DAPHNE
When I got up the next morning, Dice was in the kitchen making coffee. “Morning,” he said.
“Good morning,” I replied and struggled to refrain from asking him where he’d been the day before.
“Thanks for making dinner last night. I had some when I got home, and it was really good.”
“You’re welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed it,” I said and continued getting ready. After letting Diablo out and back in, I turned to Dice. “Ready when you are.”
I busied myself by reading emails on the way to work to keep the conversation to a minimum. I knew if we started talking, it would only be a matter of time before I asked him where he was. It was none of my business, and he had no obligation to tell me his whereabouts, but that didn’t change the fact that I really wanted to know.
Despite trying to be casual, he noticed my odd behavior. “You’ve been quiet this morning. Are you okay?” he asked when we arrived at the office.
“I guess I’m a little nervous about showing houses with Flint,” I lied.
“Are you not comfortable with Flint?”
“Oh, it’s nothing like that. I just hope we can pull it off without the clients getting suspicious,” I said.
“I’m sure it’ll be fine,” he said.
“You’re probably right,” I agreed. “I’ll see you later.”
“Flint’s going to drive you home when you’re finished for the day.”
“Thanks for reminding me. Have a good day,” I said and waved goodbye before I walked into the office.
“Good morning,” Jan said. “Where’s your protégé?”
“He’ll be here this afternoon,” I told her.
Flint knocked on my office door right after lunch, looking exactly like one would expect from a young real estate agent.
“Come in,” I said with a smile. “You look great.”
“I feel weird, but thanks,” he said and tugged at the collar of his shirt.
“Are you ready to go?” I asked.
“I’m ready if you are.”
I waved at Jan as we walked out to my car.
“Do you want me to drive?” Flint asked.
“You might as well. You drove it here,” I said.
“What am I supposed to do?” Flint asked once we were on our way.
“You don’t have to do anything other than seem interested in learning. I’ll tell the clients you’re shadowing me to learn the ropes. Occasionally, I’ll explain why we do this or that to make it look like I’m teaching you. The clients we’re meeting today are very easy to work with. They like to explore the house on their own while I wait in the kitchen or living room.”
“You know the clients we’re meeting today?”
“I’ve met with them a few times before. They’re a nice couple looking to upgrade after recently coming into some money.”
Flint and I arrived at the first house several minutes before the clients were scheduled to arrive. After unlocking the door,Flint insisted on going inside first. Once he deemed it safe for me to enter, I hurried from room to room, turning on lights and opening doors. I’d just finished making my rounds when the doorbell rang. “They’re here,” I announced.
Flint peeked out a window and nodded once before accompanying me to the front door. “Mr. and Mrs. Potter,” I greeted. “So good to see you again. I hope you didn’t have any trouble finding the place.”