Page 26 of Set Play

I look up from where I’ve knelt to grab my dropped things. A woman with gorgeous copper-brown skin and springy, black ringlets tied high behind a satin band squats before me. Her warm caramel eyes twinkle when our gazes collide again and I realize I’ve been staring at her like a creep.

Cheeks burning, I check for signs of injury. “Merde, I’m so sorry. I wasn’t paying attention. Are you okay? I can get Earl to get a first aid kit if you’re injured.”

Her explosive laugh stops my ramble, “Girl, I’m fine! Are you? You exited the elevator like a bat out of hell. How did Reyes piss you off so early in the relationship?”

I stiffen, unable to hide my feelings on the topic. Seeing my discomfort, she stands and offers a hand to pull me out of my Gollum-ish crouch, “Fuck, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hit a nerve. Seriously, are you okay? You look five seconds from a meltdown.”

I shake my head, fighting back tears. My laugh tastes as bitter as it sounds and before I know it, my cheeks are soaked as the story comes pouring out of me.

“I don’t even know you. For all I know, you’re a reporter and this will be on the news. Fuck.” I shove my hands into my hair and tug.

Ground yourself with the pain. Remember how to breathe. Keep the anxiety at bay.

The stranger eases my hands from my hair, a tender smile on her face. “Breathe, Élise. I’m not a reporter. In fact, I think I’m your new friend.” Releasing me to step back, she extends her hand again. “I’m Reya. I just moved back here after graduating. And I’m here because Dad asked me to grab something from his office. Walk with me?”

I silently follow Reya through the halls, the last of my anxiety receding as she points out offices to make day one easier. Suddenly it hits me, “Wait, your dad?”

Reya doesn’t hesitate to open the door bearing a name plate that renders her reply moot. “Yep, he’s the coach.” She ducks into Ryan’s office, leaving me in the silent hall. When she returns, she smiles and tucks the item into her bag. “So, want to see the med office?”

I want to ask about the item but don’t. Instead, I take her offer to see the medical office before inviting her to coffee on Friday. She accepts with an ecstatic squeal and dance. I can’t help but laugh.

Niamh would love her.

That thought has me pulling out my phone to add them both to a group chat.

You added Niamh and Reya to the chat

Today 3:34PM

Me:

Niamh, meet Reya. We’re all getting coffee Friday.

At least one good thing came from today’s shit show.

Chapter 14

Mateo

“What the fuck?”

Between morning workout, watching film, and the game, I’ve been too busy to check my phone today. I never expected to open it to find this. The texts are so…her, I nearly choke on my beer.

Today 3:03PM

901-346-XXXX:

You can go fuck yourself sideways with a cactus!

901-346-XXXX:

Are you fucking serious, Big Shot? As if it’s not bad enough that I’m already being harassed by reporters, now this…you know most guys ask the girl BEFORE going public with the “relationship,” right?

901-346-XXXX:

What were you thinking? Oh wait, let me guess…you weren’t.

How the hell did she even get my number?