Chapter 9 Hat Trick
Hat Trick
Maisie
Karsen just scored his second goal of the soccer game, and he’s doing a victory dance surrounded by several of his teammates.
I clap and let out a small yelp of support, but the sound is drowned out by the throng of women a few rows down from us.
They’re wearing his jersey and are practically tripping over themselves cheering for him.
I roll my eyes and turn to Angie, who is staring daggers at the women. She decided to come with me today, which was nice of her, considering how much she hates Karsen. Otherwise, I’d be sitting alone.
“I don’t like soccer, but I like you,” she had said earlier with a playful smile as she packed a bag of snacks for us.
Now, Angie reaches into said bag and hands me a clementine. I peel it as the players on the field reset for kick-off.
“Has he still been playing the you-should-be-grateful-I-don’t-flirt-back card?” she asks after taking a sip of her seltzer water.
Yes. “Girls have always fawned over him. I get it, he’s hot.”
“He doesn’t have to remind you about it and make you feel like shit, though.
” Angie has been increasingly vocal about her dislike of Karsen.
She’s seen him out at parties and has confirmed he never does anything over the line, but I’ve opened up to her about what it’s like when we’re together.
She has not been shy about telling me how toxic it is.
“I know,” is all I say. I toss the clementine skin into the bag and wipe my hands on my jeans.
“If you say so,” Angie replies skeptically.
We both return our attention to the game.
The Magnolia Vipers beat the Carolina State Bears 4–0. Karsen scores another goal right before the end of the game, bringing his goal count to three and making it a hat trick. He is impressive as always. The soccer star.
I wait at the front of the parking lot for him. Angie has a date, and she said, as much as she loves me, she wasn’t missing a chance for some good dick. I laughed and told her to go on without me.
The sun is in my eyes, but I think I spot Karsen lingering inside the tunnel that leads from the field to a long set of steps down to the parking lot.
I use my hand, blocking the light in order to see better.
He’s surrounded by three women, all wearing jerseys with his number tied up so their stomachs are showing, their shorts leaving little to the imagination.
One is touching his arm and moving closer as she says something.
“Karsen! Down here,” I call out in a sing-song voice without an ounce of regret.
He startles but quickly moves to extricate himself from the women and jogs down the steps to me. “Hey, babe,” he says as he reaches me, bending down to kiss my cheek. “Didn’t know you were waiting for me.”
My eyes narrow, but I let it go. “Well, I am. Great game, by the way. You were amazing as always. Wanna grab dinner?”
“I’d love to, but Caroline was just telling me about a party at Xi Pi Rho tonight.” He uses his thumb to motion to the gaggle of women still gathered at the top of the steps. They’re glowering at me.
Awesome. I love being hated for being with the hot soccer star.
“Figured I’d run home for a quick shower and then order some takeout while I pre-gamed with the guys. You’ll meet me there, though, right?”
“I don’t really feel like going to a party tonight, Karsen. You know they drain me. Can’t we just hang out? Maybe watch a movie or something?” My eyes search his face for any sign he might care about what I want—for once.
“Well, the girls said there was going to be some top-shelf stuff and a band. Can’t miss that, right?
I’ll go by myself and then we can just have some alone time after,” he says as he snakes his arm around my waist. The smell of his sweat assaults my senses, and I take a step back, disconnecting his hold.
He’s not typically good company after he’s been drinking, but he usually ends up persuading me into his bed anyway. Saying no isn’t my strong suit. But lately, I think I might be getting a little better at pushing back.
“We’ll see,” I say cryptically.
“You always say that, but you know you can’t resist all this.” He waves a hand down his body like it should be worshipped.
“We’ll see,” I repeat. “I have my period anyway.”
His nose scrunches in distaste, but he doesn’t add anything else.
I rock back on my heels and say, “I’ll see you later, Kar. Great game again.”
“Thanks, babe. You know you’re my lucky charm.” He moves to kiss me, and I let him even though he still stinks.
I wave and start to walk away. He slaps my ass for good measure. My spine locks up. It hurts worse than I’d like to admit. I’ve told him several times not to do that while I have my period.
I shake my head and keep walking, hoping not to see him later.