Page 76 of Set Play

You’re leaving me alone with these idiots? What did I do to deserve that?!

Lukas removed Cillian from the chat

You added Cillian to the chat

Me:

Sorry, Cill. When I get back, I owe u an apology beer.

Soren:

Is no one curious about what’s going on…just me? Everything okay, Cap?

Theo:

*cough* kiss ass

Soren removed Theo from the chat

Lukas added Theo to the chat

Cillian:

What do you mean when you get back?

Otw to the airport. Flying to Canada. Élise is in the hospital

Cillian:

Fuck, what happened?

Me:

She fell down a flight of stairs.

Soren:

Shit. WTF!?

Lukas:

What hospital? I’m sending her flowers.

Theo:

Isn’t it weird for you to send his girl flowers?

My phone rings with an incoming call before any additional messages come through. The screen reads “Lukas” and I hit the button to answer, keeping my gaze locked on the city lights as they zoom past the car’s window.

“Mano,” I say in greeting.

He doesn’t offer a greeting in response, just repeats the question he sent in the chat. “What hospital? You know it’s nothing weird. Just…please.”

I give him the name of the hospital and hear him typing on his laptop in the background. “Luka, I know you have a deep appreciation for flowers, but why are you sending her flowers? I didn’t know you two were that close.”

Her text from weeks ago slams into the forefront of my memory, making jealousy swirl in my chest. “Knew you were my fave twin.” I shove it down, waiting for his response. Lukas wouldn’t do that.

“There’s scientific research that shows that having flowers present in those cold, barren hospital rooms can reduce stress and anxiety which promotes faster recovery. She helped me when I hurt my ankle. If not for her, I probably would’ve fucked it up even more. Plus, I don’t know, I just—” he sighs, then falls silent.