My gaze stays fixed on the jagged line that runs a couple of feet from the corner of the kitchen. That probably shouldn’t be there, right? The four of us snagged this house sophomore year, so eager to escape dorm living we signed a lease for the first place we looked at, and then we were too lazy to explore other options for junior year.

The Colonial-style cottage serves its purpose: a place to crash between classes, practice, games, and parties. If only any of us had any talents with a hammer or a screwdriver, as there’s an endless list of tasks our landlord never seems to get around to. The only nailing and screwing happening around here is of the non-construction variety.

I down one more shot and slide off the kitchen counter, adjusting my light blue dress so it covers some of my thighs. It’s a cotton frock more appropriate for a country club in summer than a frat party in Connecticut’s version of spring, which feels no different from winter. If Lancaster wasn’t ranked as the top soccer program in the country, I definitely would have stayed in the South for my college years. Dress for the weather you want has become my wardrobe motto.

“Ready,” I announce, tossing my blonde hair over one shoulder.

Emma pours her whiskey and pineapple concoction into one of the travel mugs we use for transporting coffee to morning practice and claps a lid on top. “Me too.”

“You better remember to wash that,” I inform her, wrinkling my nose in response to the smell emanating from the container as she draws closer to me.

“First thing I’ll do when we return from this shindig,” Emma replies, sending me a saccharine smile.

I roll my eyes. Emma’s notorious for her inability to wash anything without leaving some form of residue behind. It’s why she’s perpetually assigned to trash duty while the rest of us alternate completing the remaining household chores.

It’s a short walk to the frat house hosting tonight. I’ve never bothered to keep track of the various Greek letters and who belongs to which fraternity or sorority. I go to the parties I feel like going to, and I tend to be followed around by the rest of the soccer team. Being the top female recruit in the country gained me a celebrity following among the niche few who keep up with women’s soccer before I even stepped foot on campus.

The past two-and-a-half years of on and off-field antics have only added fodder to my notoriety.

So did winning Lancaster a national championship.