Page 79 of Set Play

Mateo’s stricken gaze meets mine for an instant before he dips his head in acceptance and moves toward the door. Henri, on the other hand, stands his ground, determined to argue about it. “I’m not leaving. You’ll have to force me out if you want me gone.”

I open my mouth, ready to lay into him about needing to respect my wishes and not always being able to get what he wants, when someone else knocks on the door.

I guess Niamh pressed the nurse call button once I told them to leave because in walks a petite nurse with black hair and a beatific smile. “How can I help you, Ms. Clément?” she asks, glancing quickly at the two men, before blushing and ducking her head.

Jealousy swirls in my gut until I realize it’s not Mateo she’s blushing at, but Henri.

Ugh, gross.

“Two questions. What time do visiting hours end, and how many people, if any, are allowed to stay with me?”

Again, she glances at Henri before answering me. “They sort of ended five minutes ago. Given your status, the doctor said we were to let your guests stay until you were ready for them to leave. But only one can stay the night.”

“I’ll sta—” Henri tries to claim, but I interrupt him without taking my eyes off the nurse.

“My sister will stay and I’d like the men to leave. Now, please.” I glance at a fuming Henri before meeting remorseful eyes that look as though I could drown in them. Knowing Mateo probably needs reassurance, I give him the only comfort I can right now. “I’ll text you, Big Shot.”

“Right. Well, time to go then.” The nurse gestures towards the door, suddenly much more assertive than before. Something I am immensely grateful for when Henri tries to stand his ground against her.

“I’m not leaving,” he argues, crossing his arms like a petulant child.

“That’s fine,” the nurse coos with a sickly sweet tone that should have been Henri’s first warning that she was about to put him on his ass. She waits until his stance relaxes, clearly thinking he’s won, before she adds, “I’ll just get security to help me toss you out.”

My obstinate brother pales and looks to me like I’m going to stop her. When I don't, he grumbles under his breath, but finally leaves.

Niamh and I manage to hold it together until the trio has left the room. The second the door clicks shut, our giggles break free. “That nurse was totally checking out your brother. I wonder what changed her mind because by the end, she did not seem impressed. At all.”

“Probably his attitude. Is it okay if we go to bed?”

“Is that even a question? I’m shattered! Scootch.” She gently prods my hip before climbing into the tiny bed with me. Once she curls up next to me, she asks, “So, want to talk about it?”

Tears fall before I even start speaking, but I force the words out, keeping my gaze locked on the sunflowers in front of me. If I stare hard enough, maybe they will pass on some of the strength and optimism they represent.

“Henri lied to me for years. I used the rivalry as an excuse to hate Mateo, to push him away, but none of it was true. And I feel terrible, because…” I sniffle. “I’m falling for him. What if he decides I'm not worth it after all?”

Answering with an embrace, Niamh offers her silent support as I finally drift off with the truth echoing in my mind.

I’m not falling…I’ve already fallen.

Now to hope he’s still willing to catch me.

1. Spliúchán (sploo-khawn) = Irish slang for a guy who is completely "spent" or head-over-heels for his girl

2. Que font-ils ici? Pourquoi l'as-tu appelé? = What are they doing here? Why did you call him?

Chapter 45

Mateo

“Finding your trip…”

I stare down at the message that my phone has not deviated from since I left Élise’s room ten minutes ago. I’ve never had Uber take so long to match me with a ride, but here we are. The benches in front of the hospital are empty except for me. Henri disappeared into the dark parking lot right after we exited the building.

He spent the entirety of our time in the elevator, as well as the short walk through the lobby, berating me for his sister kicking us out and trying to get me to fight with him. I understand why he is itching for a fight, but I am so tired of fighting with him all the time. Especially when I don’t even know why we ever started fighting in the first place. When I ignored yet another dig, he stormed off in a huff. I didn’t follow.

And that’s why you’re freezing your ass off on the bench outside of the hospital.

Switching to the Lyft app, I’m greeted with “No drivers nearby” when I try to request a ride. Damnit! Just when I’m about ready to go back into the hospital to ask about cabs, a green Chevy Silverado pulls up, rolling down the passenger window to reveal Henri himself.