“Good to know.”
A shiver ran down my spine with the memory of his deep baritone voice telling me I was a good girl while he stretched me out. Fuck Anika for planting this seed in my head.
Aldridge nodded, walking around the kitchen island. “I’m just a visual person and it’s hard for me to imagine a space with no furniture or decor.”
“It’s a blank slate which means you can make this place whatever you want.”
“I guess.” He scratched at his beard, looking less than enthused.
The key to closing the deal was helping your client envision themselves in the space. This could be difficult when a home was vacant and unfurnished. It lacked warmth and personality. I knew I should’ve staged the home to offer the best presentation. Grabbing Aldridge by the hand, I pulled him toward the backyard.
“Where are we going?”
“Trust the process.” Outside I stood in front of the grill attached to the outdoor kitchen. “Could you hand me the plate with the burgers?” I tapped on my phone and Frankie Beverly and Maze’s “Before I Let Go” began to play.
“What?” His head swiveled as if he was looking for answers.
“The grill’s ready, so can you hand me the plate with the burgers?” I pointed at an imaginary plate on the long counter.
“This plate?” Aldridge gestured tentatively in the same direction.
“Yep.”
Complying, he pretended to grab hold of a heavy plate and handed it to me.
“Do you still like your burgers medium well?”
“Yes.” He stared dubiously at my sudden game of make-believe.
I shook imaginary salt and pepper over the grill, pointing to the lush backyard. “Looks like your mother started the electric slide.”
“She did?” Aldridge squinted into the space beyond the covered patio.
“And your Uncle Sully is hitting on my sister.”
“He needs to abort that mission right now.”
“I think it was smart to go with the slide on the pool because your niece seems to love it.”
“Yeah, I’m … glad … I listened to your advice.”
“You should always take my advice.” I tossed a smile over my shoulder.
Aldridge pointed to the ghost guests on the grass. “Who invited Dante?”
“Well, you know Anika and him are practically sharing a shadow now.”
“Wow shit is moving fast.” Aldridge canvassed the space. “Where’s your dude at?”
We traded a glance. “You know very well I don’t have a dude. Can you pass the hot links?”
“Why is that?” We pretended to trade a platter.
“Because I’m busy, dating is similar to dancing on hot coals, and men are dumb. Just take your pick.”
“Men are dumb?”
“Yeah, just a plastic bag for a brain floating around in their head.”
