* * *
When I finally make it to Fun in the Sun Realty after a hike from the parking garage, I’m instantly fired up. Elizabeth has created a powerhouse team and I feel so honored to be part of it.
There are two other agents besides Lila and me.
Suzanna, who’s loud and intense. I usually don’t get intimidated by people, but I can tell that she’s a force to be reckoned with. I have no doubt she’s savage when it comes to selling. Her platinum blonde hair cups her chin, and her long red fingernails match her blouse. She’s wearing a power suit complete with the epic shoulder pads. She’s gives me a wave as she spins slowly in her chair. I overhear her say something about negotiating closing costs.
The other agent is Javier, and the second I meet him, I know we’re going to be friends.
“What do you think of Miami?” he asks. He sits down in a chair across from my desk.
“I like it a lot so far.” Of course, there are several reasons for that, none of which I disclose.
“Do you know how to salsa?”
I giggle. “No. I’m not sure my body can move in those ways, and even if it could, no one wants to see that.”
He waves his hand. “My sister teaches classes—she’s the best in this city.”
“She is,” Lila chimes in from the copy machine. “I’ve taken a few lessons with her. You really should try it.”
“Yes. It’s part of the initiation of living here,” Javier adds.
“Initiation?”
He laughs. “Nah. I’m kidding. But she’s always looking for new business.”
I understand that now more than ever, and it wouldn’t hurt to put myself out there and meet more people.
“Maybe I’ll give it a shot,” I agree.
I try to picture myself learning how to salsa. I’m a huge fan of those dancing shows, and if I ever had the opportunity to be a contestant, I’d jump on it. Still, I’m not convinced I could keep up with the counts and not make a complete ass of myself in the process.
“We should get a group together and go,” Lila exclaims. “I’m sure Reagan would be in.”
Lila and Javier immediately start planning a class, and he proceeds to text his sister. I just barely turned on my laptop while trying to organize my desk. It’s my first day at the agency, and they’re more concerned about me learning salsa. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate them including me in their social circle, but I still have to pay my bills.
I begin making a list of what I need to hit the ground running. Networking will be huge for me. Speaking of which, Theo did tell me that he’d help to spread the word, and I’ll take all the help I can get.
Elizabeth and I meet to talk about strategies to help me get going. She’s been so welcoming and helpful I almost want to cry.
“I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me,” I say after she gives me a list of potential leads. “This agency is stacked with talent—you probably didn’t even need me.”
She smiles. “We have an awesome team, but there’s always room for one more.”
Don’t cry, Gabby.
“You have a very impressive resume,” she adds. “I hope you don’t think I only hired you because Nikki asked me to.”
I twist my mouth to the side. “It crossed my mind, honestly.”
My phone buzzes from on the chair next to me. When I glance at it, I see a text from a number I don’t recognize.
Hello, my name is Danielle Sims. I was given your information by Theo Jorgenson. I’m interested in listing my condo for sale.
Am I dreaming? Theo steps up once again, making me wonder if he’s legit. Either he’s really genuine, or he’s a master player who’s really good at the game. My head is telling me to throw my guard up, but for some crazy reason I’m not worried. I reread Danielle’s text. Wait—Sims?
She has to be related to Cal.