The Freshman

Chapter Eighteen - Luxury Getaway

Emily's POV

With finals finished, I was packing my suitcase and getting ready to head home for winter break. "Better write my name on my luggage tag..." I said.

"Emily! Good, you're still here. I need to talk to you!" Chris exclaimed.

"Is everything okay?"

"I'm better than okay. I just got the opportunity of a lifetime! Do you know Russell Thibbs? The best running back in Hartfeld's history? Well, he's a pro now over in L.A., and he invited a bunch of the guys on the team to watch him in the playoffs! The new L.A. team is the hottest ticket in town! I never thought I'd get a chance to see them this year!"

"Aw. That sounds like fun!"

"He's going to fly us over in his private jet, let us stay at his mansion, and hang out with him in L.A.!"

"Oh... how... great for you!"

"I think you mean, how great for us. I get to bring a date."

"Sounds like fun... But... are you sure you really want me to come? It sounds more like a guys' weekend."

"No way! I've spent plenty of time with the guys this quarter. Trust me, this weekend is going to be all about us."

"In that case, I'm in! I can't wait to hang out with your hot friends!"

"Wait... what?"

"You know... Logan? Darren?"

"You've got a weird sense of humor, Emily."

"Do I?"

"I... sure hope you're joking."

"I guess you'll have to wait and find out."

"I guess so... Now... finish packing that suitcase. We leave in an hour!"

******

An hour later, I boarded a brand-new private jet whose white exterior sparkled in the setting sun. "Wow. Sure beats flying in coach," Chris said.

As we entered the main cabin, we found Chris's friends lounging in plush leather chairs. "I could get used to this..." I said.

"I'm already used to it!" Logan exclaimed. "I'm serious. I can't go back to my old life now."

"I've got two words for you: mini bar. Or wait. Is that one word?" Darren asked.

"Let's pop some bottles! Open whatever looks most expensive!"

Soon, everyone had a drink in hand. "Let's lift our glasses..." I said. "A toast to good friends! I'm so happy we're getting a chance to bond!"

"Right on!"

"Back when Becca and Chris were, uh, hanging out, she told us all kinds of horrible stuff about you..." Darren said. "So it's nice to spend some time with you and find out she was wrong."

"Ugh... Becca," I said.

"Did I just hear my name?" Becca asked.

I turned to see Becca and Madison entering the side door, designer luggage in hand. "Becca?! What are you doing here?"

"She's with me!" Logan exclaimed.

"And I'm here too! Thanks for inviting me, Darren!" Madison exclaimed.

"Darren, are you and Madison -"

"No way. We tried going out once for a week, decided it wasn't working, and have been good buds ever since," Darren said.