Page 38 of Out of the Shadow

Angie stands and walks over to the side table, reaching for a bottle of water. “True. Why did you pick your three?”

“I thought about the houses I’d want to live in out here if I were married. And if I were a rich financial accountant hell-bent on pleasing my much younger trophy wife.”

“How did you get all that? Not his job, of course, but about her being a trophy wife?”

I blink. “It was as clear as the sorry paintings in this room. How could you have missed it?”

She crosses her arms across her chest, drawing attention to her ample tits. I shift in my seat. “She doesn’t look that much younger than him.”

“Plastic surgery. Ever hear of that?”

Angie’s fingers rise to touch her lips. “You think?”

“Women aren’t the only ones who get it. Although I’m guessing they had some his-and-hers work done.” I shrug. “Plus, I know a boob job when I see one.”

Across the table from me, Angie huffs. “I bet.”

“Oh, I’ve seen all sorts. The good, the bad, and the beautiful. Hers were expensive. And gorgeous.”

“Whatever. I’m sure they’re going to select me, you pervert.”

I chuckle. “Not a pervert. Just a connoisseur.” I take a lingering look at her frame, now that her hands are occupied with her water bottle. “Not that you need any help in that department.”

She chokes on her sip of water. “I take back all my positive thoughts about you and your childhood.”

Her words stab into me, but I’m ready to stab back. “You can’t. Besides, I know things, too.” I tap the side of my forehead.

Her eyes immediately drop and I feel like a jerk. What we shared yesterday shouldn’t be brought into this minor debate. This is about the show, and that was…that. For the first time in a very long while, I feel the need to apologize. But she beats me to it.

“I’m sorry, King. I didn’t mean to bring up our conversation from yesterday. That was a low blow.”

“I’m sorry, too. I didn’t mean to make you feel sad.”

Our truce, of sorts, is interrupted when Milo comes into the room. “We’re ready for both of you out here.”

Angie and I both stand, and I extend my hand as a sort of olive branch. “Good luck.”

We shake and head out of the conference room to find out who the Dansons chose. Given Angie’s list of houses, I’m even more confident I won this round.

We’re directed to stand in front of the reception desk while the Dansons face us. “And, go!”

Gil speaks first, addressing Angie. He tells her how much he appreciated her selections, especially since they didn’t blow the budget they gave us. Then Lita smiles at me and explains how much my choices “spoke to her.”

Yeah. I can only imagine how the hot tub and heliport on the beach spoke to her.

Lita continues, “Angie, your choices were on point and pretty. I’m sure we could be happy in any one of them.”

My positivity dims for an instant until I realize that homes shouldn’t be “pretty.”

Gil adds, “King, your properties were breathtaking. We’ve decided to go with you. We can’t wait to see them in person.”

A huge smile surfaces on my face and I shake hands with both of them. “Lita, Gil, thanks so much for your confidence in me. I can’t wait to show you these amazing houses. I’m sure you’ll be calling one home in no time.” The Dansons also shake hands with Angie, who wears a professional smile.

“CUT!” Kaitlyn claps. “Great job. The house tours will be tomorrow.”

Gil shakes my hand again, while Lita gives me a hug.

We all walk them to the door, and as I watch them leave, I feel a new glow in my chest. I beat an experienced real estate agent at her own game. Well, it was just once, but I could get used to this. I’m that much closer to earning the show’s bonus. I steal a glance at Angie, who seems smaller to me. My underutilized heart does a flip, and I cough. Must be something I ate.

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