Page 34 of Playing for Keeps
“It’s listed through my old boss. I’ll give her a call and see what I can arrange. You good for later today if I can make it work?”
“Absolutely.”
“Okay, give me five minutes and I’ll call you back.”
“Thanks, Ivy.”
As I end the call, I take a steadying breath. Leaving Harper Estates just before Christmas wasn’t exactly a messy breakup, but it wasn’t all warm hugs either. Isobel Harper, the owner, wasn’t thrilled when I left to start my own real estate business. Still, I doubt she saw me as serious competition. She’s been a fixture in Hope Creek for a decade. Trying to start my own business here probably looked like a gutsy, naïve move.
Business has been slow since I launched, so I haven’t exactly been a threat… yet. But when she finds out I’m working withWyatt, she’s going to lose her mind. She always wanted to land a high-profile client like him.
I scroll through my contacts, find her number, and press call, holding the phone to my ear.
“Ivy, hi!” Isobel answers, her voice sugary sweet. “How are things?”
“Hi, Isobel. Everything’s going well, thanks. How about you?”
“Oh, you know, busy, busy, busy. What can I help you with?”
“I have a client interested in the Lynx Lake property. I was wondering if you had a slot open to show it this afternoon?”
Silence.
I glance at my screen to make sure the call’s still connected. It is.
“Hello? Isobel, are you still there?”
“You have a client who can afford the lakeside listing?” she asks, her tone laced with something between amusement and disbelief.
I grit my teeth, taking a steady breath to stop myself from snapping.
“I do,” I say evenly. “Can I schedule a viewing?”
“Who is it?”
Of course. She always wants names. And while I’d love to keep it vague, I know that’s not going to fly. She’s the listing agent, and she’ll be doing the viewing.
“It’s Wyatt Brookes.”
There’s a beat, then a laugh. “Your best friend’s brother? The NFL player?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, so not an actual client. He just hired you out of loyalty.”
I clench my jaw and exhale slowly. “Can you do this afternoon or not?”
“Of course,” she chirps. “Three work?”
“Perfect. I’ll let him know.”
I hang up and toss my phone onto the desk with a frustrated sigh. I’d almost forgotten how grating she could be. I’ve only had to deal with her a few times since I left Harper Estates, and until now, my clients hadn’t been anyone she’d consider competition. But Wyatt? He’s a whole different story, and she knows it.
I dial Wyatt’s number, and he picks up on the first ring.
“Hey, any luck?” he asks.
I laugh. “Was there ever a doubt? You’re all set for three o’clock. Isobel Harper will meet you at the property.”
