Page 26 of Out of the Shadow

I’m making my way over when a woman enters the office through that mysterious door in the back. Her long brown hair and deep brown eyes look familiar, and I realize it’s Angie’s sister from the other day. Instead of making the right into wardrobe, I head in her direction.

“Hello, there.” I extend my hand. “I’m King Hunte.”

We shake, and her grip is firm. “I’m Angie’s sister, Juliana Rossi. Nice to meet you.”

Because I can’t contain my curiosity, I ask, “So what’s behind that door?” I use my chin to point behind her.

Her neck cranes behind her, then faces me again. “You mean Angie’s apartment?”

Angie’sapartment? She can’t live above the real estate office. If she did, I’m sure I would have seen her husband coming or going, and there hasn’t been any sign of him. Maybe she just uses it as a quiet place to escape during the day, although it seems the office is plenty quiet enough. “Ah. Now I know where she disappears to during the day.”

Juliana’s traditionally beautiful, and her smile lights up her entire face. However, she’s not Angie.

Wait. What. The.Fuck?

“Angie will be down in a bit. I just did her hair and makeup.”

“Aren’t the professionals supposed to do that for her?”

Her back straightens. “Iama professional. I volunteered to help her out today.”

Trying to atone for my blunder, I offer her a smile. “Oh. Well, that’s very nice of you, Juliana.”

She tugs at the bottom of her hair, something I’ve noticed Angie doing as well. “I’m pretty sure I wasn’t voted the Best Cosmetologist in Brooklyn for nothing, you know.”

I chuckle at her remark, but why shouldn’t she be proud of herself? She’s probably earned her rep, given how well she puts herself together. Not a single strand of hair is out of place, and her makeup is sparing but immaculate. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“King! Come on! You need to get into wardrobe.”

I turn my head to address Kaitlyn. “Be right there.” Shifting my attention back to the lady in front of me, I ask, “Are you going to stick around for filming today?”

“For a little bit. I have to get to work later this afternoon.”

“We’re filming our first contest.” I lean in conspiratorially. “In bathing suits.”

“Oh, my”—she rubs her forehead—“Angie’s going to have a cow. This I have to see.”

Her response confirms my own suspicion, and I keep thinking about Angie in a sexy-ass bikini as I get ready for shooting. After wardrobe releases me, now in navy blue swim trunks, I head out the front doorway. The morning has a slight chill, but the day promises to be warm—Memorial Day was yesterday, after all, and we’re on the cusp of summer.

The members of the crew are sitting around in the front parking lot, chatting amongst themselves over coffee, and laughter can be heard from more than one location. It’s orchestrated pandemonium. Everyone knows where they belong and together they make something whole.

A feeling of longing washes over me. I’m here, but I’m not really a part of things. It’s as if I’ve been plunked into the middle of yet another family that doesn’t want me.

To my surprise, Milo, one of the cameramen, catches me watching him and smiles. He leaves his group and motions me forward. “Come on over, let me introduce you to the guys.”

I follow him and meet the three other cameramen as well as the four-person lighting and sound crew. They talk shop, and while I can’t contribute with stories, I do share some showbiz info I’ve gleaned from my friends over the years. The warmth of being accepted into their circle settles deep.

Noise behind me catches my attention. Angie’s unmistakable voice rings out. “Kaitlyn, this is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. No reputable real estate agent would dress like this to meet clients.”

“Angie,” the director replies, “we need to hook viewers from the start. This will get them addicted, and then you can do your real estate stuff.”

Angie huffs. “Will you at least highlight the front window with all of our listings?”

My gaze travels to said window. A big banner has been erected above it, saying, “Celebrate the Season with a New Location.” Cheesy. I wander over to check out the listings, which seem rather sparse. And low budget. I sigh. For Angie’s sake, I genuinely hope the show helps the agency. No denying she needs it.

Angie steps foot outside, the light streaming over her voluptuous, tankini-clad body, and my body reacts instantly. What the hell? I’ve seen hundreds of women in much more alluring suits, but something about Angie makes this different. I don’t understand the effect she has on me, but it’s disarming. Shaking my head, I amble over to her.

My focus on my co-star is so intent that I only realize her sister and Kaitlyn followed her outside when Juliana puts her hand on Angie’s arm. “Don’t worry. You look super-hot.”

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