I hope you all are doing well in this crazy time. Thank you for the amazing support you're giving me and the story! This chapter is pretty long too haha. Please enjoy!! :))

Getting through security was a breeze. We were still forty five minutes before our flight. We got some sandwiches and sat down at the gate. While we were eating our sandwiches, Zoe nudged me.

"Four o'clock," was all she whispered. From our spy days, I knew that meant to turn to my four o'clock. When I turned, I saw some guys filming us, or more, filming Erica. There was a teenage girl, looking around seventeen and a man, who looked about in his late twenties.

The girl looked ecstatic to have "spotted" Erica Handler, but the guy didn't. He had a stoic face, but was still filming us. He looked annoyed he had to film her. My guess was that he was an older sibling of someone who made him film her.

But we couldn't let anyone film us. If they posted it online, SPYDER or Joshua or whoever was possibly plotting something could see us and come after us. We needed a plan.

Zoe then nudged Erica. I noticed her discreetly looking at them. She nodded at Zoe. Zoe got her phone out and started a group text message with all of us.

Zoe: We've gotta get them to stop filming us.

Erica: Yeah and we've gotta get the previous footage. That girl though could be live streaming. Teenagers do that kinda stuff nowadays. That guy just seems reluctant to film me. His family probably put him up to it.

Ha Erica confirmed my theory.

Me: What should we do?

Erica: I have a plan. I'll go over to them and say I noticed them filming me. I'll tell them to actually talk to me rather than just creepily film me from a distance. Walk over and offer to take a picture for them. While you have their phones, delete the picture and all the videos. And especially don't take a picture of us. Give the phones back and we'll all leave quickly before they figure it out. I don't think they're on our flight because of their lack of luggage. I'm guessing they're flying close.

It took a super long time for Erica to type that out.

Zoe: On it, let's go Ben.

We all stood up. The teenager squealed as she noticed us walking right towards us. Erica wasn't in her full Hollywood glam, but she still looked celebrity-like even though we told her to keep it on the down low.

Erica smiled at them. It was crazy how her whole facade can change into a calm, relaxed, kind person. Not that she wasn't, but she was very scary in real life.

"Hi guys!" Erica said. The people already put down their phones. The guy, despite looking like he didn't want to film her, seemed giddy she had spoken to them.

But before Erica could say any more, the girl started blubbering, "Ohmygod. Ican'tbelieveEricaHandlerisrightnexttome. Icouldcry! Ohmygodohmygodohmygod! ILOVEYOUSOMUCH!"

It was so hard to understand her as she was semi-crying and slurring all her words together. Erica smiled and laughed. She hugged the girl. It was kinda weird to see.

"And who are you?" Erica asked the man.

He grinned, "I'm Chase. Sorry for creepily filming you but I thought I recognized you and when I told my younger sister, she freaked. She's a huge fan."

"Yeah, about filming me, why don't you just come up directly and ask for a picture? You don't need to secretly film me. Just be direct and ask for a picture."

The teenager squealed once again, "OHMYGOD CAN I HAVE A SELFIE?! Please?! Oh my god I'm gonna go viral!"

Erica sent us a concerned glance. We were standing a few steps behind Erica and it was kinda awkward we were just standing there.

"Sure. Hey, how about my friends take our picture? We can get a better angle." Erica gestered for us to come closer. We did and the teenager handed her phone to Zoe so that she could get a picture. I went up to the guy to distract him.

"Hey, man, where are you heading off to?" I said casually, like I was trying to start some light conversation.

"Chicago. My girlfriend is out there."

"Are you traveling with that girl?" I gestured to the overly excited teenager, wondering if she was family or something.

The man shook his head, "No. She was just wondering who I was filming and then freaked out when I told her. How do you know Erica?"

"I went to school with her," I said vaguely.

"This is the best day of my life! Thank you so much! OH MY GOD I LOVE YOU!" The teenager was still very excited.

"Do you want a picture?" Erica asked the guy.

"Sure," he said shrugging, "My sister would murder me if I didn't." He handed Zoe the phone. Zoe hadn't handed the phone back to the teen yet, so that she wouldn't notice there was no picture of them. Zoe sneakily handed the phone to me.

Zoe deleted all the pics and videos he took and handed the phone back to him. I handed the phone back to the teen. Luckily, no one was paying attention to us in the airport (as everyone was either tired, annoyed, stressed, angry at someone or just completely zoned out) so no one noticed this interaction and we weren't bombarded with more picture requests.

Right as we walked away, the gate agent got on the loudspeaker calling out boarding numbers. Since Erica is like a gold medallion member or something, we got to board first.

To Zoe's surprise, we were all first class. Erica found and booked these earlier tickets for us, so of course we were first class. It was cool because I don't fly that often and when I do, I obviously go economy. This was Zoe's first time going first class and my second, first being when I flew to Illinois with Erica..

Unlike some airplanes, the first class was three seats. I was in the middle with Erica on the window seat and Zoe on the aisle. I normally hated the middle seat, but the seats were so luxurious that there was plenty of room. Like the last flight, we all got the offer of wine.

Laughing, we all ordered coffee. We were not having another drinking fiasco like last night. Wow was that whole thing last night? It seemed like ages ago but was only this early morning. Zoe seemed to be handling well on the outside so far.

Once we reached cruising altitude, Zoe told us she was going to watch a movie. There were no in-flight TV's, so we had to watch them on our phones.

When Zoe turned her phone on for the first time, a screensaver of her and Kurt immediately popped up. It was a really cute picture. Zoe was laughing at something Kurt had said and he was smiling a true, genuine smile. He had an arm around her and Kurt took the selfie. It looked like it was about two years ago.

Zoe looked at the picture longingly, with a sad expression. She didn't say anything. Despite what a jerk Kurt was, they were still in love at some point. They obviously had many happy memories, and the whole situation was just sad because of the betrayal and hurt Zoe had felt. Zoe and Kurt had spent the last three years together. They were married.

Zoe then turned off the phone. She set it on her tray table and then decided to fall asleep. The flight attendants gave everyone in first class a pillow and blanket so she used that to attempt to sleep.

Erica and I were just talking about random stuff. What celebrities are like in real life, what she thought of high school, about my high school experience and other stuff about the old days.

After about an hour of talking, she looked at me seriously. "Alright, since we're being honest, what are relationships like nowadays?"

This completely caught me off guard. I had not really dated at all during college and even after college. I had dated a co-worker for about a month, but all we talked about was work during our dates and it wasn't working out for either of us.

"I um... nope. No girlfriend if that's what you're asking. Uh... you know, the dating pool is quite small right now in DC and um..." I tried to make some lame excuses.

Erica gave me a hard look, "The dating pool is definitely not small for a twenty four year old male in Washington DC. This should be your prime. Going to clubs and parties, meeting up with people."

That was very true; I was just trying not to look like a loser. I was never the one to get invited to parties or to go clubbing, but the truth hurt.

"What about you?" I deflected, "Aren't you dating some popstar named Adam or something? Or that actor named Griffin?"

She looked appalled, "Adam Gertstrich? Have you been reading the tabloids? I've never met Adam, other than seeing him at events. And Griffin and I are just friends. I'm not dating anyone right now."

The thought crossed my mind. Very briefly, but it did. What if... what if we could be together? Relight the spark we had in Spy School? But I quickly dismissed the thought. How could Erica date me? Our lives are complete opposites right now. And was she even interested?

She was studying my face while I pondered it. Erica seemed like she was trying to get a read on my emotions towards this. Since I have no way to hide my emotions, she probably did pick up on some of my thoughts.

Before it got too awkward, we heard a buzz. We both immediately checked our respective phones. Since we were flying this newer airline, everyone on the plane got full wireless and phone service. But it wasn't our phones. I looked over and Zoe was passed out sleeping. On her tray table, her phone displayed an incoming call. From Kurt Andrews.

I grabbed it and showed it to Erica. Her eyes widened in surprise.

"What do I do?" I whispered hissed at her.

"I don't know!" She snapped back at me.

"Should I answer it?" I asked.

Erica slapped my hand away from the button, "You have no right to do that! Wake Zoe!"

I shook Zoe hard. She groaned and slowly woke up. I shoved her phone right in her face as soon as her eyes opened.

Zoe looked wide awake once she saw the screen. She grabbed it from me and debated for a second about accepting the call when she finally did.

She put it on speaker so we could hear what he said. Erica and I leaned in our seats to hear what he had to say.

"You're such a fu*king idiot, Zoe." He growled. His voice was hard and as cold as ice. It reminded me of Erica's when she was intimidating. It was terrifying to hear him like that.

Zoe didn't respond. There was fear in her eyes.

"I'm in this sh*tty hotel that your celebrity friend dropped me off at. I have no idea where I am and oh right, I just got off the phone with some fancy ass lawyers who say they've drawn the divorse papers. Divorse papers? Zoe, you don't know what you're doing. That rich b*tch may have convinced you to do this, but think about it. You think you're gonna get half of my money? Yeah right. My lawyers will make sure that doesn't happen. I'm hiring the best in the state. You and the kids will be homeless in a year. Give it time. Think about what you're doing. You need me."

Zoe looked like she was having a hard time processing this. Erica looked furious, like she was gonna punch someone. I was beyond mad too. Finally, Zoe said, "Kurt, I will not take any more threats from you." Her words were strong, but her tone was weak. She seemed terrified.

"Oh, sweetie, I'm not threatening you." He said condescendingly, "I'm merely warning you. You have no money of your own and there's no way you're getting half of mine. I didn't work my ass off for you for the last three year for you to sweep in and take half. No way."

This made Zoe furious, "Do you think I've been sitting around the house eating bon bons these last few years?! That I've been doing nothing?! Kurt I've been doing ALL the housework, taking care of two kids, cleaning, taxes, cooking, all that stuff so YOU could have a smooth day! Don't talk to me, Kurt! And don't call me again!"

Kurt laughed very darkly, "Whatever you say. And you may have kicked me out of the house now, but remember, Zoe, I know where the house is. Not threatening you, just a warning. You've made me mad and I know where the house is. Keep that in mind." With that, he ended the call.

Zoe looked angry, scared and panicked. Kurt just indirectly threatened her. I couldn't believe he did that. It seemed like Erica couldn't either. She was beyond pissed. Erica looked like she wanted to murder someone.

"I-I can't do this. I have to get back to my mom and my family. What if..." She gulped, "God forbid what if he hurt my mom or the kids? I can't. I have to go back."

"Zoe, calm down. Okay? Calm down." Erica said, "He's making threats which will do well in court. I just recorded the entire conversation on my phone from the moment he picked up. You'll do nothing but antagonize him if you go back. You're falling into his trap. He won't do anything because he knows he'll be broke and go to jail. I can send a security team to your house if you'd like. Don't cause yourself more stress if you go back. Of course, it's your decision, but I wouldn't go back."

Zoe nodded shakely. I agreed with Erica. I feel like it was an empty threat and knowing Erica, she already sent a security team to her house (heck she sent Jawa and Chip to my parents house ten years ago. Ah memories.) I was sure Zoe and her family were going to be okay.

The mood turned somber after that. No one was up for conversation or anything. We landed in Boston. Erica got us a rental car. I wasn't sure how we were going to meet Mike. I haven't talked to him in forever but I wasn't sure about Zoe and Mike. But Erica told us she figured it out, so we trusted her and were on our way.

Zoe drove us (with Erica's direction) into the middle downtown Boston. We got to this fancy hotel. It was one of those hotels people visit on vacation. It was old and had luggage men with white gloves. Yeah, that type of fancy. We could see the Red Sox stadium peeking over the heights of downtown, so that's must be why we were here. We were gonna meet Mike at a game.

Zoe and I both looked uncomfortable in this rich lifestyle. Erica just looked natural as she handed the value the keys to our rental. The luggage people took our bags and I guess are taking them to our rooms for us? I don't really know, I wasn't familiar with this type of hotel. If I want to splurge on a trip, I go to a Hilton.

"Erica," Zoe hissed as we were waiting in line for the front desk, "How the hell are Ben and I supposed to pay for this?! We're not all made of money!"

Erica just waved at us dismissively. "It's okay, I got it."

Zoe started to protest, but I shook my head slightly. I've learned just to go along with Erica's excessive spending.

This time, we all got separate rooms, but we really didn't need them. Each room consisted of a "bedroom" with an attached bathroom bigger than my apartment. The bed was the biggest size possible and there was even a couch at the foot of the bed. There was a giant living area too in each room with a giant couch, TV, coffee table and kitchen. I could live here and be better than my apartment.

Once I reached the bathroom, I almost fawned over the fancy lotions and shampoos. In no way, shape or form did I care normally about that kind of stuff. But at my apartment, the water pressure was non-existent and often switched to freezing cold. It had been forever since I had a good shower.

Erica told me and Zoe we were going to meet Mike at his game. It was a super late game, starting at around ten pm (there had been technical difficulties with the field earlier that day). We were going to meet him before the game at around eight. We were leaving the hotel at 7:30.

I had three hours, so I was going to use that time well and bask in the luxury. And that's what I did. I decided to take a fancy shower with hundreds of settings. I used the free shampoos and conditioners (that cost more than my food for a month) that they provided. Oh and the water pressure was perfect. I probably took an hour and a half long shower. I had never felt so good in my life. My hair was finally properly clean and my face was properly moisturized. Once the steam cleared from the bathroom, I looked at my reflection. I could barely recognize myself. Gone was my greasy, unkempt hair. The dark circles under my eyes were not even noticeable. My skin looked hydrated and healthy.

I looked freakin good. It had been a long time since I cleaned myself up properly.

I wrapped a towel around my me and left the bathroom to look through the vast closet of clothes to borrow for our stay. It was in the living area.

I was looking at some sharp sports coats when I heard a voice. Erica walked right into my room with her head down, not paying any attention to her surroundings and just staring at her phone.

"Ben, we're leaving in..." I whirled around at her. Erica drifted off mid sentence in mild surprise. I was standing in front of her in just a towel wrapped around my lower body. I was shirtless.

I could have sworn she checked me out for a second. I felt my face turn red hot. It was so awkward, I didn't know what to say.

"Uh... you look good, Ben," she smiled at me. I had a feeling her face was red too, but it was hard to tell with all her makeup. Speaking of her makeup, she looked really good. Erica had a toned-down cocktail dress, a perfect dress for a chill party. She had light but beautiful makeup and her hair was curled at the end. I found myself staring and creeped myself out.

"Haha... thanks," I laughed nervously. Based on her appearance, it seemed like we were going to an event. A low-key event, but still something you should semi-dress up for.

She smirked at me. I could tell she knew I was staring. I felt my face heat up even more.

"I was here to tell you that we're leaving in a half an hour. And we're going to this bar for an event Mike is hosting before the game, so dress accordingly." Before I could say anything else, she had left.

As soon as the door clicked shut, I gave a big sigh in relief. God that was awful. But in a different sense... I kinda liked it. My brain was full of the thoughts of the last interaction as I decided what I was gonna wear.

I think this hotel was arranged by Mike or his team. His team probably knew we were here, if Mike didn't know. There was a whole box of stuff of Mike's merch and Red Sox souvenirs. So I decided to wear Mike's jersey and a black sports coat on top. I wore casual dress pants and some nice loafers. I styled my hair nicely for a change. Thank you fancy hotel closet.

I met Zoe and Erica in the lobby. Zoe was looking gorgeous as well. She had on some really nice jeans and a stylish shirt with a Red Sox jacket over. Zoe seemed to have done what I did, clean up nicely. She had taken a shower too and I could smell some of the fancy perfume on her as well. And she was bubbling about the place.

"Oh my god, did you see the brands of shampoo? A bottle costs easily two hundred dollars! And this shirt is Prada! I am wearing Prada!" Zoe squealed and spun around. Erica smiled.

We got in the car that Mike's team provided and drove to this hip and popular modern bar that was only about a block from the statum.

There was a lot of commotion around the place. Fancy cars were pulling up and the valet tried to keep the order. It was no use. The bouncers kept kicking the fans out and trying to let the people on the list in.

In all the chaos, we managed to tell the bouncer our names and get it. It was madness. Drinks were spilled everywhere, people stumbling around, loud music and lots of partying. The bartenders were struggling to keep up. The room was dark too, so it was super hard to see anyone. Erica looked calm and collective while Zoe and I were freaking out. I guess Hollywood parties are like this.

"Stay calm, don't antagonize drunk people and definitely don't stand near a drunk person. Let's find Mike. I'm sure he's not drinking since he has a game in a few hours," Erica whispered to us as we followed her through the crowd.

Zoe was walking in front of me when she suddenly stopped. I bumped into her.

"What-why'd you stop?" I asked.

Zoe merely pointed into the distance. There was a really ripped guy dancing on the top of the bar with no shirt on and waving a white Red Sox jersey above his head. He was obviously drunk and probably high.

It took me a second to recognize him. But once I did, I was horrified.

"Mike?" I whispered, almost to myself.