The Striker

Content Warning: This section contains sexual content and violence.

Asher prepares for his match against Holchester, ignoring repeated calls from an unknown number. When he finally picks up, it’s Brooklyn; she tells him that Scarlett has been hospitalized.

Asher races to the hospital. The doctor assures him Scarlett will be okay, but they’re still running tests. Scarlett worries about Asher missing the game, but he insists he’d rather stay with her. He calls Armstrong and leaves a message informing him that he’s skipping the game to stay with Scarlett. When he returns to Scarlett’s room, he runs into Vincent, who immediately punches him in the face.

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.