. She couldn’t keep it inside a moment longer. Shedrummed her fingers on the steering wheel with nervous energy asthe phone rang in her ear.

“Hey, Kira.What’s up?”

“Connor, I didit!” Her voice was shrill with excitement. “I did it! I made myfirst sale!”

“That’sfantastic. Congratulations, I knew you could do it.” The warmth inhis voice made her tingle all over.

“I can’tbelieve it. I mean, I still need to take the paperwork over to theseller, but my client’s offer was accepted like right away – whichrarelyhappens – and he already signed the paperwork andleft me a money order for the down payment. As long as I don’t,like, get into an accident on the way to the seller’s, it’s a donedeal.”

He laughed.“Okay, let’s not get into an accident.”

“I won’t, Ijust… I can’t believe it. I’m not gonna lose my job and I’m gonnaget paid!”

“Congratulations,” he said again. “What did your brother and Gracesay about your very first sale?”

“Oh, um, Ihaven’t told them yet,” she said.

“You called mefirst?”

“Uh, yeah.Sorry, you’re at work and I guess I shouldn’t have called. Shit,did I interrupt an appointment?”

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