The Striker

Scarlett begs Asher and Vincent to stop fighting. The doctors drag them out, scolding them for causing a scene.

“Asher”

Asher and Vincent sit outside talking. Asher admits that he and Scarlett have been together for three months and apologizes for not revealing the truth sooner. Brooklyn appears and scolds them for “acting selfish and childish” (433). The men start arguing again but eventually work through their differences.

Scarlett is discharged the following evening. Shortly thereafter, she discovers news of her and Asher’s relationship online. Paparazzi caught him skipping the game to see her at the hospital. She meets with Asher, Earl, and Sloane, who find her a hotel room where she will be safe from the paparazzi. Both her and Asher’s homes are “swarming with press” (441). Once alone in the room, Asher and Scarlett discuss their situation, agreeing they’ll survive it together.

Scarlett calls her parents and updates them on everything that’s happening. Scarlet’s mom is glad she’s dancing again but warns her to take care of herself.

“Asher”

Armstrong calls Asher and Vincent into his office. He scolds Asher for skipping the match and demands to know why the teammates look like they’ve been fighting. They explain the situation and assure him their rivalry is over. Afterward, the teammates discuss what happened at the hospital and agree to get along. When they leave practice, Asher is shocked to see that his favorite car has been vandalized—someone has scratched “Judas” into its side.

Asher’s teammates agree that Holchester must be behind the car vandalism. When they run into Asher’s former teammates at the pub, Asher confronts them. They insist it wasn’t them and challenge Asher to a race. If he loses, he has to give up his car. Asher agrees, silently apologizing to Scarlett for breaking his promise. Behind the wheel, he feels better.

In the days after Scarlett and Asher’s relationship is publicized, Scarlett tries to recover. Brooklyn and Carina visit and assure her that everything will quiet down soon. Scarlett gets a news alert on her phone announcing that Asher has been hospitalized after a car crash.

Scarlett races to the hospital, terrified that Asher is dead. She’s relieved when she discovers he’s alive, but severely injured. She sits by his bed, begging to know what happened. She feels sick when he reveals he was racing. Unable to breathe, she leaves the room. She wanted to tell Asher she loves him but now fears their relationship is over.

Over a week after the crash, Scarlett can’t stop thinking about her relationship with Asher. While she is teaching one day, Asher shows up unannounced at RAB. She’s tempted to run into his arms, but she ends their relationship instead. She explains that she can’t be with him if he’s not going to care for himself. He protests, but she demands that he leave. After he’s gone, Scarlett is overcome by despair.

Over the following weeks, Asher can’t stop thinking about Scarlett. Everything reminds him of her, and he wishes she’d call. Then one day during practice, Armstrong tells Asher he’s benching him for the season for his bad behavior. Devastated, Asher returns to practice, realizing he’s on the verge of losing everything.

Asher watches the next games from the sidelines, feeling embarrassed and alone. While home alone one night, he ignores repeated calls from Ron. When he finally answers, Ron reveals that he’s outside. Ron then confronts Asher for compromising his career, being irresponsible, and wallowing. They continue arguing. Finally, Ron insists that Asher has been using racing to hide from his grief over Teddy and putting himself in danger out of a subconscious belief that he deserves to suffer as Teddy did. Sobered, Asher realizes he’s right.

After Ron leaves, Asher reflects on their conversation. Vincent appears unannounced and confronts Asher for endangering his life, hurting Scarlett, and compromising the team. Then they formulate a plan to get Scarlett back and convince Armstrong to let Asher play again. The next day, Asher and Vincent meet with the team and ask for their help with their plan.

Scarlett tries to focus on her lessons and rehearsals but keeps thinking about Asher, the accident, and their breakup. Suddenly, she realizes that the way she endangered herself for the showcase isn’t different from Asher’s racing. Carina rushes in, interrupting her thoughts and insisting she look outside.

Scarlett sees Asher and the whole Blackcastle team outside RAB. She races outside, almost running into Asher’s arms. Asher apologizes for everything that’s happened. He’s given one of his sports cars to each teammate to prove that he won’t race again. Scarlett forgives him, and they kiss after professing their love.

“Asher”

Armstrong confronts Asher again. He’s noticed Asher’s hard work and attempts to change and wants him back on the team.

Asher attends the student showcase at Westbury with Scarlett. A week later, Asher goes to the staff showcase. Scarlett dispels her fears and throws herself into the dance.

Two months later, Asher and Scarlett celebrate their six-month anniversary at the Valhalla Club library. Asher has arranged a book signing with Scarlett’s favorite author. After everyone leaves, Asher and Scarlett profess their love and have sex in the empty library.

Asher texts with his teammates about books, authors, and inside jokes.

Asher and his teammates play Holchester in the season’s final match. Asher scores the winning goal, and the fans erupt. Asher looks up and finds Scarlett, Ron, and Pippa in the stands.

“Scarlett”

A week later, Scarlett settles into Asher’s house. They host a party for their friends and teammates. Scarlett and Asher steal away to kiss and have sex. Scarlett gives in to the moment.