A Miami Affair. Sherelle Green

shot and missed. “He also mentioned that the main investor was a corporate raider who didn’t give a damn about anyone or anything as long as he was making money.”

      “And after that conversation you said there was no way you’d ever become a corporate raider and change the course of someone’s life without giving your decisions a second thought.”

      Josh stopped shooting the ball. “And lo and behold, I became the exact person I claimed I would never become.”

      “No, you didn’t,” Logan said. “Bro, despite what some of those articles may say, you actually care about what happens to the companies you invest in. True, you’ve had to be somewhat ruthless to get where you are today, but that’s just the nature of the business. For years, you’ve managed to maintain your dignity while also keeping your emotions out of the situation. Don’t start doubting yourself now that you’re at the top of your game.”

      Josh let Logan’s words sink in. His brother had basically summarized all the fears he had in that one statement. “You’re right. I need to get out of my headspace.”

      “Better yet,” Logan said, “maybe you should find a sweet honey to help you get out of your headspace.” Josh’s thoughts immediately went to Becca, as they had a lot lately.

      “Are you sure you’re not the older brother?” Josh asked, finally landing a shot without even hitting the backboard.

      Logan pretended to smooth out his hair and T-shirt. “I’ve been trying to tell you for years that I’m the most fly DeLong man in the family, but y’all don’t want to listen.”

      “That’s because you’re too full of yourself,” Ryan said as he walked onto the court with Sebastian. “Men who really have swag don’t need to vocalize the fact that they have swag. They just exude it.” All four brothers dabbed fists and prepared to start the game.

      “I just have to make a quick call.” Josh walked over to his gym bag that he’d placed on the steel bleachers and pulled out his phone to call Becca. She answered on the third ring.

      “Hey, Josh.”

      For a second, Josh soaked in her warm voice. “Hey, Becca. How are you?”

      “I’m fine. Just busy as usual. How are you?”

      “I’m good, but I’d be even better if you’d accompany me to an exclusive black-tie movie premiere at a waterfront estate in the North Bay Road neighborhood on Tuesday.”

      “A movie premiere? So it wouldn’t be for business?”

      “It would be great for networking and spreading the word about The Aunt Penny Foundation,” Josh said, although he hadn’t been thinking about business when he’d decided to invite her. He’d simply wanted to spend some more time with her. He really liked her. However, he wasn’t sure if it was just the challenge that amused him, or if it was more. He needed to find out and the more time they spent together, the quicker he’d figure it out.

      “Also, the host of the movie premiere is a business associate, so I have to make an appearance. I’d be honored if you’d attend with me because I really don’t want to go stag.”

      Since he couldn’t see her in person, he couldn’t gauge if she was leaning more toward saying yes or no. His brothers motioned for him to join the game and he waved them off.

      “Okay, I’ll go with you,” she finally said.

      “Great,” Josh said with a big smile. “I’ll email you the details. Would 6:00 p.m. work?”

      ‘‘Yes, that’s fine.”

      Josh disconnected the call and joined his brothers on the court. Now that Becca had agreed to accompany him to the movie premiere, his week was already looking better.

      * * *

      Becca tried her best not to elbow the strangers who were rudely pushing past her in the crowded sandwich café as she and Haley made their way to the table where Leanna was already seated.

      “Jeez,” she huffed when they sat down. “Why is it so packed today?”

      Leanna laughed. “Well, besides the fact that it’s lunchtime on a Tuesday, they’re also handing out free red-and-blue sandwiches in honor of Independence Day this week.”

      “Ew,” Haley said. “That sounds disgusting. I’m afraid to even ask what’s in it.”

      Leanna took a sip of green tea. “You’ll see for yourselves when they bring ours to the table. When I ordered our usual, they asked if we wanted to try the sandwiches and I agreed.”

      “If you two don’t like them I can bring them to Stacy.”

      “So you went from being ready to fire her to bringing her sandwiches?” Leanna asked. “I must be working at my salon too much, because last time I was in the office, Stacy wasn’t doing much work.”

      Becca shrugged. “She’s growing on me. When I called the temp agency, they mentioned this job would be her last strike, and by the end of their apology I was telling them we would keep her on.”

      Becca still needed to have a serious talk with the teenager about her work ethic, but she was hoping after that conversation Stacy would work harder.

      “Okay, so enough about that.” Haley clasped her hands in front of her. “Are you going to tell us more about this event that Josh invited you to tonight?”

      Becca knew the minute Haley asked if she wanted to meet Leanna for lunch that they would ask for details about her conversation with Josh. “Since I had a feeling you both would ask me a ton of questions, I printed out the event invitation he emailed me.”

      Leanna and Haley both reviewed the sheet of paper. “Oh my God,” Leanna said. “You’re going to that exclusive movie premiere that everyone is talking about? It doesn’t even release for another few months.”

      Becca nodded her head. “Yeah, and I love action movies, so it will definitely be a treat.”

      “And it’s a black-tie movie premiere in the North Bay Road neighborhood?” Haley exclaimed. “I know I don’t need to remind you that only the rich and famous stay there. I can’t believe you’re going to such a high-profile event and you seem so unfazed.”