Page 41 of Set Play

“Do we need to amputate, avispa? Am I terminal? Tell mi familia que los amo,1” he implores with a theatrical flair, collapsing back on my table as if dead.

“You know…I think we just might have to. I don’t know if you’ll ever play soccer again, Telenovela.2” I wrap his foot snugly with the ACE bandage. “Also, you’ve called me Avispa before. What does it mean?”

I squeeze a little harder than necessary when he shrugs and replies, “You should ask my brother.”

“Or I could n—”

“Ask me what?” As if summoned, in walks the blue-eyed devil.

“Great, the twin menace has assembled. What did I do to deserve this? There’s no way you just happened to appear at the right time.” I glare at the duo. “Is this a weird twin thing, or did you two plan this ambush?” Motioning to his ankle, I set the meds next to Lukas and order, “RICE method, Telenovela. Or else I’ll have Coach bench you.”

“I’ll make sure he follows your orders, Chispita. After all, I can follow directions.”

Merde. So much for keeping the locker room out of my head.

1. Tell mi familia que los amo = Tell my family that I love them.

2. Telenovela = Soap Opera (literal), being used as a nickname for a dramatic individual

Chapter 21

Mateo

Today 11:13PM

Chispita:

1 goal, 2 assists, & 80% pass completion. Good game, Big Shot.

Me:

I'm flattered that u kept up with my stats, Chispita

Chispita:

Oh, fuck off. Couldn't just take the compliment, huh? FYI, I can also give you stats for Gray & Lukas if you want

Me:

Way to make a man feel special, Élise…

Chispita:

It's not my job to make you feel special, Big Shot.

Me:

Actually…as my gf, it kinda is

Chispita:

FAKE girlfriend. Don't forget, I still hate you.

Me:

Sure didn’t hate me when I had u coming all over my tongue. I’ve replayed that in my head quite often.

Chispita: