Rush: The Season (Austin Arrows Book 1)(132)

“Do you love my sister?” he blurts.

Christ. “I really don’t think this is a conversation we should be having.”

Spencer’s expression turns serious. “Did you know that my sister tracked down that woman who made the accusation against you?”

It’s my turn to sit up straight. “What?”

“Yep. She took it upon herself to do what no one else thought to do.” He looks at me pointedly. “Find out who the woman’s best friend is. Turns out, you were a scapegoat for an ex-girlfriend looking to make things right.”

I’m completely confused, but Spencer obviously realizes that.

“Turns out, she’s the ex-girlfriend of a fourth line rookie in Detroit. The guy had a beef with you and rattled on and on about you at some point. Well, when he dumped the chick, she decided to make an effort to get him back. At your expense.”

“She…?” Holy f*ck. I can’t believe what I’m hearing.

“She took you down a notch in order to make this guy happy. When it didn’t work, she recanted her statement.”

A bitter rage is boiling in my gut. “Did Ellie talk to her? Wendy Whatserf*ck?”

“Nope. Didn’t have to. The best friend … the one who took the picture … she told her everything she needed to know. And I mean everything. Apparently she agrees that her friend has a couple of screws loose.”

I’m still reeling that Ellie found out that information. “Why’d she tell you this and not me?”

“She only told me so that I would pass it along,” Spencer clarifies.

“To who?”

“To Phoenix. She convinced the friend to share the details with Phoenix so he could take care of it. Last I heard, Phoenix’s gotten the team’s lawyer involved, and she now understands the very serious repercussions of defamation of character.”

“Why didn’t she tell me?” I still don’t understand why Ellie couldn’t come to me.

“She knew it would only upset you—and me—so she spared me most of the details and asked me to have Phoenix call the woman for the story. Once he did, he called Ellie to confirm. Surprisingly, the woman told him the truth, too.”

“I could’ve handled this shit on my own,” I bark, angry that I’m being treated like a child.

“Not without it affecting your game,” Spencer counters. “This is the sort of shit you shouldn’t have to deal with. It’s over. The woman lied. She needs to be held accountable for what she did. I think she owes you a f*cking apology, man, but I think it’s better left for someone else to figure out how to make that happen.”

My mouth doesn’t open with a retort. I down some beer and stare at Spencer until he starts talking again. I can’t believe what I’m hearing, but what bothers me the most is that Ellie didn’t come to me with this information. I mean, I thought we were friends.

“You know who helped her find this girl?”

I don’t say anything; he knows I don’t know.

“James.” Spencer leans forward and rests his elbows on his knees. “He had obviously heard the story because he’s an agent. In fact, he just so happens to be your brother’s agent. You know, Heath.”

“What the f*ck? Really?” My brother’s new agent is Bianca’s dad? How f*cking coincidental is that?

Spencer nods.

“She told him that she wanted to find this woman and clear your name. He did the digging for her. Turns out, he’s got a lot of connections.”

“He wants to prove he’s the better man,” I grumble, hating him even more for being a decent guy.

“Actually…” Spencer grins. “That’s not true. Ellie told me that James called her to the carpet about her relationship with you.”

Holy f*ck.

“He’s not trying to step on any toes. He simply wants to be in Bianca’s life.”

“But…” I clamp my mouth shut. I don’t want to tell Spencer about Bianca’s text message. It’s all now very clear why she sent it. She felt threatened. Whatever she’s been hoping for is jeopardized if Ellie and I are together.

“But what?” Spencer asks.

I shake my head.

“Don’t give me that bullshit. Tell me.”

I sigh. What will it hurt? “Bianca texted me. She told me that her mom and dad are working things out and that James is even looking to buy a house here so they can move in together.”

Spencer smiles. The son of a bitch f*cking smiles.

“Sounds like my niece. And you bought it?”

“I want Bianca to be happy,” I tell him. “I want them both to be happy.”

“Then I think you need to reflect on this a bit more.”

I don’t need to reflect on shit and this conversation is suddenly pissing me off. “So, why are you telling me all this?” I ask, knowing there has to be more.

“Because whether you like it or not, Ellie has your back. You needed to hear that.”

I drop back onto the cushion and stare at Spencer. Silence consumes us, and I think he’s waiting for me to say something. I don’t have anything to say. Hell, I haven’t had anything to say since the last night I spent with Ellie.

“Bianca’s right about one thing. James is moving to Austin,” Spencer finally says.