Page 21 of Out of the Shadow

“I do.”

She nods and stops at the reception desk, where she and Marlene get into a discussion. I can’t hear anything they’re saying, but the hand gestures tell me they’re debating some issue. With a final tap on the desktop, Angie heads in my direction with determined steps.

Shit. Now what?

Stopping in front of my desk, her expression somewhere between a smile and a scowl, she states, “In honor of your taking the exam, I would like to take you out to lunch to celebrate. My treat.”

A smile crosses my face. My first office lunch. It’s an acknowledgment I’ve never had before. I rise to my feet. “Thanks. I’m starving.”

As we pass Marlene’s desk, I ask her to join us, but she declines, stating that someone has to remain in the office to field all the calls. As an excuse, it’s debatable, but I’m not about to call her on it. After a quick discussion about what type of cuisine we want, Angie and I settle on an Asian-Fusion place within walking distance.

We’re lucky to get a table by the front window. After we place our orders, Angie asks about the test. “It was tricky, like you warned. But I took my time and I think I passed. Results should be mailed within three weeks, two if I’m lucky.”

“You seem like the lucky type, so I hope it’s sooner rather than later.”

Lucky? Me? I guess I used to be, when I had my monthly trust fund payments and sponsorships, but not anymore. Now, I make my own luck. I shrug off her comment. “Would you mind if I tagged along on more of your client appointments? I really enjoyed my time with Abbey and I’d like to learn more about real estate.”

“You don’t have to do that. I’m sure the producers for the show will set up lots of scenarios for us.” The server drops off our drinks. Angie unwraps her straw and places the paper on the table.

“Yeah, but I got such a thrill helping Abbey find her next home.”

“This isnota game to me.”

I trace the condensation on the outside of my glass of iced tea, trying to formulate a proper response. She thinks of me as the playboy I was rather than the guy I am now—the one who needs funds. And a job. Unless this show takes off and multiple seasons are ordered, I’m going to have to look into getting one. Real estate may be an unexpected home for me. I smirk at my unintended pun. “Actually, it’s not a game to me, either.”

She snorts and plays with the rings on her left hand. “The agency is really important to me, all right? I can’t afford to help you play realtor.”

Her response makes my blood boil. “Who said I’m playing? I honestly enjoyed learning everything for that test.”

“You don’t have to say that. The cameras aren’t rolling.”

“I surprised myself, all right? I found all the coursework to be very interesting, learning about finances and all the legal ramifications that I had no idea about.”

In a condescending tone, she replies, “Yeah, go figure. Real estate is more than putting people together with properties.”

“I got that.” Our lunches are dropped off, and I rip apart the chopsticks with a vengeance. Angie doesn’t have to turn her nose up at me simply because I had no clue what went into being an agent before I took the test. I shove my chopsticks into my General Tso’s Chicken with brown rice and bring a huge bite into my mouth.

And my nasal passages open. Shit, this is spicy. I reach for my iced tea and take a big slug.

Across from me, Angie sighs. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to imply that you didn’t. I know how hard you’ve been studying. I just really need this show to work.” Her chopsticks dig into her sweet and sour pork.

I accept her olive branch and take a more measured bite of my lunch. “So do I.”

A shadow catches the corner of my eye and I look outside, but nothing seems amiss. I give Angie my full attention again and change the subject. “You already know I’m here because of the show. What brought you to Aroostook?”

Her chopsticks still in mid-air, then resume their course. “I always knew I wanted to make a name for myself in real estate, from when I was in high school. I got my training back home in Brooklyn, but when I got my broker’s license, I knew this was the perfect place to set up shop. I had fallen in love with this town.” She gestures out the window with her chopsticks. “This downtown area is so quaint.”

I take in the bustling as shopkeepers prepare for Memorial Day, the unofficial kick-off to summer. I never thought of the town in these terms. Although I’ve spent time in the Hamptons, I’ve always cared more about the mansions and the parties than the stores on the strip. Now I see sidewalk sales and welcome signs and people waving at each other. Huh.

“I can see why you fell in love with Aroostook.” It hits me that I don’t really know anything about my co-star. “Do you live here, too? Does your husband commute to the City for work?”

Her chopsticks land on her plate and she gulps down some water. She pushes her chair back. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to use the ladies’ room.”

I nod and finish my meal while she disappears into the interior of the restaurant. Something about Angie seems off, but I can’t put my finger on it. She’s very private, I get that. Hell, I’m not exactly shouting to the world that Dad cut me off, either, but she always seems to bail at the very mention of her husband. Don’t most people like to talk about their spouses?

Outside, a group of paparazzi approach the window and start taking photos. I used to welcome all publicity—before reporters caught me with Trevor and the white stuff on the beach. I force myself to smile at them, but it doesn’t feel natural.

Angie returns, her eyes widening when she sees the papps. “Oh. Photographers.”

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