Settling the Score (The Summer Games #1) - R.S. Grey Page 0,106
had to do something that would at once sever you from Andie and bind you to her. And guess what—it’s working.”
I let my head fall back on the couch, considering her theory.
“Well if you are right, we’ll know eventually, right?”
Georgie jumped up. “Well I for one won’t be waiting for eventually. I want to crack this case wide open.”
“You know Andie has her final game tomorrow,” I said, tilting my head to look back at Georgie. “I can’t go and watch because I’ve got my races.”
“Think she’ll stay after that? For the closing ceremonies?”
My heart dropped; I hadn’t even thought of that. Would she really leave as soon as she was done competing?
“I don’t know. I haven’t spoken to her since the party,” I admitted.
Georgie finally glanced up with a frown. “She’s been busy. You know that.”
I nodded.
“But now that you’ve promoted me from sister to Minister of Espionage, I could probably help arrange a meeting if you want me to…”
I shot up off the couch. “Georgie, you’re brilliant.”
She smiled. “I know.”
“After her game tomorrow, could you try and figure out where she is? I have a race in the afternoon, but I’m free after that.”
“What are you going to do?” she laughed. “Kidnap her? If she wins the game she’ll be celebrating with her team.”
I nodded. “Right, well, I’ll have to work that part out later. For now, I just need you to promise me you’ll help me. I can’t let her leave Rio without knowing how I feel.”
“Okay, but you owe me. I’m already up to my ears in detective work and now you want me to help you win Andie back too?”
“What do you want in exchange?”
“A proper detecting hat, like Sherlock Holmes has got. Oh, and there’s this new Chloé purse…”
I extended my hand for her to shake. “Fine, it’s yours.”
She smirked as we shook on it.
“Georgie Archibald, Detective/Love Guru, at your service.”
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
Andie
EVERY SEAT IN the stadium was filled by 80,000 loud, rowdy fans. From the top of the rafters to the exclusive field-side seats, there wasn’t a free spot anywhere. The announcers were pumping party music through the speakers, making it that much harder to keep my nerves at bay. My heart was already beating in time with the techno. Everyone in the crowd waved American and Japanese flags overhead and their screams echoed around the field well before the game had even started.
I turned my head in a circle, trying to absorb the frenzy while Lisa wrapped my wrist. The crowd was like nothing I’d ever seen before. Their energy was electric and even though I tried to take deep breaths and stay calm, it was useless. I was just as hyped as they were.
A group of girls in the front row caught me glancing over and they started screaming and jumping up and down. They had ponytails, braces, and fresh-faced smiles. All five of them were wearing white t-shirts with giant black letters covering the front.
A-N-D-I-E.
“We love you ANDIE!” they screamed in unison.
Lisa laughed. “Looks like you have a little fan club there.”
I smiled and waved, making a mental note to take a photo with them after the game—hopefully during a victory lap.
“How’s your wrist feel?”
“Fine.”
“Andie, are you lying?”
I rolled my eyes. “Honestly, I can’t feel my feet. I can’t feel my face. I can’t feel my freaking wrist. I’m about to play in the final game of the Olympics.”
Lisa laughed and tossed her roll of tape on the back of the training table. “Well good luck. I wrapped it as best as I could.”
“Thanks,” I said, sliding off the table and testing out the tape. There was a dull ache, but the tape definitely helped.
“Oh, and Lisa—” I turned to glance back at her over my shoulder. “You’ve been a really good trainer.”
She tilted her head and studied me with a smile. “I thought you hated me.”
My team was already circled around Coach Decker and Liam. They stood just off the side of the field, adjusting shin guards and tightening cleats. My stomach dipped when I joined them. Each second that passed meant we were a second closer to game time. This was it. The final.
“This stadium is yours, ladies. This game is yours, just like all the games that brought you here. So act like you own the field, and trust one another.” Her cool, confident gaze swept across the circle. “Do you hear me?”