The Wanderers

Chapter 19

Once outside, I understood why it had taken Josie so long to get here. We were bombarded again with reporters. Billy did a good job, the best he could, with keeping them away from us. It took us twenty minutes to drive the three blocks to the fraternity house to get Dixon and another half an hour just to get off campus.

After eluding all the madness, I told Billy to head to one of the most exclusive hotels in town. If I was going to be forced out of my room I was going to allow myself to be spoiled for the time being. As soon as we checked in my mom was blowing up my phone again. I answered right away and told her I was fine. She insisted I fly home or call Dean to come stay with me. I told her that wasn't necessary, but she wouldn't let it go. She said she was going to hire a guard for me and Josie if I insisted on staying.

I pleaded with her not to, saying it would be too embarrassing and make me look nuts. I even went as far as saying dad would never allow it, but she said it was his idea. I didn't believe her so she put my dad on the phone. "Dad, you can't be serious? A bodyguard, come on...please don't do this to me," I begged.

"Ella, I'm sorry, but until I know this maniac is caught I feel better knowing you're protected. Since you refuse to come home this is your only option." I sighed, knowing there was no arguing with my father. "I will have someone there within the hour."

"Dad please, can't it at least wait till tomorrow. We checked into a hotel for the night and they have their own security. We'll be fine for the night."

There was a long pause before he finally caved. "Alright, first thing tomorrow morning."

"Fine."

"And Ella."

"Yes, dad?"

"I expect you to be on your best behavior."

"Yes, dad," I said, ending the call. I couldn't believe this. I couldn't catch a break.

"How bad is it?" Josie asked.

"Tomorrow morning we will have our own personal bodyguard."

Josie rolled her eyes. "I guess we should be glad that's all they're sending. I'm surprised my parents didn't already have someone snatch me up and take me back home kicking and screaming."

"You guys are getting your own bodyguard? That is so cool," Dixon said, adjusting his scarf.

"To you, not me," I whined.

"Enough with the sourpuss faces," he said, throwing his arms over Josie and I. "We're in the most expensive and exclusive hotel in town. I say we make the most it," he smiled.

"Agreed," I said, slipping my arm around his waist and leading us to the elevator.

After we checked out our rooms we decided to hit the spa and get the works – mani, pedi, facial, and a massage. Billy told us he was going to skip the salon and meet us later for dinner. Dixon, Josie and I enjoyed a whole evening of pampering. Dixon switched his black fingernail polish for a dark purple to match his converse, while Josie went with a dark green, and I stuck with a traditional French tip. The manicures and pedicures were a nice touch, but the cherry on top was the soothing massage. Something my body was aching for.

When we were done at the spa, we took the boys to one of the shops to buy some nice clothes for dinner and bathing suits for the hot tub later. "Well it looks like I made friends with the right girls," Dixon teased as he rummaged through the racks for the perfect outfit.

Josie helped Billy pick out a nice suit and made him try it on. I could tell he wasn't happy with being Josie's personal dress up doll but he complied without much complaint. Dixon was more eager to put on a little fashion show with all the different things he picked out. After about the fifth outfit he finally settled on a nice black suit, with a skinny red tie that matched the streak in his hair. "What do you think?" he said, doing a twirl.