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“I think you would fit inmorethan I would. Both of you girls are super pretty. I can barely keep across country runner. What does that say aboutme?” I hate making these self-deprecating comments, but I can’t help it. It’s the truth.
“Leia...you really need to give yourself credit. First of all, you’re gorgeous. I don’t know why you can’t see that.” When I try to hop in, she gives me a look to shut me up. “Secondof all, not only do guys check you out,Jake Larsonhas been trying to pursue you for the last year. The captain of the hockey team. He’s so into you that literally anyone around can see that.”
“No, he’s into me for sex. There’s a difference. But none of that matters, because we decided to be friends. I don’t want to be used for a guy’s pleasure.” I really don’t.
But do I really believe he’s that kind of guy?
Sure, he let it slip that he doesn’t know what he wants when it comes to me, but he’s never been disrespectful to me. He’s just... aguy. Of course, he’s going to sexualize me. But I want to bemorethan a hot body to Jake. I want him to see more in me than just a pretty girl and athlete. What can I offer him other than that, though?
Nothing. Absolutely nothing because he’s your friend.
This is going to be a painful game.
Well...I let them drag me out of my room to go to ahockeygame. I’ve never been before and, while I’ve always wanted to see one, going tonight to Jake Larson’s game is not ideal. Especially if I am going to see him afterwards. Taya said she was going out with Hunter and the guys to the bar, so I guess Iwillrun into him.
“Earth to Leia. Do you want popcorn?” Sarah breaks me out of my thoughts. I just nod, and she hands cash to the cashier. While she’s paying for that, I look around the arena.
This is probably the only sports arena on campus I haven’t been to. There are so many trophies.Waytoo many trophies. Is our hockey team that good? I know hockey is a tradition on campus, but I didn’t think it was because the team was good. I thought it was because the guys were hot. Now it all makes sense. They have so much under their belt, no wonder girls want them. These guys areboundto be drafted.
Looking at these trophies, I see wins dating back to1959. That’s a pretty big deal for Larson then. It already makes sense. He’s larger than life. He has so much going for him. Yet another reason why I can’t get involved with him.
“Are you okay?” Sarah pops up next to me with two popcorn tins.
“Yeah...I’m just looking at these trophies. Gosh, Sarah, I didn’t know these guys werethatgood.”
She laughs at that and hands me popcorn.
“They’re pretty good. I think they’re, like, in the top five nationwide. Pretty big stuff.” This just makes it worse then. I wish I hadn’t come tonight. I don’t know if I’ll be able to sit in the stands and watch hundreds of girls call out his name. “You’re thinking again.”
“I just feel weird...beinghere. Girls will be screaming his name in the stands, Sarah. I can’t handle watching that.” I’ve never been to an actual game, and I can already gauge how this is going to go tonight.
“You have to stop thinking, Leia. You’ve turned him down so many times, so I’m not sure if it’s your place to be possessive over him.” I hate when she’s right. But I can’t help but feel that way. “Let’s just enjoy our time with Taya tonight, okay? I think you’ll really enjoy getting out and doing something different for a change.” She’s right.
Just then, Taya walks out of the bathroom and joins us. This night isn’t about me. It’s a hockey game. I can sit through this.
For fuck’s sake, theyaregood. The Rubenstein Scavengers are kicking ass tonight, and I’m impressed. Hit after hit, goal after goal, cheer after cheer, I’m beginning to see the excitement surrounding the sport. Everyone’s wearing a team jersey—except me of course—and shouting their excitement every time we score. We’re up 2-0 and, fuck it, I’m happy for our team.
Based on what the hockey fanatic next to me says, Jake’s a center. Which makes sense, since he’s been scoring the most. Hunter looks like he’s also a forward, and his other teammate Brock looks like he’s a goalie tonight. My heart skips every time I see Jake score. I didn’t realize he was so good. He trains like crazy, so I’m not surprised. But he’s...like pro-level good.
King Larson. Royalty on campus. I look around as I see people holding up posters with his name and Hunter’s on it. This is such an unreal experience. I didn’t actually think I’d have fun tonight. Taya’s enjoying herself, and Sarah cheers with her. I haven’t stood up once, but I’m still very much into the game. It’s fascinating watching them skate around. Especially Jake. You can tell this is his happy place. Like there’s nothing else he’d rather be doing.
It’s the final period, and there’s a lot on the line. We’re now up 5-4. I’m not sure how that happened, but it looks like our team isn’t letting up that easily. We’re down to the wire, 30 seconds left, and there’s a lot of testosterone happening on the ice. Jake keeps body checking one of the opposing team’s forwards, Hunter tries to get an assist, but they’re all unsuccessful. It’s a very high stakes game since the other team has decided to finally improve in the last period. There’re a few seconds of slamming and penalties before Hunter gets the last goal and the buzzer goes off.
The entire arena cheers. I can’t help but stand up and cheer with the girls. I almost cry in happiness to see them win. I didn’t realize I could get so invested in the sport after seeing one game. The only thing that’s missing is my happiness for the post-game awkwardness: seeing Jake Larson.
We’re in the lobby soon after the game, waiting for Hunter to come out. Taya looks excited to see him, and Sarah’s looking at her phone, as if she’s trying to pass time.
“You look excited, Taya,” I say lamely.
Of course she’s excited, idiot. She’s here to support her boyfriend.She’s smiling big and staring at the locker room door.
“It was just such a great game! I can’t wait to celebrate with him.” This feels...off. How could they be this excited about each other so fast? It doesn’t seem real.
I never thought I’d be here with Taya and Sarah while we wait to hang out with popular athletes from thehockeyteam. I couldn’t picture something like this happening. Before I can ask about it, Hunter comes strutting out in cargo shorts, a long-sleeve shirt, and a baseball cap. He’s looking down at his phone before putting it away. When he sees us, he smiles and walks over to Taya.
“Hey, babe. Thanks for showing up,” he says, picking her up. Her squeal makes me jump. Sarah shares a look with me ofWhat the hell?“How’d you like the game?”
“It was good! You guys played so well tonight. Congratulations.” He gives her a quick kiss, and I’m already annoyed.
