Page 68 of Set Play

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Yesterday 7:23PM

Me:

Quit leaving me on read.

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Today 3:19PM

Me:

Last chance. Don’t make me look for u.

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Chapter 37

Mateo

Today 3:27PM

Me:

Hey…I hate to ask, but is Élise okay? She’s avoiding me…again. Did I fuck up somehow without realizing?

Niamh:

She’s okay. I can’t explain for her, but…give her time. I’ll have her text you when she gets home.

Give her time…to hell with that! I am so sick of her running from me every time she gets stuck in her damn head.

I throw my phone in my duffel bag and storm out of the locker room. Nearly everyone left shortly after our midday game against Winnipeg, but I know Élise is still here. She only leaves early if Coach makes her. Stalking through the halls, I head to the medical team office, slowing once I hear her voice.

“Damnit, Henri. You can’t ignore me forever! You have to answer eventually!”

The sound of something slamming against the desk rattles the empty space as I round the corner. “Élise,” I say tersely.

Her head whips around and panic flashes in her eyes, betraying her intent to run. “Reyes. I was just about to head out for an appointment.”

“Bull. Shit. You were about to run away and avoid me. Again.”

She grabs her bag and moves past me. “I’m not running away! I told you—”

Scoffing, I follow her down the hall. “Really, you expect me to believe that after you’ve dodged me all week? For fuck’s sake, you won’t even look at me! What the hell?”

Her lack of response only fuels my growing frustration. I see an open door ahead, so I seize the chance, and grab Élise's elbow to pull her into the room. Ensuring that the door locks behind us, I turn to face an incredibly pissed off brunette. One standing in the middle of…

What the hell, universe? I thought we were bros.

I scan the space, taking in the shelves of balls, practice pennies, and various other training gear.

Why, of all the possible options, was this the only one that happened to be open?

I mean, seriously…

The fucking equipment room?