Chapter 9
The bass of Doja Cat's latest hit thrums through my tiny apartment as Jen and I get ready for the hockey game. I'm perched on the edge of my bathtub, carefully applying eyeliner while Jen hogs the mirror, contouring her face with the precision of a plastic surgeon.
“I can't believe we're actually doing this,” I say, trying to keep my hand steady. “Going to a college hockey game like we're, you know, normal college students.”
Jen pauses her makeup application to shoot me a look. “Yeah. I would love to be a normal college student. But you have to admit, this is kind of exciting.”
I can't help but grin at her enthusiasm. It is kind of exciting, even if the thought of seeing Matt there makes my stomach churn. But I push that thought aside. Tonight isn't about him. It's about having fun, about reclaiming a bit of the college experience we've missed out on.
My phone buzzes, and I see a text from Riley.
Riley: Everything set for tonight's plan?
I smirk, thinking about the surprise I have in store for Matt.
Amber: Operation Humble the Hockey Star is a go.
Riley: Fuck yes. Text me the aftermath. I want all the juicy details.
“What are you smiling about?” Jen asks, eyeing me suspiciously in the mirror.
“It’s not Harvey,” I say in defense. I want to leave an open loop there in case something is there.
Jen doesn't look convinced, but she lets it go. “Okay, well, hurry up with that eyeliner. We don't want to be late.”
An hour later, we're walking into the hockey arena, and I'm immediately overwhelmed by the atmosphere. The place is buzzing with energy, students decked out in team colors, the smell of popcorn and hot dogs filling the air.
“Okay, I'll admit it,” I say to Jen as we find our seats. “This is pretty cool.”
Jen beams at me. “See? I told you it would be fun. Now, which one is Harvey again?”
It looks like the players are already warming up on the ice. We scan the rink, looking for the number Harvey told us. 13. When we spot him, I can't help but feel a little impressed. He moves with a grace I wouldn't have expected on the ice, weaving between other players with ease.
“Not bad,” I murmur, watching as he warms up.
And then I see him. Matt. Even from here, I can see the confidence radiating off him as he skates. I could pick him out in the sea of people. It’s how he holds himself and the way he walks, or skates in this case.
But I push those thoughts aside. I'm here to have fun, to support Harvey (sort of), and to set my plan in motion. Matt Pearson might think he's hot stuff on the ice, but he has no idea what's coming for him at the after-party.
As the game progresses, I find myself getting more and more into it. I cheer when Harvey’s team scores, boo at bad calls from the refs, and even jump to my feet a few times during particularly intense plays.
“I thought you were a basketball girl,” Jen teases during a break between periods.
I shrug, unable to keep the smile off my face.
The final buzzer sounds, and the Honey Badger team has won. The crowd erupts in cheers, and even I find myself caught up in the excitement. As we file out of the arena, heading towards the frat house where the after-party is being held, I feel a mix of anticipation and nervousness.
I take a deep breath, thinking about the plan I’m about to set in motion.
As we approach the frat house, music already spilling out onto the street, I can't help but smile. I get to play another stupid prank on Matt. I can't wait to see the look on his face.
We enter the house as I scan the room, noting with satisfaction that the hockey players haven't arrived yet. Perfect. This gives me time to set my plan in motion.
“Grab us drinks,” I say to Jen to occupy her.
I spot a group of girls chatting near the DJ and make my way over, putting on my friendliest smile. “Hey, girls,” I say, trying to sound casual. “Are you guys up for helping me prank someone on the team tonight?”
They all turn to look at me, expressions ranging from confusion to intrigue. One girl with bright pink hair raises an eyebrow. “A prank?”
I hold up my hands in a placating gesture. “Don't worry, it's meant to be funny. Nothing mean-spirited, I promise.”
The pink-haired girl shrugs. “Sure, I'd be down to help with a prank. Why not?”
The others nod in agreement.
“Great,” I say, lowering my voice. “Do you guys know Matt Pearson?”
One girl, a blonde with perfect beach waves, nods a little too enthusiastically. I file that information away for later.
I pull out a wad of cash from my purse, enjoying the way their eyes widen. “Okay, here's the deal. When he walks through those doors tonight, I need you to pretend to be really interested in him. Like, all over him.”
“We're not your strippers,” one girl says, crossing her arms.
I shake my head quickly. “No, no, nothing like that. I'm talking about some harmless flirting, maybe a bit over-the-top. I have a hundred dollars for each of you to just keep up the act for an hour.”
There's a moment of silence as they process this. Then the pink-haired girl grins. “A hundred dollars an hour job tonight? I'll take it.”
In the end, six girls agree to my plan. It's not as many as I'd hoped for, but it should be enough to make Matt uncomfortable.
“I’ll pay after, so when the hour is up, come find me.”
As I make my way back to Jen, I can't help but laugh at how stupid this is. This prank isn’t as horrible as prank calling my law firm, but I have to embarrass him somehow. I still haven’t figured out how to mess with his hockey career.
“What was that about?” Jen asks as I rejoin her.
“Oh, you know, just asking them some questions about college. Did you get us some drinks?”
Jen passes me a red solo cup filled with something that smells potent. She checks her phone, frowning slightly. “Harvey still hasn't texted me. Did he text you?”
I check my own phone, a twinge of guilt hitting me as I think about Harvey. “No, he didn't.”
As we stand there, sipping our drinks and waiting for the hockey players to arrive, I can't help but feel a mix of anticipation and unease. More alcohol, please.
As the door opens and the first group of players enters, I take a deep breath.
I watch with a mix of anticipation and amusement as Matt walks through the door. Right on cue, the girls I recruited rush over to him. This is going to be good.
Matt's reaction is priceless. His eyes widen, and he takes a step back, clearly caught off guard. “Whoa, whoa. Hey, what's going on?” I hear him say, his voice a mix of confusion and wariness.
The girls lay it on thick, showering him with compliments and over-the-top flirtation. The pink-haired girl is particularly enthusiastic, practically draping herself over Matt as she gushes about his performance on the ice. I have to stop laughing at the look on his face.
As Matt is swept away by his newfound admirers, I notice Harvey watching the scene. He turns towards us, but something's off. He's not making eye contact with me, focusing solely on Jen as he approaches. A knot forms in my stomach.
“Great game tonight,” I say, trying to break the ice.
Harvey just shrugs, barely glancing at me. “Thanks,” he mumbles, before turning back to Jen and asking her about the party.
I start analyzing his behavior. The avoidance of eye contact, the sudden coldness towards me – it all points to one thing: Matt told him.
I push down the urge to confront Harvey about it. I'm not here for him, I remind myself. I'm here to mess with Matt. And judging by the increasingly panicked look on his face as he tries to fend off his admirers, my plan is working perfectly.
Matt glances over at Harvey, a plea for help clear in his eyes. But Harvey just gives him a half-hearted shrug before turning back to Jen.
“I'll see you guys around,” he says, already moving away.
Jen watches him go, her face falling. She turns to me, confusion clear in her eyes. “What's going on with him?”
She is too boy hungry. I shake my head. “Maybe he just wants a piece of what Matt has going on,” I say, nodding towards the crowd of girls still swarming around Matt.
Jen frowns, clearly not satisfied with that answer.
The music pumps through the room, the bass vibrating in my chest as I grab Jen and pull her to the dance floor.
We're on our second drink now, and the alcohol has loosened us up, washing away the earlier tension.
For a moment, I forget about Matt, about Harvey, about the pranks.
It's just me and my new best friend, laughing and twirling like we don't have a care in the world.
Between dance moves, I catch sight of Matt across the room.
The pink-haired girl is perched on his lap, playing with his hair as he talks.
The other girls are clustered around him, hanging on his every word.
I have to bite my lip to keep from laughing out loud.
He looks so uncomfortable, trying to maintain his cool facade while clearly wondering what the hell is going on.
“We need more drinks!” Jen shouts over the music, grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the makeshift bar.
As we wait for our refills, I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn to find Harvey standing there, a conflicted look on his face.
“Can I ask you something?” he says, his voice barely audible over the party.
I glance at Jen, who gives me a pointed look before conveniently finding something interesting on the other side of the room. I turn back to Harvey, shrugging. “Yeah,” I reply, my voice low.
He takes a deep breath, as if steeling himself. “Are you using me to get back at Matt?”
I search his face, seeing the hurt and confusion there. Guilt rises in my throat, but I swallow it down. My face remains impassive as I consider my response.
Before I can answer, Harvey continues, “Do I even stand a chance?”
“A chance?” I repeat, buying time.
“Yeah,” he nods, looking at me with those puppy dog eyes.
“We don't know each other, Harvey. And I think Jen is really into you.”