Page 8 of Raise 'Em Up

Sighing, I lean back and enjoy my snack. Colt is on the phone, checking in with Alex and Serenity. We still haven't been able to reach my Cherry. I’m worried, but I know deep down she wouldn’t leave me.

We need each other.

“This traffic is insane. We are never going to make it,” Len comments from the passenger seat, and Teo begins swearing. He doesn’t look well, and I have a sneaky suspicion that our beers were drugged. No one looks this wrecked over two beers. Not someone like Mateo.

But that’s going to have to wait until we have our girl back and we return to campus. Missi’s days are numbered. I don’t care what we’ve got to do, that bitch has gotta go.

I still feel like shit myself, and I’m hoping to take a long nap on this flight. I packed some special comfort items too.

We tried finding Missi and the Dean before we left. But from what the secretary said, they had left on vacation for the holidays. But we have a plan for them both. I can’t wait to watch their world burn.

Neither of them should have fucked with us or our girl.

I see the exit for the airport on the right and Teo cuts off two cars, hitting the ramp, ignoring their honks.

“Fuck, dude, let’s not kill us!” I bark and he scoffs.

Pulling into the long-term parking lot, he parks and has barely shuts off the engine before he throws the door open and rushes toward the airport.

Len, Colt, and I quickly unbuckle, grab our things, including Teo’s backpack, then lock up the truck before we chase after him.

We only have carry-ons, so check-in and security goes quickly, and soon we are sitting in the chairs at the gate, waiting. Somehow, it makes it feel like time is going by even slower, as we’re just expected to sit and wait until it's time for our flight. That's a good way to drive me mad.

“We still have an hour before departure. I’m going to grab something at Starbucks,” Colt says, standing.

“Oh, can you get me a pink drink, please?” I say, and he gives me a pointed look. “I took my pills, and I packed them too.”

Nodding, he walks over to the small coffee shop and I pull my phone out, fucking with social media. I don’t post very often anymore, but I still have a large following. I should start posting some cheer content. Maybe Rylee would be down to help out.

“So, what’s the plan for when we get to Florida?” I ask, and Teo glances over at me.

Len has been trying to calm him down all morning, but he can barely hold still. His knee is bouncing, and he looks like he just wants to run.

“First, we are going to find Rylee and get the truth, then I am tracking down that asshole ex of hers and kicking his ass while we're at it,” he grunts and I snort.

I didn’t even think about that sleazeball, but this would be a good opportunity to finally get my hands on him.

“Here.” Colt comes back with a cardboard tray filled with drinks, and hands me my strawberry concoction. I take a sip and sigh. It may not be caffeinated, but it hits the spot.

He walks over to take his seat next to Lennox and I pull out my headphones.

I don’t turn any music on, but I’ve learned that people leave you alone if they think you can’t hear them. I just need a moment to myself. My mind is a mess and I need my Cherry.

I need to know that she doesn’t hate me again. That I didn’t do anything to make her leave. I know that the guys think she was forced, but my insecurities won’t shut up.

I must have zoned out, because Teo nudges my shoulder, nodding toward the people boarding the plane. Grabbing my bag, I finish my drink, then stand and toss it into the wastebasket.

Digging into my pocket, I get my ticket and ID, then follow Colt to the desk. The woman scanning our boarding passes gives me a flirty smile, but I can’t even get my lips to twitch. I’m lost and broken without our girl.

“Have a nice flight,” she says and I nod, taking my things back, ignoring the way she touches my hand and bats her lashes. Chills run down my spine and I feel nauseous.

Walking down the ramp, I find my seat and take the aisle. Flying makes me nervous, and I’ll need to pace a few times. “Any luck?” I ask Colt, who still has his phone in his hand.

Sighing, he shakes his head and pulls out his laptop.

Teo and Len take the seats across from me and I open my bag, pulling out my hot-pink fuzzy blanket and bright-purple unicorn squishmallow. Colt grumbles next to me.

“You can’t be serious, Donny,” he says, and I look at him, confused. Spreading the blanket, I lay it over his lap too.

---