Cocky Striker - Evan Grace Page 0,11

up, grass-stained knees until the green and red is gone.

I wrap my towel around my waist and head back to my locker. After putting deodorant on, I grab a sleeveless t-shirt and throw it on. I throw on some basketball shorts and then my tennis shoes.

I run my hands through my wet hair until it’s all slicked back. The tattoo that covers my left peck and runs down my left arm always looks darker when I’m sporting a tan.

I pop a piece of gum into my mouth and throw my cleats and shin guards into my locker. I stay seated when Coach comes in and calls for all of our attention. “You played a helluva game today. LA is ranked number one, and you made them work for every goal they got. Chance and Scott, you gave your team a hundred percent. I want to see you all out on the field Tuesday at four.”

He dismisses us, and I grab my duffle bag, throwing the strap over my shoulder. I rush out of the locker room and head out to where I asked Laken to wait. When I round the corner, I find her and her friend standing with my parents.

Mom comes toward me first and wraps her arms around me. “Hi, baby boy. That was a great game.”

I smile down at her. “Thanks, Mom. I’m glad you’re here.”

Dad and I share a half hug/half backslap. “How are the knees? You went down hard.”

“Ehh … nothing some ibuprofen and antibiotic ointment won’t cure. Are you guys hanging around for a bit?” I turn my head to make sure Laken is still there, and thankfully she is.

“We thought we’d take you for a late lunch or early dinner.” He looks at Laken and then back at me, smiling. “Unless you have plans.”

I start walking backward. “Give me a minute,” I tell him before turning and walking toward Laken. “Hey, do you have plans? We’re going to go eat—do you want to come with?”

She looks at my parents, smiling, and then turns back toward me. “I actually have a paper I need to start doing research for. Thanks for the invite, though, and good job today.”

Laken walks away and, as always, I watch her go.

“She’s so pretty.” I look at Mom who is now standing next to me. “Is she your girlfriend?”

I roll my eyes. “I don’t date, Mom. She’s a friend?”

“Well, it doesn’t seem like you’re sure what she is.” Mom leans into me. “You should ask her out?”

“Dad? Make her stop please.” Mom swats at me.

“I can’t help it. She seems sweet, and she’s pretty—definitely not like the girls we’ve seen you with before.”

I shake my head as we make our way to Dad’s SUV. It was a possibility that my folks would see Laken and then have questions, and that should’ve deterred me from asking her to come, but I really wanted her to see me play.

Luckily Mom drops it for now, but I’m sure this won’t be the last time she asks me about Laken.

After we go eat, they drop me off at my apartment. “Guys, drive safe.” I stand on the sidewalk waving as they pull away from the curb. My watch pings, and I see I have a text from Trey.

Trey: Hey, bro, party at the house. Be there … or else.

I head inside, setting my bag against the far wall.

Chance: Right… I’ll be there soon.

I quickly change out of my sleeveless t-shirt and shorts—I throw on just a plain white t-shirt and some red board shorts. After slipping on my black Converse, I grab my phone and keys before heading out.

As soon as I cross the street, I can hear the music coming from my house. This year I knew between school and soccer I was going to be too busy to be a good fraternity president, so I stepped down.

I’m still active with the Greek life and help Hunter, the current president, when I can. I step inside and move through the large house toward the kitchen. I find our fearless leader pouring a bag of ice into the cooler.

“What’s up, brother?” We exchange faux punches. “What’s the reason for the impromptu party?” I ask.

“No reason. We’ve only had a few parties this year so far.” He motions to the cooler. “Help me carry this out back.”

We each grab a handle and heft the huge cooler outside to the patio. Our brothers descend on us, grabbing beers. Hunter grabs one and hands it me.

“How