The music thundered back on and James walked towards her, leaving the brunette from before standing alone.
“Kara.”
She took the shirt from him with gentle hands as soon as he was in front of her. “Why didn’t you tell me?” She studied the number three and his last name on the back.
“I sort of did”
“This is so exciting!” Lila was at his side. “Congratulations.”
He glanced at her. “Thank you…”
She smiled, looking between them but it quickly faded and turned to a scowl. “Who’s this?”
“This is Kara…” James tried his best but he was failing at the introduction. Then he went for it and it made Kara’s heart stop. “My girlfriend.”
Lila stumbled back with stunning grace, staring at Kara. “I need a drink.” She walked away, shoving herself past a group of boys that offered their support. He didn’t attempt to stop her. In fact, he seemed to let her go like she meant nothing to him. Kara wondered how well he was tightening up his emotions this time, like she knew he did so well.
He took Kara’s elbow and her body shot with electricity. Walking her from the kitchen into the small narrow hall, where it was still blaring loud and she was sure they’d still have to shout to hear one another. He turned her towards him.
“It’s not official,” he tried to explain. “I haven’t signed”
“She’s pretty,” Kara blurted out.
He stopped. “What?”
“The girl with the super long legs…” Her eyes stayed fixed on Lila across the apartment now getting herself a beer from the fridge. Her clothing clung to her and hugged her leanly shaped body. Reminding Kara more of a model than a real-life woman. Certainly not a battered and beaten Hunter like she was.
He stepped into her view. “Right, and that’s all she is. A friend.”
Kara tilted her head and looked down to the jersey in her hands. “This is a big deal.” And I’m not.
He took the shirt from her hands. “I haven’t even signed the contract.” Their eyes fused together in the tight moment.
“I’m sure it’s soon though?”
“Tomorrow actually.” He stepped closer and kissed her, his lips gentle. She dropped her hands to his chest and enjoyed his mouth. Even if she felt she should have been upset, her shocked state helped to lessen the blow of everything she was going through.
“What the hell, mate!” Carter shoved James from her, knocking her back a step or two but James held firm.
“What do you want now?”
Kara slid up against James when he didn’t let her go, her eyes falling towards the kitchen where she saw the tall, pretty brunette glaring at them. James’s arm around her shoulders tightened, like an invisible line of protection and she enjoyed his nearness for those brief moments.
Carter huffed. “Come on, let’s drink!”
“I’m this close to punching you,” James threatened.
“Go,” Kara instructed, stepping out of his embrace. “I’ll be fine.”
“Yes, come, drink!” Carter demanded, pulling at him. “Listen to the pretty girl.”
Kara winced, gently nudging him off her.
“I’ll be back,” he stated with a lingering look.
“Yeah.” Kara put a smile on her face.
“Go get a drink, chicky!” Carter called to her as he dragged James away.
Not knowing what to do, she stood paralyzed against the wall, sinking into it. After a few minutes of standing in her mute discomfort, a boy came to her side.
“Hello there.”
Kara paused. “Hey.”
“I’m Greg.” He held out his hand and she recognized him; the boy who gave James the beer.
She shook it. “Kara.”
“So.” He smiled. “Need a drink?” Greg grabbed her arm and hauled her into the kitchen. “Like vodka?”
“S-sure,” she answered.
He mixed her a drink and turned to her. “So, what’s the deal?”
She paused, holding the plastic cup awkwardly. “What?”
“You came in with James, everyone noticed,” he pointed out. “What’s the deal with that?”
She shook her head. “No deal, really.”
“Really?” He smirked. “I just watched Lila’s face turn green!” He cast a speculatory glance over his shoulder. “Guess she’ll finally have to move on. Lucky me.”
Kara stayed quiet because she wasn’t sure how to respond to any of what he’d just said.
“Alright, I won’t go there. You’re probably just fucking, yeah? Like, you’re in for school exchange?”
Kara stared at him. “Umm, not really like that, no.”
He lifted an eyebrow, then continued as if she hadn’t spoken. “So, you must watch a lot of football then?”
“Sort of… I wouldn’t say a lot,” she explained, “but I guess I should.”
“You should if you want to get on here.”
“My brother played a bit.”
“Cool.” Greg’s enthusiasm was hard to keep up with. “Is he on a team here?”
Kara opened her mouth but was lost for words.
Greg rolled with it though, carrying the conversation. “What position does your brother play?”
“Uh, he—” She swallowed. “What does James do?”
“He’s a midfielder.” Greg smiled. “And a really good one, but we don’t tell him that.” He winked at her.
She sipped the drink, almost choking on its potency. She coughed, recovering. “So, what does that mean? What does he do exactly?”
“It means he’s shit fast and likes the ball between his legs.” Greg chuckled. “Don’t tell him I said that either.”
“Oh.” Kara wrinkled her nose, confused again. “Okay.”
Greg watched her with amusement and continued. “He’s more of an attacking midfielder. Very technical. Smart with the ball, follow me?”
“Sure.” She shrugged, thinking it made a bit of sense.
“What are you doing to her, Greg?” James appeared suddenly at her side.
Greg held up his hands and smiled. “Just entertaining, Jim.”
“Uh-huh.” James grunted, putting his arm around her waist.
Greg watched them, smiling. “Excuse me a minute.”
James eyed him as he left and Kara turned towards him, sipping the drink, prepared this time for its toxicity.
“You weren’t gone long,” she commented.
He lifted an eyebrow. “Oh, I’m sorry, were you having too much fun with Greg?”
“He talks fast,” Kara admitted, “makes it hard to understand everything.”
James nodded. “You’ll get used to the accents.”
Doubtful. Kara sipped her drink. “I did hear the part when he told me you like the ball between your legs.”
“Funny,” James muttered. “Listen…”
She leaned into him as his voice lowered.
“You don’t have to drink, if you don’t want to.”
Kara swallowed what was in her mouth. “Oh…” Unsure if that was a suggestion or he felt she didn’t want to be drinking. “Okay.”
“Just don’t feel pressured. I know you’re not feeling well.”
She dropped the cup a bit further away from her mouth once his concern was made obvious and she nodded, right as Carter walked over.
“I am so fucking confused!” He pointed at James.
“About what?” James droned, “Why you have a dick?”
“Ha!” Carter gave him it. “Funny prat, you are!”
Greg had showed up, along with a few others, laughing at Carter’s expense.
James held his amusement and took her hand before she could step away, bringing her into his side.
“No, I’m confused about this!” Carter wrapped his arms around Kara in a random moment. “Why do you want anything to do with Jimmy when there is this option?” He motioned to himself.
“Oh, jeez.” Kara fumbled, glancing at James as she was thrown off balance, spilling her drink all over Greg.
“You git!” Greg snapped at Carter.
“Sorry!” Kara reached out and started to swipe at the alcohol dripping off Greg’s shirt.
“It’s that bonehead, not you, pet.” He ripped off his shirt and exposed his built six pack and broad shoulders.
“Wow.” Kara blushed, looking away from Greg. Realizing she was surrounded by way too many in-shape men.
“Yeah, can you believe it, and I get his seconds.” Greg pointed at James with a laugh.
“I’m about done with all of you,” James complained.
Carter knocked into him, rubbing his shoulders and digging his fingers into his neck. “Relax, Jim! Always such a tight arse!”
James shook him off. “Thank you for the embarrassing party, Carter, now leave me alone and let me enjoy it.”
“Enjoy?” Carter echoed and came to Greg’s side as they broke into a hum and sang, “Give it to me, Jimmy, uh-huh uh-huh!” Then they started to laugh.
James ground his hand into his forehead with his groan of embarrassment. “Enough.”
Kara laughed, unable to stop herself.
Carter smiled. “I’m a goalie. I have many amazing traits. Singing is one of them.”
“Awe, Birthday boy!” A tall, trim boy dressed in the best fashion came up, draping his arms around James’ shoulders and shaking him.
Kara smiled, stepping back to enjoy more embarrassment at the expense of James Dray.
“Who invited you?” James chastised the tall handsome newcomer.
“Uh, everyone.” The sandy blonde with amber eyes threw his arms into the air. He then took James’ cheeks and pinched him. “I’m so glad you survived. America is a scary place!”
“That’s what I said!” Carter piped. “He still went.”
James moved away as the new addition to the group laughed, his eyes falling on Kara and his smile faded. “Hello there.”
James seemed to prep himself for the introduction. “Kara, this is Andrew, my cousin.”
Kara stiffened.
Andrew leaned in towards her, his hand out. “Andrew Dray.”
Kara shook it. “Kara… Heart.” She stared at him, seeing the family resemblance in their height and bone structures. The both of them; ridiculously handsome was the best way of putting it.
“Jimmy.” A petite girl, her face framed perfectly in a platinum bob came up beside him, squeezing herself between them. “Happy Birthday!”
He smiled and hugged her. “Becky.”
She kissed his cheek. “We’ve brought you a gift.”
“Oh no.” He smiled, taking the gift-wrapped bag from her.
“Open it later,” Becky whispered, “it’s completely inappropriate.”
“No, do it now!” Andrew demanded.
Kara watched as the perfect girl moved into Andrew’s side and she got the impression they were together.
Family. I wasn’t expecting family.
James looked to Kara. “What do you think?”
She studied the neatly packaged birthday bag. “It could be risky.”
“That’s what I think,” James grunted.
She smiled at him. The longer he seemed to be home, around people he knew, the warmer he got, and she liked it.
“Do it!” Greg shouted.
“Here, I’ll do it.” Andrew snatched it away from James and jumped up on the chair. The boys around him gave him their full attention, dragging James with them.
“Drew!” his blonde girlfriend scolded, rolling her eyes.
“I don’t think you can stop him,” Kara commented.
The girl stepped towards her. “No, I can’t. He’s drunk, we came from another party.”
“Oh.” Kara smiled. “Double dipping.”
“Something like that.” She giggled. “I’m Becky.”
“Kara.” She was the queen of introductions that night it seemed.
“Nice to meet you…” Becky nodded. “How do you know James?”
“Oh.” Kara paused. “I…”
Becky raised an eyebrow, waiting for an explanation.
Kara sputtered. “I guess, I’m like… his girlfriend?”
Becky burst out laughing. “Oh, dear, that’s—” She stopped. “Are you serious?”
Kara swallowed. He did say I was his girlfriend earlier… She wracked her brain in question.
“No, really?” Becky looked confused and they both looked up as Andrew pulled apart the gift with a few others, James not too involved and not appearing that interested either. He sipped his beer. Kara bit her lip as he caught her eyes, walking over, ignoring the torment of what was going on around him.
He came to her side. “It’s an awful gift, Becky.”
“I had nothing to do with it!” She laughed.
“See, James!” Andrew shouted, revealing a raunchy blow up doll. “You don’t need a girlfriend! So, don’t worry!”
Kara sipped her drink and looked up to the gift, almost spitting out what was in her mouth.
“You’re too late,” James said, patting her back. “Alright?”
Kara nodded.
Becky’s eyes widened. “Oh my god! You’re serious!” She grabbed Kara’s shoulder.
James looked between them. “What?”
Kara moved into his side to dodge anymore embarrassment as Andrew crashed up to them. It was too late to hide from it and she saw it coming a mile away.
“Drew, he’s got a girlfriend!” Becky exclaimed in astonishment.
“Who?” Andrew looked around.
“James!” She whacked his bicep.
Andrew looked at his cousin and laughed, “what?”
Kara swallowed. Oh great, this isn’t awkward at all.
“Who?” Andrew creased his brow at her when he noticed how close James was to her. “You?”
“Her name is Kara,” James snapped.
“Oh.” Andrew nodded. “Yeah, sorry, bird.”
Becky rolled her eyes. “Ignore him, welcome to the family, for James Dray does not have girlfriends!”
Andrew hiccupped. “Yeah, what’s gone on? Did you get hit in the head? Take the football on your face again? I told you if you did that one more time, you’d start to act funny.”
James sighed. “Yes, that’s exactly what happened, thank you.”
“Must have,” Andrew grunted.
Becky scolded him with her eyes. “Don’t mind him.”
Kara tried to smile and sipped her drink, fanning the collar of the hoodie out of nervousness as she did. Her fingers slipped down the garment and she felt the embroidered name along the chest, Dray.
“So!” Becky clasped her hands together. “Not to take the attention away from your birthday, Jim, or this…” she motioned to them, smiling. “Tell him, Andrew.”
Andrew chugged a few sips of beer. “Becky, not now.”
“Oh, please, you said we could!” she scolded him again.
“Tell me what?” James looked afraid at Andrew’s hesitation.
Becky flung her left hand out in front of him. “Andrew asked me to marry him!”
James stared at the ring on her finger, glancing at Andrew. “And you said I got hit in the head.”
“It’s just… Whatever,” Andrew muttered and looked over their heads to what appeared to interest him more. A group of intoxicated girls giggling and clinging off each other.
Becky jumped. “Isn’t it so pretty!”
James grabbed her hand. “So pretty.”
Kara smiled, keeping quiet, liking how he gave her his dignified attention.
“So, now we’ll be family,” Becky cooed, looking over the ring.
James smiled. “You’ll be a nice addition.”
Fits right in, she’s beautiful. Kara took another, longer drink.
“Next July! I’ve already started planning.” Becky pointed at them both. “I expect full attendance.”
“Full attendance, Kara,” James echoed in her ear.
Kara moved from him with a strained expression. “So exciting.”
“I know!” Becky clasped her hands in excitement.
“She’s a bit enthralled still, even though it happened a week ago.” Andrew pulled his girlfriend’s death grip from him.
Finishing her drink, Kara wanted more booze, hoping it would take the edge off everything happening. She had known he was popular but it was only something she’d experienced virtually. This would be her world though now, forced to be social, together, and perfect. And somehow she was supposed to just accept that, because James deemed her fit for it.
I’m screwed.