Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Valery..." The young girl was a bit at a loss.

"Why are you looking at me? Do you even know the procedures for financial verification? What if something goes wrong, and we let just any Tom, Dick, or Harry in here? Can you shoulder that responsibility?" "I... I sort of know the procedure. They covered it in training. If, after the verification, Ms. Cole's black card checks out, then the responsibility isn't on me..."

"Heh, haven't been on the job long, but you're a quick learner. Just a heads-up, though, working in our line of business requires a good eye. Knowing who our target clients are, who can afford it, and who can't, is essential; otherwise, it's just a waste of time."

The young girl said, "Thanks, Valery. But I'm still new, haven't made any sales yet. I'm in the learning phase, willing to observe and practice, not afraid of wasting time."

Finished speaking, she turned to Roseanne and said, "Ma'am, according to our standard procedure, we'll need to verify your card. If there are no issues, we can proceed to view the property."

Then she told Norris and Madge, "Please, have a seat over here. Have some coffee; it won't take long."

Norris waved his hands hurriedly, "Oh, no need, you're too kind."

His heart was racing. Anne was actually going through with this?

Once the card was checked, the gig would be up.

Better to bail now, right? A touch of embarrassment is better than a full-on drama, yeah?

Madge was calmer than Norris, at least on the surface. She sat down, deliberately taking a sip of her coffee.

Only... her hand was shaking as she held the cup.

"Right this way, ma'am"

nodded and

you want, let's see how long you can keep up this act! Some people never learn until they see the

...

Ten minutes later-

two emerged from

The woman was still waiting at the door, clearly determined to have it out

both ignored her

sure about this, ma'am?" The young girl

"Yes."

the place and the surroundings before you make a decision..." "No need, I've already seen

"But..."

model's nothing like the real thing, right?!

at this, still putting on

The woman

"Odette, now

world is

and you've got so much to learn! Take

to keep your eyes peeled

Ugh!

you might be misunderstanding something here," Odette was embarrassed for

that someone's trying to punch above their weight, dragging you into

she spoke, her eyes kept

Valery, Ms. Cole's