Page 18 of Out of the Shadow

It’s all I can do not to roll my eyes at him. Geez, he didn’t have to point that out. And with such over-the-top enthusiasm.

“Oh, really?” Abbey rushes over to us, and I barely have time to move out of the way. She peers out the window and says, “I see the water! This is great.”

What the?

Rolling with her enthusiasm, I suggest that King and I leave her to explore. When she’s ready, we’ll tour the other amenities in the building.

In a low voice, I say, “Nice work.” Even though he did things backward, it certainly had an impact on Abbey.

“Thanks. I wanted her to see what could be, you know, and not what is.”

I nod my head and mull over his last statement. Is this what they’re teaching in real estate classes nowadays? Or is King just being King?

Shortly, Abbey joins us in the entranceway, and I take her on a quick tour of the gym and pool. The amenities truly sell themselves and she talks about them in glowing terms as we exit the building.

The second showing goes much like the first. This condo doesn’t have any view at all, but the rooms are much larger.

When I pull into the lot for the final building, which is right on the beach, Abbey enthuses, “Wow! This location is to die for.”

I smile. Not wanting her to get too excited since it’s over her budget and just five-hundred square feet, I say, “Let’s see what this condo has to offer.”

The three of us head inside, where I lead them to the elevator. This building doesn’t have security, nor are there any other amenities, which I point out. We go up to the third floor and I open the door to the studio. It’s larger and brighter than I had envisioned, which is good. But there’s also only one room plus a bathroom. No space to spread out. This is Abbey’s decision, however, so I show her the condo.

King doesn’t take the tour with us this time, but rather opens the French doors and walks out onto the balcony that faces the ocean. This time, there’s nothing to block the view. The ocean roils in front of us, a little wild today. King leans on the railing, his shirt pulling against his muscled back. I should remind him to leave a blazer in the office at all times.

Pity.

Stop it, Angie!

Getting me out of my head, Abbey asks me about the possibility of a Murphy bed, and I give her my suggestions. When we’re done walking around the space, we join King on the balcony. A light breeze blows over us, and Abbey and I both straighten our hair. King, on the other hand, lets it run through his hair like a lover’s caress.

Abbey looks at him like he’s her prize for choosing a condo. “What do you think, King?” she asks. “Which condo should I choose?”

I try telepathy to stop him—Don’t answer that question. It’s a trap. We’re not here to tell her what to do, but rather to lead her through the possibilities.

“I believe all three are good choices.”

Whew. Good answer.

“Yeah. Me, too,” I agree and launch into the pros and cons of each place, careful to keep my true opinion to myself, although I do point out the various price points. I think the first condo would be the best, even though it lacks this amazing view.

King stands up straight and looks at my client. “If you want amenities, go with the first one. If you want space, go for the second. But if you want a kickass place to live, where you can be part of the Aroostook vibe, this place is for you.”

Before I process what he’s just told my client, she says, “I’d really be a part of the town if I lived here. Right in the middle of things.”

“Exactly,” his baritone replies.

“Of course, you need to look at everything as a whole,” I interject. “While you want to be right in the thick of things, how you want to live is equally as important. Not to mention budget considerations.”

“This place isn’t that much over my budget. Probably won’t cost more than a latte a day extra in my mortgage.” Her gaze returns to King. “You’d live here, right?”

He doesn’t utter a word. He just smiles, his white teeth mimicking the white tops of the waves crashing in front of us. Is he seducing her into purchasing a condo? My body coils as if ready to strike.

“I’ll take it!”

I blink at Abbey.

“Great choice,” King says.

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