Page 164 of Bad Prince
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Stella
It’s women’s soccers first home game. They played a few scrimmages and won their first game at UCLA. But the first home game under the lights means something. I get that. We show up as a team. Because that’s what you do.
“Women’s sports supporting women’s sports,” Delia says, tossing me a pair of oversized sunglasses as we climb the stadium steps. “Also, the soccer girls came to our opener, so we don’t get to be jerks.”
“I’m never a jerk,” I mutter.
She snorts.
“Right. Ice princess diplomacy.”
The stands are already buzzing.
Music thumps through the speakers. The field glows that deep, perfect green under the California sun. Banners hang along the rails. Posters wave. Someone has glitter paint on their cheeks.
And—there it is.
A sign, held high near midfield:
T & T
Another:
VALE x TEXAS QUEEN
My stomach tightens.
I slide the sunglasses on even though the sun is setting.
Armor.
We settle into a row together.
The team spreads out, legs stretched, snacks passed around, energy light and loud.
I try to match it.
I really do.
I clap when I’m supposed to. Cheer when the crowd rises. Lean forward when the play builds.
But my eyes?—
My eyes keep scanning.
Midfield.
Sidelines.
Bench.
Looking for him.
I hate that.
I hate that I’m looking.
