Page 42 of Out of the Shadow

Kaitlyn screams from the front door, “And, CUT!”

I was so annoyed with King that I forgot we were actually filming. Great. I hope I didn’t come off as a bitch to my golden boy co-star. I tuck my hair behind my ear and force a smile at him. He bends down and whispers, “Things just got real interesting. Can’t wait to see which one of us wins this one. Good luck.”

His last two words catch me off guard. Something tells me he really meant it. I look up at him. “You, too. Let’s both give it our best shot and see which one they pick.” We shake. King’s words and actions over the past few days have put me off-kilter. Sometimes he’s such an arrogant jerk, while others, he’s a caring human being. Which one is the true King?

We walk over to Kaitlyn. “Great job, guys,” she says happily. Our antagonism pleases her the way some people get a boost from espresso. “I liked both of your takes on the property. Should make for a very interesting show.”

The front door opens and a tall man and woman greet us. After introductions are made, the camera crew sets up inside and we’re given a tour of the mansion. Six bedrooms and eight bathrooms, all of which have amazing views of the ocean. Not to mention the chef’s kitchen, complete with a center island that could easily seat my whole family, and formal dining room.

We get settled in the family room—Tessa and Liam on the sofa, King and I in a couple of armchairs across from them. My seat is so plush and comfortable I’m tempted to ask if I could take it to my apartment. The rooms all are decorated with warm tones, multiple layers of lighting, and cheery furniture. The media room has leather sofas, but most of the other pieces are cloth and overstuffed. I’m right. The exterior of the house doesn’t match their aesthetic or the way they live.

King points out the French doors, which lead out to the formal gardens. There’s a pool out there, too, surrounded by some well-loved chaise loungers, which leads me to think the gardens preceded the Maguires’ on the property.

Because I can’t stop myself, I ask, “Did you plant the gardens?”

Tessa smiles. “No. The prior owner did, but we maintained them. They’re our favorite part of the house.”

King replies, “Your home is gorgeous. If you don’t mind my asking, why have you decided to leave such a wonderful spot?”

Liam responds, “Our kids are gone now and we don’t need such a large space. We’ve decided to buy a smaller one nearby.”

“We’d love to help you in any way we can,” King replies faster than me. “Our agency works with buyers as well as sellers.”

His pitch digs into me like a pair of spurs. Now, I don’t just want to sell their house—I also want to find them a new one, assuming they’re not already working with whoever is the listing agent. “I’m sure you’ll love working with whomever you decide to help you with your sale. Andshe”—I give King a sideways glance—“can also help you with your buy.”

Kaitlyn interrupts, saying it’s time for our pitches. “King, since you won the last contest, you can choose which of you pitches first today.”

King hesitates for a second before announcing that I’ll be pitching them first. Fine. Going first doesn’t mean you’ll lose. I’m confident in my plan, which I’ve tweaked somewhat after seeing the house and meeting the Maguires.

Liam and Tessa are sent to the breakfast nook to wait for me, and I get some additional makeup. Not for the first time, I wonder where the show found this couple. I shake my head—doesn’t matter now, I just have to wow them.

During my pitch for their Open House, I play up the dichotomy between their relaxed lifestyle and the austerity of the exterior of the house. I suggest softening the front of the house with flowers and other landscaping, to which they seem amenable. I also discuss adding the romantic touch of strolling violinists with a bar serving signature cocktails in the garden. I also give them my marketing ideas, and answer their questions. They seemed very receptive and I walk out of the nook with my head held high. King doesn’t stand a chance.

I return to the family room, where King’s waiting for his turn. “Are you ready to make your pitch?” I ask, settling in next to him. “Gotta warn you, though, they loved what I had to say.”

King runs his hands over his strong thighs, which sends a not unpleasant tingle through me. My fingers cover my tattoo.

“I’ve got this,” he says, “don’t you worry. You’ll be zero for three when I’m done.”

I laugh at his confidence. “In your dreams.”

A little while later, King strides back into the room, followed by cameras. His face is a little drawn.

“Everything go okay in there?”

“Yeah,” he responds, minus his usual cockiness.

I squelch the hope rising within me.No decision has been made yet, Angie. Wait and see before celebrating.“We’ll find out soon who they picked.”

“I gave it my all. It will be the best Open House Aroostook has ever seen.”

“Are you sure? Because my ideas were pretty kick-ass.” I glance at Kaitlyn to see if it’s okay to say that word on television, and she nods.

“Want to place a side bet on it?”

My eyebrows furrow. “Like what?” I ask slowly, trying to figure out his game.

“Loser has to help the winner out with the Open House.”

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