Page 16 of Out of the Shadow

“I think it’s great,” Callie coos, grabbing my arm.

“Actually, I am,” I said, buoyed by her response. “It’s going to bring a lot of attention to Aroostook and the amazing real estate out here.”

He swallows the rest of his martini and picks up the cocktail pick spearing two overstuffed olives. Removing one with his teeth, he bites into the alcohol-laden fruit. “Dude. Poppy was on a tear when she heard a reality TV show was filming here. She did everything she could to prevent the studio from filming, including lobbying the mayor.”

“She obviously lost.”

“She made it known that anyone associated with it would be blackballed. No reputable agency would agree to do it. I’m surprised they even found anyone. Who are you working with?”

I suck in my breath. This explains the empty office, the lack of agents and clients. Does Blaine know what dud he picked? Maybe he knew, but he didn’t have a choice. Well, the answer is going to come out sooner or later, so I shrug. “Russo Real Estate.”

His teeth clamp down on the second olive on the toothpick. He swallows. “I got the hell out of her agency the first chance I got. She’s never going to get anywhere in this town.”

My breathing escalates. “You worked for Angie?”

Geoff flicks the pick that held his olives at me. “My first job. I had to hustle like crazy to find clients and then the split was fifty-fifty. With Poppy, my split is sixty-forty in my favor, and she gives me at least a couple of listings a week.”

I mull over his comments, remembering the contract Angie gave me. “My split is fifty-fifty, too.”

He shakes his head. “Listen, I know you’re not from around here, so I’m going to give you a friendly word to the wise. I would run away from this. Angie isn’t good for your career. And Poppy hates Angie, I’m not sure why, but it’s not worth it.”

“Does Poppy really have that much power?”

He nods. “She does. She can make your life a living hell. I’m not going to tell her about the taping, but Poppy will find out. She always does. And when that happens, holy hell will rain down on you and that poor excuse of an agency. Mark my words.”

Callie interjects, “Geoff, stop trying to scare King away. You’re being overdramatic as usual.”

Actually, I don’t think he’s being overdramatic at all. I know how things work in these circles. The Hamptons is all about who you know, and Poppy is the person everyone wants to know. If she wants to, she can and will make Russo Real Estate wish it had never opened its doors. Of course, since I only have to show up for filming to get paid, it won’t affect me in the long run.

Shrugging, I look Geoff square in the face, “Thanks for the warning. Appreciate it.”

Callie rises to her toes and whispers in my ear, “How about we take this somewhere more private?”

I take in her toned body, blonde hair, big earrings, and bigger tits—probably fake. So different from Angie’s shorter, lusher brunette figure.

Wait. Why am I comparing her to Angie? Angie is absolutely not my type, and besides, she’s married.

Shaking off thoughts of my co-star,I grab Callie’s hand and bid Geoff a good-night.

In the wee hours of the morning, I leave Callie’s apartment and enter my own. Dumping my shirt and underwear in the hamper, I strip off my jeans and walk naked into my bathroom. An evening with Callie was just the release I needed after such a crazy day.

Geoff’s warning plays through my brain. What exactly have I gotten myself into?

Angie

FIVE DAYS AFTERsigning the television contract, business is even worse than usual. This past month, I’ve spoken with several potential new clients, but they always balk when it comes time to sign on the dotted line. At least I managed to sign one client who’s looking to purchase a condo. We’re going out this afternoon for a second round of showings. I’ll take that small commission over nothing.

King’s in the office when I get down there, his new usual, head buried in the study materials. He started coming in well-before opening after he realized what was entailed in the online course. Even though I offer my help daily, he always refuses. His diligence has come as a surprise, to say the least. I’d expect him to let this coast, but he actually seems to care. In as much as someone like him cares about anything.

I hate to admit it, even to myself, but having evenhimat the office adds to the atmosphere. My cousin is warming up to him, I can tell. She smiles more, and not the pitying, what-are-you-doing-with-your-life smiles she usually gives me. Other than offering my help or other little routine interactions, though, I’ve stayed away from him. I couldn’t help but overhear him on the phone with someone called Diego the other day, and they were talking about NYU. King sounded sort of sweet and caring with him. If I’m tempted to be swayed by his charm or good looks—or even his friendship with that college kid—I remember how arrogant he was during our screen test and my resolve hardens.

Today, however, is different. He’s been studying hard for days now, and I do think he could use a break from all that theory. Besides, I’m excited to let him shadow me to see how a real agent handles clients. It’ll be good for his education. Not to mention, it’ll help him look like less of a newbie in front of the cameras.

The annoying facts that he keeps in shape and smells of the woods don’t play into my decision. Not. At. All. I’ve already had—and lost—my soul mate. You don’t get a second shot at that. Of course, my sister is constantly telling me that I don’t need a second soul mate—I can just have some fun—but I’m not built like that.

Pushing away from my desk, I approach King’s work station. I stop ten feet away from him. “I’m going to be showing some condos to a new client today. Would you like to join me?”

His mouth opens and he drops his pen onto the notepad. “That sounds…great. It’ll be nice to get away from all this studying. Thanks for inviting me.” He smiles and his hazel eyes crinkle at the corners.

---