Page 15 of Out of the Shadow

“Let me know if you have any questions. I remember taking that exam. It’s not as easy as you might think.”

“I’ve never been a great test taker,” I admit.

She sits in one of the guest chairs across from me. “Me neither. But if you study, you’ll be fine.” She smiles and her face is transformed. It’s pleasant, welcoming even. Much better than her usual pinched look. And her teeth look whiter than I remember.

Trying to make inroads, I click on the course and look at the various headings. Around the time I reach the tenth one, I start rubbing my temples. “Wow. This is a lot more than I expected.”

“Just take it one section at a time.” She stands. “I’ll leave you to it.” She heads back to her desk, leaving behind a floral scent. It’s subtle and sweet, like nothing I’ve ever smelled before.

Shaking my head, I review the course syllabus. While I’m watching a welcome video, headphones on, Angie yells, “I love dishing about real estate. Ask me anything, anytime.”

Why is she being nice to me?

Maybe she just wants to show off her superior knowledge and lord it over me.

I clear my throat. “Appreciate it. I’ll make sure to do that.”

I’m reading through the outline when a woman walks into the office. Finally, a client. When Angie hugs her, I realize my mistake. Given the woman’s coloring and build, she’s probably related to Angie, too.

I pretend not to notice when the newcomer checks me out. Well, maybe I do sit up a bit straighter and run my hand over my torso. I might even wink at her. Shortly, though, the three women disappear into the conference room.

Walking over to the bookcase to grab a legal pad, I eavesdrop on their conversation. Angie says something about her sister not knowing everything. I was right—the new woman is her sister—although I’m not sure why I care. If I keep letting myself get distracted, I’m not going to get very far with this class.

I try to concentrate, but my mind keeps wandering to the conference room. I can’t shake the thought that those three women are talking about me. No way are they talking about this dead office. I frown. If this is a normal day at Russo Real Estate, things aren’t going too well for Angie, but her real estate business is of no consequence to me. I’m only here for the television show.

After the women reemerge and Angie’s sister leaves with Marlene, I grab a slice of pizza from the place next door. So much for dinner at the office…

I get back to work, and a message pings on my cell phone. It’s Callie, confirming that we’re still on for tonight’s party. Hell to the yes. I reply in the affirmative and check the time. It’s already after eight! Good thing Callie texted. She’s exactly what I need—a good time without any strings.

I stand and slide my phone into my back pocket. On my way to the front, I pause by Angie’s desk. She was friendly earlier, so I decide to return the favor. “Are you meeting your husband for a late dinner?”

Her body goes rigid and she sucks in her breath. “Maybe,” she mumbles and turns away.

Now what did I do wrong? Maybe she and the hubs are on the outs? I make a mental note not to bring up that sore subject again. Heading over to the front door, I flip the sign to “Closed” and leave the office. For some reason, I keep thinking about Angie and her strange reaction to what should have been a simple question. She’s a bit of an enigma, although she’s not my mystery to solve.

Back at my apartment, I take a quick shower and clear my head of anything to do with the show. Leaving my button-down shirt untucked over a pair of designer jeans, I do one last check in the mirror before locking up and going over to my neighbor’s door. Callie answers my knock with a brilliant smile that assures me I’m in for a good night.

We go up to the rooftop, which has a full bar set up on the far side, surrounded by a large group of people. A DJ spins tunes by a makeshift dance floor. Gotta hand it to Let’s Do It!, this place is the bomb.

“What would you like to drink?” I ask as we maneuver to the bar.

I order her a margarita and get a bourbon for myself, and soon we’re surrounded by Callie’s friends. Some are in marketing, others are in banking, and a few are into charity work. They’re a fun group, and I’m immediately comfortable with them.

We drink and dance and talk for a while, and then Callie introduces me to Geoff, a tall guy wearing a bowtie, who’s a real estate agent with The Mayflower Agency. The name rings a bell. “Mayflower? As in Poppy Mayflower?”

He sips his martini. “One and the same. The best agency in The Hamptons.”

Leave it to Poppy to be nothing but the best. “I’ve met Poppy a few times. Seems on top of her shit.”

“That she is.”

I finish my bourbon, remembering the various parties and events Poppy and I have attended together. Never hooked up with her, though—she’s a bit too old for my taste. I place my empty glass down on a hi-top table. “I’m studying for my license.”

“That’s great, man.” He chuckles. “Take your studying seriously. I didn’t and it took me three tries to pass that sucker.”

“Good to know. I don’t want to have to study like this ever again, so I’m hitting it now. And I don’t have much time, since filming for the television show starts real soon.”

His eyes go round. “Don’t tell me you’re involved with that Let’s Do It! show?” Geoff’s tone of voice lets me know being on the show is lower than losing a multimillion-dollar listing in his book. But fuck, I need the money.

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