Page 95 of Set Play

Gracie:

I don’t know, but Baxter was laughing his ass off about it. Then Sarge smacked him upside the head so hard that he bit his tongue. Best day ever!

Niamh:

I don’t think Éllie would agree right now Gracie.

901-987-XXXX:

You didn’t see? People are pissed that Élise and Mateo lied about their relationship.

Niamh:

Um…hello random new person. Who might you be??

Reya:

My b, I forgot to mention I added Iris

Niamh:

Oh, okay! Hi, Iris! Welcome to the club. So yeah, that’s what I was talking about. Gracie, Éllie is supposed to be there, have you seen her?

Gracie:

Now that you mention it, I haven’t seen either of them

Reya:

Guys… I just heard Dad on the phone with someone (sounded like Brenda in HR) trying to defend Élise and Mateo…it didn’t sound like it went well.

Niamh:

Girls’ night. Tonight. Mandatory attendance. Iris, that includes you.

901-987-XXXX:

Um ok? See you then I guess

Chapter 55

Élise

30 minutes before the group chat blows up

Henri’s words from earlier echo in my head as I stride into the kitchen. “I don’t want to see you get hurt, Lise. He doesn’t date. It’s well-known.”

When I round the corner, I expect to find Niamh at the stove waiting for her kettle to boil like usual, but the kitchen is empty. I shrug off the anomaly before filling my travel mug with coffee and grabbing a banana. As I move toward the door, I dig through my purse for my keys, humming to myself.

Maybe that’s why I don’t hear the sounds on the other side of the door. Maybe that’s how the reporters catch me completely off guard when I open it.

“Élise!” A chorus of voices start shouting at me, cameras flashing, trying to get my attention.

My eyes widen in panic at the scene in front of me. Our entire front lawn is covered with reporters and news crews. What the fuck happened?

The reporter closest to me shoves a microphone in my face. “Élise, what do you have to say about the claims that you and Mateo Reyes have been faking your entire relationship? Do you feel bad for lying to everyone? What made you agree to it?”

Behind me, I distantly make out the sound of footsteps stomping down the stairs, but my world is already shrinking.