‘Sorry not to be of help. Did you return to the office after the open house? Or perhaps you took it home with you as it was a Sunday?’ I’m trying to be helpful, but Carl becomes more anxious, transferring his weight from one leg to the other. He looks like a toddler who needs a wee.

‘I can’t remember. Oh, well – it’ll turn up, no doubt.’

‘I assume all your appointments are computerised too, so you won’t—’

‘Yes. Yes – all that’s fine.’ He backs away from the door and turns as though he’s about to leave.

I can’t believe he isn’t going to mention the open house event.

‘Wait a moment,’ I say, to stop him leaving.

He whips back around to face me again.

‘How did the event go?’ I ask.

‘Oh, yes – sorry. Yep – went really well.’ He doesn’t seem keen to stay and chat; he begins to walk away again.

‘How well is well?’ I’m not letting him go until I’ve asked about everything that’s been concerning me. I’m sure I hear him huff.

Carl purses his lips, and then nods. ‘I’d say at least three positives, and one couple have asked for a second viewing. I just need to find their details …’

As he trails off, I experience a mini panic that their details are in the diary he can’t find. But I assume if worse comes to worst, they’ll call Carl if they don’t hear from him.

‘How many people attended?’ I’m aware I’m screwing my eyes up – and realise it’s partly from fear of the answer.

‘Er …’ He scratches his head. ‘Twelve, I think …’

I gulp. ‘Oh? You’re not sure?’

‘Well, I did write their details in the diary …’ He leaves the sentence hanging. Great. So, it’s not definitely twelve, it could’ve been thirteen like I thought. Not having a definitive number from Carl has just added another level of apprehension to my overanxious mind.

I must bring up the matter of the key now.

Ideally, I’d like to get him inside the house, rather than chatting about this outside. But as he’s edging towards his car this is my only chance.

‘I was thinking, Carl … Could I have my key back, please?’

‘Oh? Why?’ He stops in his tracks, his focus now fully on me. ‘I thought it was the best arrangement for you – you’d find it difficult otherwise while at work – and … well’ – he says with a wave of his hand – ‘whatever else it was you mentioned to begin with.’

‘Yes, that was the main reason for you having a key. But I could still let you have it in advance of any future viewings if you give me enough notice. I’d just feel better if I had the spare key in my possession, really.’