Page 184 of Rookie Attraction

“That’s not all. Brady claims you’re the one who caused disruption on the recent road trip and that’s why it wasn’t a success.”

“Brady’s not doing a damn thing out there and he wants to blame anyone but himself,” I counter, my temper rising. “He knows his time with the Rush is up. And Finn’s been on the injured list, he hasn’t been around for weeks, so Brady’s comment doesn’t fit.”

“He implied that you weren’t playing your best without Finn.”

“That’s bullshit!”

“I know, Sel, but the press loves locker room drama, even if it’s half-truths. His comments are sweeping the sports and entertainment gossip sites.”

“Let him talk,” I snap. “He can’t prove what he doesn’t know.”

I hear another beep on the line and glance at the name. Fuck, Merry Christmas Eve to me…

“Hugo’s calling,” I explain. “Let’s add him and see what he has to say about this.”

“Of course.”

I tap my phone. “Hugo.”

“Have you seen the news?”

“It’s not news; it’s Brady shooting his dumb mouth off. How did you allow that to happen?” I demand. “By the way, I’ve got my agent Miki on the line.”

“Good, that saves us time. Can you include Finn? I know he’s dealing with family stuff, but he needs to be part of this conversation.”

“I’ll try.”

I put them on hold while I call Finn.

“I thought I missed you more?” he answers, making me chuckle.

“Not possible and that’s not the reason I’m calling. Have you checked socials?”

“No, why?”

“Brady’s been shooting his mouth off to the press, insinuating shit about my playing, saying there’s something going on between us. He can’t back it up, but you need to be prepared. I’ve got Hugo and Miki on the other line.”

“Let’s hear what they have to say.”

I connect all four of us and Hugo offers the rundown again. Finn’s response is a lot of swearing.

“Before you ask, I don’t know why Brady did this—” Hugo starts.

“You know why. He’s had it in for me from the start.”

“He’s a fucking dickhead,” Finn grumbles.

“I can’t get through to him anymore. Neither can Range. Brady’s not answering my calls, neither is his agent, and unfortunately, what’s done is done. He’ll be dealt with,” Hugo adds. “For now, we—and I mean you personally and the Rush organization—need to issue a statement about the Taylor situation and respond to Brady’s comments.”

“Why do we have to say anything?” I ask.

“I agree with Hugo,” Miki murmurs. “The sooner, the better.”

I rub a frustrated hand down my face.

“I’m fine with a comment about Taylor but that’s it. Finn’s off limits. If there’s anything to be said, I’ll be the one to say it on my own terms, or we’ll say it together.” Shit. “You get what I mean.”

“I don’t even want to know, do I?” Hugo replies. “Care to enlighten me?”