Crystal Balls Read Online Free Page B

aggressively nor defensively. Just
in a comfortable and relaxed position, allowing my sweaty palms to feel the benefit of the air conditioning.
    Brian rests his arm on the table, leaning into its low level and slouching awkwardly.
    He’s trying to relax me with his body language. I’ve got you well sussed out, Mr Steen.
    “Tina, your firm has been short-listed for this development,” he begins with an assertive seriousness. “Nonetheless the competition is fierce and you’re only one of the
many agents I’m considering.”
    “Naturally,” I respond.
    “Let’s not waste time here, Tina. What can Harding Homes provide that no-one else can in terms of marketing these properties?”
    Tina off. Actress on. And action!
    “Well, Brian, people buy people before they buy into anything else. Both myself and my staff understand the importance of this basic rule and as such the reputation of Harding Homes has
gone from strength to strength, simply as a result of our behaviour. An integral part of doing business is building relationships and you and I know this doesn’t happen overnight.” I
watch him nod with interest. “It takes time, you have to sow your seed, nurture it and watch it grow.” I’m on a roll. “My relationships with local business-owners has
gifted me a plethora of opportunity to not only promote my own practice over the years, but to ensure that these advocates can be called upon as and when the need arises.”
    Brian lifts his glass, pointing towards my barely touched water and with a shaking hand I take a few ladylike sips, basking in its ability to release my tongue from the roof of my mouth and
proudly observing the lack of lipstick marks on the glass as I set it down. Every girl should invest in a Magistick.
    “These contacts you’ve built, Tina, how exactly can they help you to help me?” Brian questions bluntly.
    “I was just coming to that bit,” I reply, feeling much more relaxed and in control now. “Brian, common sense has it that the potential purchasers of these upmarket apartments
must be extremely high earners with possible occupations of business-owners or those working within the media or sporting industry and looking for primary or secondary accommodation here.” I
lean forward with the excitement of my new-found confidence, eager to continue. “My network of contacts includes the best casting and PR agencies in the North West.”
    Brian, now mirroring my body language, leans towards me nodding.
    “I currently have an arrangement, which will be legalised when required, with the majority of these leading agents,” my voice breaks with exhilaration, “who have agreed to
actively promote the apartments to their A-list celebrities.” It’s in the bag. “I will in return ensure generation of a procuration fee, debited naturally to my own
commission.”
    Brian sits up, arching his back uncomfortably but still nodding. “Well, Tina, of all the pitches I’ve heard, yours is the first to consider using external contacts. Outsourcing.
Impressive.” He nods, looking somewhat amused.
    I am glowing from the inside out. Slightly sweaty of course but that’s only natural in a woollen suit. I ought to have taken my cue from Brian and removed my jacket earlier but never mind.
Rosy cheeks and a shiny brow can’t stop me now. I wonder if he has bought into it? I guess he must have to some extent already, otherwise I wouldn’t have been short-listed. As they say,
once you’ve come this far the only thing you can do is fuck it up! Let’s hope I haven’t.
    His face gives no indication of what he is thinking although he still has that playful glint in his eyes . Is it my imagination or is he flirting with me?
    “How do you know these agents, Tina?” he asks after a lengthy pause.
    Damn. I was hoping he wouldn’t ask this question. Here I am trying to sell my services as a professional estate agent and would much sooner avoid the failed-actress scenario. That
part of me