Chapter 25
A First-Class Ticket
CHARLOTTE
A week had passed since TJ and I called it quits, or rather, since we’d stopped seeing each other. We were never officially together, so I guessed it wasn’t a breakup. Regardless, he had been out of my life for a week.
I couldn’t sugarcoat it. This week had been a struggle. Even without the incredible pain due to the hole in my heart from missing TJ, it would have been a week from hell.
Between the mountain of homework and the intense practice sessions for the upcoming tournament, I’d been stretched thin. Jup, our team leader, had been particularly demanding, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something he wasn’t telling me—when I asked him what was wrong, he said he was fine.
I missed TJ more than I thought possible. I still saw Tracy in class, but she’d made it clear that she was staying neutral and wouldn’t discuss her brother.
TJ and I never had matching schedules, so I didn’t even get to see him around school. Every day, I came home and cried for a good half hour before I could even think about homework or practice. It was in these moments that I realized just how much I loved him. The old sayings about absence making the heart grow fonder and not knowing what you had until it was gone rang true.
But for now, I needed to focus on packing for the tournament. I was hoping to have a good time with the guys, in spite of everything.
Maybe when I got back, I could talk to TJ and convince him to take me back.
I just wished I knew why he had ended things. His reason didn’t quite add up, but I hadn’t had the time to really think it through.
My flight left at six in the morning, which in hindsight, had been a terrible decision. It meant I had to be at the airport by four.
I planned to have everything packed and ready tonight, so I would only have to shower and get dressed in the morning. I was driving myself to the airport and leaving my car there, so no one would have to drop me off or pick me up. I’d decided to wear a spaghetti strap top with our team logo on it, paired with some jean shorts. I laid out my outfit on my dresser, then logged on to chat with the guys before bed.
“Hey, guys, can’t wait to see you tomorrow!” I greeted them, trying to sound as cheerful as possible.
“I know! We’re hitting a club tomorrow night. It’s gonna be epic!” Plut responded enthusiastically.
“You guys suck. I wish I was coming in tomorrow instead of Sunday,”
Jup grumbled.
“Don’t worry, you’re not missing out on anything. You’re not into girls anyway,” Nep teased.
“Just don’t stay out too late. I don’t want you guys hungover and forgetting to pick me up on Sunday,” Jup warned.
“We could never forget you,” Plut reassured him.
“Yeah, Mars would kill us,” Nep added, laughing.
“That’s right. I’ve known Jup for almost eight years, and I’m finally going to meet him in person. I’ll be tackling him before he’s even out of the terminal!” I declared excitedly.
“Just remember I’m straight—and avoid the tackle, Mars,” Jup joked.
“Don’t be like that, lover,” I teased, making all the guys laugh.
“Nep, do you ever feel like a third and fourth wheel around those two?”
Plut asked.
“I really do, but that’s why I plan to find a fifth wheel to make squeal,”
Nep replied.
“Gross,” I commented.
“Anyway, guys, I have to be up at three to get to the airport, so I’m going to bed. Nep, aren’t you leaving tonight? I’m surprised you’re still here.”
“Yeah, I’m heading to the airport soon,” he confirmed.
“All right, well, I’ll see you guys soon. Goodnight,” I said, and logged
off.
HOLDER Mars:
Mars I’m gonna miss you tomorrow. I’m a little mad you’re leaving me alone with those two Jupiter Haha, sorry man. It’s only one day, you’ll survive Mars If I don’t, I’m coming back to haunt you
Jupiter Sweet, always wanted to meet Casper. Get some sleep Mars, TTYL
Mars TTYL
I plugged my phone into the charger by my bed and double-checked that I had everything packed. All that was left for the morning was my toiletries and my phone charger, which should be easy to remember. Before going to bed, I popped into my parents’ room to say goodbye since I didn’t want to wake them in the morning. After that, I crawled between the sheets and drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, my alarm went off way too early. I was tempted to throw a pillow at it and go back to sleep, but the thought of my flight and seeing the guys gave me a burst of excitement. It was enough to momentarily dull the ache in my chest from missing TJ. If anything could distract me from that achy feeling, finally meeting the guys I’d been hanging out with for years online could.
The adrenaline coursing through my veins helped me get up, shower, and get dressed quickly. I packed the last of my things, grabbed a muffin from the kitchen for breakfast, and headed to my car to drive to the airport.
The one good thing about an early flight was the lack of traffic on the roads.
The airport was also relatively empty, so I breezed through check-in and security and arrived at the gate in no time.
Once there, I sat down and dozed off until it was time to board. I had a first-class ticket, so I was among the first to board. I stowed my bags and settled in for a nap. Once the flight took off, I’d be able to recline my seat and get more comfortable.
Unfortunately, the guy sitting next to me had other plans. As soon as he sat down, he started chatting me up. My interactions with Tracy and TJ had helped me manage my anxiety, and I was able to respond somewhat.
“Oh, I recognize the logo on your shirt. You must be flying out to watch the Strike from Above tournament. That’s The Romans’ symbol on your shirt, right? I hear they’re one of the top teams, even though they’re only
ranked number five,” he said.
I was surprised that he’d heard of us.
“Yeah, I’ve heard they’re pretty good,” I replied nonchalantly.
Surprisingly, the world wasn’t spinning. Apparently, I could talk when it was about my team.
“So, are you a fan of any other teams, or just that one?” he asked.
“Um, I guess just this one,” I responded.
“That’s a shame. I’m Carter. I actually play for The Sun Stones. Having someone as pretty as you cheering for me would have helped me do better,” he said.
“My name is Charlotte. Do you really play for them? Aren’t they ranked number one? You must be amazing,” I said, pretending to be clueless.
Of course, I knew who The Sun Stones were. I’d spent the last two months studying their videos. Looking at Carter more closely, I realized he was their second-best player. He was definitely talented.
“That’s right. If you want to cheer me on, I’d be happy to get you a shirt to wear, and maybe a pass backstage to our green room,” he offered.
Was he flirting with me? At four in the morning on a plane? Wow.
“You’re so sweet, but I wouldn’t want to impose,” I said, before letting out a big yawn and resting my head against the window. I hoped he’d get the hint that I wanted to sleep.
Sometime later, I was jolted awake by Carter gently shaking my arm. I opened my eyes to see daylight streaming in through the window. We were descending.
“Good morning, beautiful. We’re about to land, so I thought you might want to wake up,” he said.
“Thank you, that was really kind of you,” I replied.
Once we landed, Carter helped me retrieve my bag from the overhead compartment and accompanied me to baggage claim. He even helped me get my luggage off the carousel. How sweet was that?
I thanked him and told him I hoped we’d run into each other at the tournament. I knew we would, since we’d be competing against each other, but I decided to keep that a surprise.
I then pulled out my phone to text Plut and find out where he was. He knew my flight details, so he knew which baggage claim carousel to go to,
but he didn’t know what I looked like.
This was going to be fun.
I opened the group chat with all four of us, since it was late enough that they should all be awake.
Mars
Hey Plut, are you here yet? I just got my bags
Pluto
Yeah, I’ll be inside in a minute
Mars
Why are you coming in? I can meet you out front
Pluto
For some reason, Mom insisted that I come inside to get you and help with your stuff. Moms are weird
Pluto
Oh man, I’m glad I came in. There’s a total babe in here. She’s a 15 out of 10, smoking hot
Neptune
DANG IT!!! Why didn’t I come? Get her number, man, invite her out tonight!
Mars
Or…and this is just a suggestion…you could meet me and we could go to your place. I’m still tired, man.
Pluto
Quiet, you perpetual cock-blocker! Just because you don’t like girls doesn’t mean you can stop me. Just be patient for a few, she’s beyond gorgeous. I may need to relieve myself in the terminal restroom before we can drive home.
Mars
That’s gross
“Hey, beautiful,” I heard a voice say from behind me.
I turned around to see a guy around my age standing there. He was about five feet eleven inches, muscular, and undeniably attractive.
He had a surfer vibe, with tan skin and shaggy blond hair. I bet he had girls falling all over him. He might have caught my attention, but his cocky demeanor was a turn-off.
I smiled politely and returned to the text conversation on my phone.
The guy glanced at his phone, typed something, then looked back at me.
