Page 20 of The Backup Groom

Real Estate Ryan slid out the real estate portfolio he had tucked under his arm. He was going to show me a few pieces of marketing materials over coffee and get my opinion. He pulled out a business card from the portfolio, shoving it in Scotty’s direction.

“BTW, I’m a real estate agent, in case you’re ever in the market,” he said. “I’m your guy for a great ROI.”

That was his slogan? There was no doubt in my mind that he needed help with his advertising if he thought that catchphrase was going to get him new clients.

“Thanks.” Scotty took the card and glanced at it, He did a double-take, before looking up at Real Estate Ryan, then over to me. He handed the card over to Dean, who looked at it, then gave Real Estate Ryan the same once-over. What was that all about?

Scotty gestured to the display case to his left. “Would you like anything to eat?”

“No, thanks,” Real Estate Ryan and I said simultaneously.

“Jinx!” I blurted out.

He stared at me, the complete opposite of Scotty’s fun and playful reaction.

Seriously, Real Estate Ryan was a downer.

It’s temporary, not until death do you part.

Stella was right, but at least I had other options, three other Ryans on the docket, just in case. I refused to believe that any of them would be worse than this one.

“Thank you,” I said to Scotty.

Real Estate Ryan was already back to looking at his phone when Scotty gave me a slight bow of the head. “My pleasure, Amber.”

See? Now, that was genuine. The sparkle in his eyes matched the brightness of his kind smile. Scotty maintained eye contact with me as we spoke, never rushing a conversation because he needed to get it over as soon as possible. He meant it when he said it was his pleasure. There was no doubt in my mind. He knew how to treat his customers, but I had a feeling he was the same with anyone who crossed his path, even strangers.

A few minutes later, we got our Caramel Spockiatos from Dean and sat at a table by the window that looked out to the street. I would finish my coffee as soon as I could, thank Real Estate Ryan, then say goodbye. Forever.

Real Estate Ryan took a sip of his drink, then opened his portfolio, pulling out a flier and sliding it toward me on the table. “I want to make this better, if you have any ideas on how I can do that.”

It looked exactly like all the other slick fliers left on my doorstep by local real estate agents who were touting their services, highlighting new listings, showing the latest houses sold in the area and at the price they sold for. There was also advice on why now was the best time to buy or sell a home. Real Estate Ryan’s name and headshot were at the top of the fliers right underneath that ridiculous slogan.

“Okay . . .” I browsed over the flier, figuring that I would do my good deed for the day and give him some advice, without making him feel bad for his choices so far.

Unfortunately, I never got the chance.

A woman walked by the window on the sidewalk next to me, almost causing me to spit out the first sip of my coffee. It was the last person in the world I wanted to see.

Maggoty Mercedes.

I jerked back in my chair, surprised to see her. I let out a relieved breath when she continued down the sidewalk and disappeared out of view.

That was a close one.

Maybe there was a glare on the window from the outside to prevent her from recognizing me. I was perfectly fine with that. Every time I saw Maggoty Mercedes, a wave of anxiety gripped my body, like a rip current in the ocean trying to pull me under.

Luckily, I wouldn’t have to deal with her negativity today.

Or so I foolishly thought.

A few seconds later, Maggoty Mercedes peered at me through the window. She glanced over at Real Estate Ryan, then got her eyes back on me.

Please leave me alone.

Do not come inside.

Go away.