Page 83 of Set Play

The timing works out, because a doctor comes in with discharge paperwork and whispers into Henri’s ear. It must not be good news, because my brother’s jaw twitches and he motions for Mateo to step out into the hall with the doctor.

Once they’re gone, I finish my question. “Are you saying that your PR team is responsible for all the awful shit said about Mateo?”

He drops his head, rubbing both hands along his close-cropped, ash-blonde hair. “Unfortunately, yes. I should’ve paid more attention, but I started staying away from the internet after a scary incident with a diehard fan.”

“But you told Maman, Papa, and me—”

“I know. My team was evidently giving me false information. My guess is they meant to fan the flames even higher. It wouldn’t look good if I only had the guts to say something when there were no cameras. I had to believe that the rivalry was real to make it profitable.”

“Oh, Henri.” I reach out and give his hand a gentle squeeze. “I’m sorry, frère. I can’t imagine going through any of that, but we’ll figure it out. Together. You and Mateo will clear the air and set the record straight and I’ll be right beside you both, lending my shoulder for support whenever needed. Crois en l'espoir, Henri.”

Leaning forward, I gently wrap an arm around him, squeezing as tight as my ribs allow.

“Élise, is it true you were shoved down a flight of stairs?”

“Reyes! Are you the reason Clément’s sister was in the hospital? Did you push her?

“Clément, how can you stand next to him after he hurt your sister? Why doesn’t he have a black eye?”

Holy shit. How did they know I was in the hospital?

How did they know I fell down the stairs?

What is happening?

There are cameras flashing in every direction I turn. No matter where I look, I can’t see the parking lot. It’s just a barrage of harsh LED flashes. It’s like I’m at a club instead of a hospital parking lot.

They’ve completely surrounded us. Even Niamh got cut off from the three of us. Oh, mon dieu! Where is she?

What if they trample her?

What if she gets snatched while we’re distracted?

Everything becomes too much in the blink of an eye: the lights, the shouts, my spiraling thoughts.

My hand loosens and drops from where I was gripping Mateo’s as I fight for composure in front of all of these cameras.

Do not have a panic attack. Do NOT have a panic attack. DO NOT have a panic attack!

Mateo’s head whips back at the loss of contact, eyes widening in realization. His mouth moves but I don’t hear anything, and it’s not until Henri’s head snaps toward me that I realize he must have said my brother’s name.

My breaths are already choppy and the voices around me are echoing too loud in my head. It’s only a matter of time before my vision blurs and the panic takes full control.

“Please leave us alone.”

At the soft whisper, I look around, not realizing that I’m the one speaking. It isn’t intentional, nor is it very loud, but Henri hears and my desperation snaps something in him.

“That’s enough! Would you please back the fuck up?”

Silence.

I think my hearing has finally faded out, but Henri’s next words are loud and clear, making it obvious that everyone's just as shocked by his outburst as I am. “Everyone write this down. VERBATIM!”

He looks back at me, then to Mateo. “Reyes never hurt my sister. That was taken out of context. In fact, several comments, dating back to the start of our rivalry, were taken out of context. More details will come later but here are the key parts. Reyes is not a cheater. He is not an abuser. My sister had an unfortunate accident, and we’d like to get her home so she can heal. Thanks.”

I’m astounded.

All I can do is watch silently as the guys work together to shove through the reporters, thankfully revealing Niamh standing a few feet away. I sigh in relief and move to hug her. After making sure she’s okay, I hold up my hand for my keys, but she tosses them to Mateo instead. “I’ll follow you?” He asks, looking back at my brother.