Page 85 of Out of the Shadow

Our conversation ends and I put my phone down on top of the island. I replay the final part of our conversation and it hits me. I have to take my own advice.

I need to prove myself to Angie. Change her mind about me. Presents obviously won’t do that, and she’s refused to talk to me, but maybe there’s another way.

Real estate is her life. What if my way back into her life is through my skills as an agent? She may think she fired me, but our contract still exists. Even if I don’t go into the office, I can still work for Russo Real Estate. Well, sort of. More on the down low, but clients don’t have to know that.

Clients. I need to bring in some new blood. And I bet Marlene can help me with the paperwork. I’ve made lots of inroads with her and I think she’ll be on my side despite being Angie’s cousin. I hope. If nothing else, I’ll get to explain to another living soul about those damn photos inThe Gossip.

With the beginnings of a new plan, I hit up social media. Shortly, I get a call from a prospective client. Due to an impending job transfer, Joan and John—yeah, their real names—have to sell their house. After agreeing to meet with the couple this afternoon, I reach out to Marlene.

“So, Angie’s made the unilateral decision that I’m not needed around the office. I disagree and want to keep working in real estate. With her.” I take a deep breath. “I want more with her, but this is the first step.”

“I don’t know, King,” she says. “I saw those photos of you with your lips and hands all over Poppy and those twins.”

Which was just what I feared. I’ve never heard her sound so…condemning. “They aren’t what they look like.”

“Oh, really? To me, they look like you don’t care about Angie at all.”

My heart skips a beat. Or ten. Is that what Angie thinks, too?

“No! That’s a total lie. I do care about Angie—I want to be with her. She’s all I can think about, and who I want to be with. Those photos don’t tell you that Poppy kissed me, and I pushed her away immediately. Or that the Toalle twins wished me well with my lady. Angie.”

“Really?”

“That’s the truth. It’s Angie who has my heart. And I have a plan.”

“Keep talking.”

Encouraged, I outline my strategy. “So, if you can help me out with the paperwork, I’ll be able to get things done without Angie knowing.”

“You need to know that the agency doesn’t need the money, as the Maguires’ house closed.”

My leg bounces with this news. “Marlene, please.”

“I’ll do this for you, so long as you answer one question for me.”

My throat constricts. I’ll walk across glass to help Angie. “Anything.”

“Are you doing this for Angie, or for yourself?”

“It’s for her. Everything is for her.”

“Right answer. Let me know what you need.”

Exhaling my pent-up breath, I give her a list of things to send to me. Shortly, I’m at a local Starbucks meeting with Joan and John, employing every trick I learned from Angie to get them to sign with me. They think their place will go for around five hundred. I remember when I thought that type of budget was laughable, but I almost kiss them both when they decide to sign the documents Marlene sent.

I’ve discovered something over the past months. While I like the buy side, it’s the sell side of the equation that really gets my blood pumping. Trying to figure out ways to make the home shine for potential buyers stokes something deep within me. I’m up for this task.

After the meeting, I pick up my phone and send my first strategic text to Angie.I hope all is going well. Signed up a new client on the sell side. Will keep you informed.

The way to Angie Russo’s heart is through real estate. God, I hope I’m right.

Angie

I ENTER THEoffice and zero in on the pile of pink slips on top of my desk. Messages. Things have been picking up around here, so much so that I’m struggling to handle it all by myself. I head to Marlene’s reception desk instead of my own, grabbing the stack of messages on my way.

“Are all these new prospects?” I wave the pink pieces of paper.

“Yes. They all want to meet with an agent.”

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