The Villa Viewing

Lucas believed the property agent liked him.

There were signs.

Maya remembered his coffee order, laughed at his jokes and kept inviting him to beautiful villas at sunset.

She also replied quickly to his messages.

In most industries, this is called professional competence.

In Phuket real estate, it can look surprisingly similar to chemistry.

Lucas attended six viewings.

He did not particularly want a villa. He wanted another afternoon with Maya explaining infinity pools while standing beside one.

On the seventh viewing, he brought flowers.

Maya looked at them, then at the property folder in her hand.

“That’s very kind.”

Lucas smiled.

“I thought maybe after this we could have dinner.”

“Of course,” Maya said. “We can discuss the payment schedule.”

Dinner went well.

Maya explained lease structures, maintenance costs and rental yields. Lucas nodded while ordering wine he did not want.

Two weeks later, he placed a deposit on a villa far above his original budget.

Maya congratulated him warmly.

He asked whether they could finally go out without discussing property.

She smiled.

“I have another viewing at four.”

Lucas received the keys three months later.

The villa had four bedrooms, a sea view and excellent rental potential.

The chemistry, apparently, had been included in the sales process.