Page 59 of Lucky Shot

It’s a lush paradise of palm trees, colorful flowers, and landscape lighting that accents the extravagant pool in its center.

We don’t get shit like this in England, and if we did, the sun rarely shines to allow us to enjoy it.

At least that’s what it feels like most days when the gloom hits day after day.

But Miami is a whole other planet with its sun, humidity, and its tropical everything.

Ari’s laugh should be a warning. “Ah, there are always next steps.”

“And I’ll just pile the new folder under my front seat with the rest of them.”

“Of course you will.” She sighs. “I have an event for you to attend. Movie premiere. Would be good for you to make yourself seen there.”

“Awesome. Can’t wait to fit that in my busy schedule.”

“I have it all taken care of for you.”

“I’m sure you do.”

“See you on the tarmac tomorrow at noon.”

“But I have camp.”

“Not tomorrow you don’t.”

She ends the call, and I’m left staring at my mobile wondering whether I’m happy about this development or not. A break from the chaos. Catch some sleep on the plane. No doubt I’m headed to Los Angeles or New York. Haven’t been to a premiere anywhere else.

But still . . . ugh.

“Problem?”

I look over to find Lennox, Rush’s better half and my agent, sitting down on the bench. “I didn’t know you were going to be here.” She smiles. Her hair’s swept up, and her eyes are bright behind a pair of rose-rimmed glasses.

“I didn’t even know I was going to be here.” I chuckle. “It seems I don’t know anywhere I’m going to be these days. And now apparently, I’m going to be at a premiere tomorrow.”

“Which I okayed. It’s a good look for you. Coaching kids. Movie premiere. The viral clip from last week is slowly fading so I was on board with it.”

“Thanks for running it by me,” I say sarcastically.

“No problem.” She pats my knee, unfazed by the comment. “Now tell me about the girl.”

“What girl?” I ask like an idiot.

“Ah, that means I’m right.” She takes a sip of her wine.

“Do I even need to be here for this conversation, or should I leave?” I tease.

She turns and looks at me, her eyebrows lifted and her expression dead serious. “It takes a lot to throw Alexander Hardy off his game, and by the way you’ve completely ignored that woman openly flirting with you over there, I’d say you’re off your game.”

“Maybe I’m tired from this ridiculous schedule. Maybe I’m trying to be present at our team get-together. Or—”

“Or maybe the woman at the academy has caught your eye.”

“You’re so full of shit.”

“Maybe, but I know you better than most.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”