Free Insecurity and a Bottle of Merlot by Bria Marche

Tarrytown.” He wrote down her name, and noted she was new to the area. The personal touches were what always reeled the clients in.
    “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to interrupt, but it’s Ms. Renaud. I’d rather we got started off without any mistakes. I’m looking to buy a home for myself. I’m single so it’s only me you would be dealing with. I’m looking to buy an older, traditional home in a nice neighborhood.”
    “That sounds great, Ms. Renaud. I’m sorry about the assumption. May I call you Sasha so we can be more casual?”
    “Of course, that’s fine,” she responded, flicking invisible crumbs off the kitchen table.
    “Well, back to your initial question, yes we do have a buyer’s agent. That would be myself, Josh Redmond. This agency has been in my family for thirty years, so we’re very familiar with the Tarrytown housing market. Our company is run by my brother Jake, and me. We have several agents that work with us part time, too. Jake works with the sellers, and I work with the buyers. What I would like to suggest, Sasha, is to meet near our office and go over what you do, and don’t want in a home. There’s no point in wasting your time showing you something that doesn’t fit your personality and lifestyle. We always take our potential clients out to lunch, as a way to welcome them to the neighborhood. That way, we’re in a neutral environment with no pressure and no expectations. What do you say? I have today at twelve-fifteen open if you would like to meet at Tony’s Club downtown. You can tell me everything you’re looking for in a home and I can give you some recommendations. We can start the ball rolling and find you just what you’re looking for.” Josh doodled on his notepad as he went through the script he had programmed to memory.
    “Okay, I can do that,” Sasha said, sounding hopeful. “I’ll have on a yellow dress.”
    “Wonderful. I’ll be watching for you at twelve-fifteen. Bring your wish list. Tarrytown is a great place to live. We’ll find you the house you want. I’ll see you in a few hours. I’m looking forward to meeting you.”
    Sasha began writing down the type of houses she liked. She needed three bedrooms, two baths and a backyard that would be perfect for entertaining. She wanted to live in an older neighborhood where there were a lot of trees. The house had to be original to the neighborhood, a bungalow or a craftsman style, preferably. She looked at the clock on the microwave: 10:15 a.m. If Mia was available, there just might be enough time to check out Aaron’s house before she met up with Mr. Redmond. She wanted to see the neighborhood Aaron lived in since Mia described it to her in detail. That area might be exactly what she was looking for.
    As she ran dripping wet down the hallway, trying not to slip, Mia caught the phone on its last ring. She and Reggie had a nice run earlier, and the morning was a hot, sticky one. A shower was in order before she sat down to send out her photography invoices today. She held the towel around her body, hoping all her vital areas were covered. The blinds were open and Mia would be visible to any passerby on the sidewalk. Luckily, the large towel covered her well. “Hi, Sasha, what’s up,” she asked, while walking back to the bathroom as she talked.
    “Mia, hi. Do you have anything urgent to do this morning?”
    “Urgent? No why?”
    “I’m sorry it’s last minute, but will you call Aaron and ask if I can take a quick peek at his house? I’m meeting with a Realtor at twelve-fifteen and if Aaron’s house and neighborhood is like I’ve envisioned, then that’s the area I want to see.”
    “Sure, no prob. I’ve got some paperwork to do, but that can wait. I’ll call Aaron now, and get right back to you. I have a key to his house, so I’ll pick you up and we’ll head out. Believe me, you’ll fall in love with the neighborhood. It’s like you’re in a Currier and Ives print.”
    “Oh goody, that’s