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“But the lawyer said it wasn’t against the rules?” he confirmed.

“Yeah, but I’m worried that just because I could’ve doesn’t mean I should’ve,” she admitted as her chest tightened. “I think I blew it, Dad. I should have gone to talk to Liz first, or maybe I shouldn’t have been snooping at all.

What if she tells me to hit the bricks? This was my chance to be part of a prestigious brokerage and I should’ve—”

“Mi amor, stop right there because you’re should-ing all over yourself,” he said with his hand on her forearm. Even in times of crisis, he couldn’t resist a dad joke. “All you can do is explain your side, and calling that hotline was smart. You did your due diligence and complied with the rules. How can she be mad at that?”

Her dad echoed the same logic she’d used on herself, but it still didn’t feel right. She put it aside and considered her next problem.

“Okay, and assuming Liz doesn’t give me the boot for conduct unbecoming a Paragon Agent, what about the seller?

If he gives me a chance and expects me to show up with potential buyers, what am I going to do? I don’t know anyone that can a ord a freaking five-million-dollar house.” Rhiannon’s heart raced as tears stung the back of her eyes. There was no stopping the panic freight train threatening to flatten her.

“Calmate, mija,” he said, standing while simultaneously pulling her into a crushing hug.

Rhiannon wanted to melt into his arms and disappear.

She wrapped her arms around his thick waist and squeezed him instead.

“Your mom and I will make some calls tomorrow morning, okay? Don’t you worry. I’ll find you somebody.

Mami knows all those fancy developer types. Maybe one of them wants to up their social capital and move to that island full of tax evaders and phonies.” He chuckled at himself.

“Thanks, Papi,” she said, trying to take something better than a shallow breath.

He stepped back and gripped her biceps. “You don’t have to thank me. That’s what the old man is here for. To be in your corner and fight like hell for you.” He smiled. “Now, who’s the best?”

Rhiannon tried and failed to stifle a smile. “I am,” she said quietly.

He made a show of pretending to get water our of his ear.

“I’m sorry, Rhi. I couldn’t hear you. Must have something lodged in there. Who’s the best?”

She straightened her back. “I’m the best.”

“And what does a Rodriguez never say?”

She smiled. “We never say die.”

“Damn right. Now, you rest, and tomorrow you walk in there with your head held high and you don’t let anybody make you feel bad for having ambition, determination, and creativity. If those Paragon people don’t like it, then it’s their loss, right?”

Rhiannon nodded and tried to believe it was true.

“I’m proud of you, honey,” he said before giving her another hug. “You just keep fighting like hell and don’t let anyone get you down.”

“I will.”

CHAPTER TEN

WITH PERFECTLY STYLED hair and a sharp navy-blue dress, Carmela lifted her chin in the air and projected confidence as she sauntered into the o ce with a tray and three lattes.

It was no surprise to see Rhiannon already sitting in Liz’s o ce a half hour early. She’d noticed her sedan parked outside. It was the only one with Navy Veteran bumper stickers. Since she guessed that the shark wasn’t old enough to have been in the service, she assumed it was borrowed. It probably belonged to the parent bankrolling her while she played at being a realtor. Well, Carmela wasn’t playing, and she worked for everything she had.

That’s what’s wrong with this new generation. They don’t know what it’s like to work for anything.

“Good morning, Carm,” Brandy the receptionist greeted.

“Hi, Brandy,” she replied, handing her the iced latte.