Page 53 of Raine Out (Grand Slam 2)

“I guess Jeff doesn’t like me,” she says. “There are a few of Seb’s boys that aren’t comfortable with a woman being introduced into the group. Thank you for not being one of them.”

“The only people who are uncomfortable when a wife or girlfriend comes in are the ones who stand to lose money from—or access to—the player. I don’t need Seb’s money and I don’t want any more access to him.”

“I’m not trying to take anyone’s money or access.”

“I’m not saying you are. In fact, I know you’re not, but Seb’s changed since he met you—in my opinion, for the better. He’s so much happier now. But you know, some people don’t want other people to be happy. They lose a little bit of their purpose in that person’s life—their control over them. You know?”

“Yeah, I guess,” she says, sighing. “That’s kind of messed up, though.”

The bartender whistles at me—holding up Sophie’s drink. I grab it and pull her further away from the crowd.

“I need to talk to you about something,” I say, locking my eyes with hers. “And what I’m about to say can’t be repeated or used against me in the future. Do you agree to these terms?”

“Intrigue. You know how I like that,” she says, sipping on the straw and nodding. “Agreed.”

“Tell me more about your friend Raine.”

“What?” She takes an exaggerated step back, her hand flying up to her chest like she’s about to pass out. “Do you like her?”

“Settle down,” I say, closing the distance between us again as I swivel my head to make sure no one’s listening to us. “I’m just asking for some information.”

“What information?” Her eyes are almost as wide as her mouth. “Are you attracted to her? Oh my God. This is amazing. Are you going to let me set you up?”

“I don’t need you to set me up. I can do my own work. Just give me the basics. You know, is she seeing anyone? Like Butch or anyone else. Does she want to be seeing anyone?”

She puts her hand over her mouth as her eyes start to fill up.

“Sophie, stop,” I say, rolling my eyes. “This was a bad idea. Never mind.”

She grabs my arm as I start to turn around. “No, it’s not a bad idea. It’s an amazing idea. Raine’s smart and funny and sweet—just like you. You’d be such a good match. And she’s not dating Butch or anyone else.”

“Does she want to be dating anyone?”

“I’m not sure,” she says, frowning. “Her job keeps her really busy, and the long-distance thing might be a hard way to start a relationship, but you should get to know her while you’re down here and see what happens. I think she’s perfect for you.”

“Who would be perfect for Alex? Me?” Allie walks up to us and slides her arm through mine.

“Allie,” Sophie says, taking her hand. “Let’s go find the girls.”

“No, Soph, I need to talk to Allie alone.”

“You heard him, Sophie,” Allie says, kissing my arm. “He needs to talk to me alone.”

I pull my arm away from her. Sophie’s looking back and forth between us. “Soph, seriously, go. You don’t need to be a part of this.”

“A part of what?” Allie says, jerking her head up to look at me. “Are you breaking up with me?”

“We’re not dating, Allie,” I say, nodding Sophie away from us one more time before I look down at Allie. “I don’t need to break up with you, but I want to make it clear that I’m not interested in anything more with you. I thought I had already made that clear, but obviously, I haven’t. I’m sorry if that hurts your feelings.”

“So, what?” she yells, her arms flying in the air. “You sleep with me and then you’re done?”

“It’s not like that,” I say, putting my hand up to try to calm her down. She slaps it away.

“You were using me all this time?” She flips her eyes to Sophie. “Nice guy to set me up with, Soph. Did you know he was this much of an asshole? I thought we were friends.”

“Allie, we are friends,” Sophie says. “And Alex isn’t an asshole. It’s just not a connection. It happens.”

Allie’s glaring at her. “Savannah’s right. You’ve changed since you met Seb. You don’t care about anyone except yourself.”

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