Page 7 of Buzzer Beater

Emma glared at Hartman and her husband, Olli. “If he doesn’t make it, you two are cleaning it up.”

Madeline cringed and went after her husband.

“Okay everyone,” I said. “Head home and start packing for a week at the beach. I’ll see you all tomorrow morning.”

I headed out the door followed by almost everyone else.

Chloe walked next to me. “Thanks for doing this.”

“Of course.”

She smiled. “We could all use this to recharge before the season starts.”

“Plus, we’ll be tan for the media tours.”

She shook her head and laughed. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I waved and got in my car with a sigh. I’d done it. It had been a risk to reserve everything before making sure everyone was on board, but it had all worked out.

* * *

Everyone was on time. It was a miracle.

“Ready?” I called out and got about half of them to nod. I turned and led the way to the private jet that was waiting just for us. I went up the stairs and stepped into the plane.

“Good morning, Mr. Brassard.” A smiling woman greeted us. “I’m Stacey, and I’m here to assist with anything you may need on your flight.”

“Thanks Stacy.” I moved to the back, letting everyone else board.

The guys got on and settled on the couches and chairs. Emma, Madeline and Chloe were chatting and claimed a spot on the sofa, but the rest of the girls were still standing at the front of the plane. Kendall’s eyes were wide, looking around. Colby’s mouth formed a perfect O. I moved forward and waved them forward.

“You guys can sit anywhere.”

Kendall shook her head. “This is normal for you guys?”

I shrugged. “Sort of. We don’t travel like this all the time, but occasionally.”

Colby whistled. “Not too shabby, Brassard.”

I smirked as they passed me. At least they were happy with the trip so far.

3

Lucy

I’d survived the day babysitting Amber and her friends. Elena had become my buddy in this. Neither of us wanted to start drinking as soon as we got to the resort, so we ended up watching over the other two. Every few drinks, we’d make them drink water and eat food. I’d told the beachside waiter to bring us tacos and water every hour. It had worked for the most part.

I wanted to relax. I wanted to let go. Drink, party and laugh the day away. I would have given anything to be able to enjoy myself the way Amber and Riley were. They didn’t have a care in the world, but I wasn’t wired that way. I couldn’t turn the worry off.

They crashed and told us they’d wake up to go out tonight.

“I’m not sure I want to go dancing.” Elena was sitting on her bed, looking out the window to the ocean view.

“I don’t either.” Hot, sweaty people stuck in a room together bumping into each other sounded like a nightmare.

“Why don’t we just grab dinner and watch the show tonight? We can tell them we have jet lag or something.”

“Works for me.” I wrote out a note and slipped into my sandals.