Chapter 15
Eliana pained, thought for a innanen!, then nodded. “Alright, let’s go together”
Seeing her agree, Cameron turned to Landon. Bring the car around,”
“Cant it” Landon replied camally.
The group
pistoalled to the west gate of the campus to wait for Landon to pull up.
With nothing better to do, Thomas struck up a conversation with Eliana. “So, Eliana, you thinking about joining any clubs
Eliana didn’t even hesitate. “Nope”
Thomas raised a brow. “Not Don’t you think college life’s gonna get kinda boring without one?”
Before her time travel, she’d been so busy working part–time jobs just to scrape together tuition that joining any clubs had been out of the question Socializing had seemed like a luxury.
but this time, maybe it wouldn’t hurt to try something new.
Eliana remembered that had signed up for the tennis club back then just because Roman was in it too.
It wasn’t just any club at Instead University–it was the club. The most popular one, hands down. Its members were either top–tier students everyone admired or rich kids whose parents were VIPs in Dratora City–CEOs, government officials, or straight–up royalty.
There was even a saying at Isonstead: If you can get into the tennis club, even as a ball boy, you’ve already made it
Klana turned to the three men standing beside her. “Are you guys in the tennis club too?”
Cameron looked a little confused. “Too? What do you mean too?”
“Just curious,” Eliana said quickly, brushing it off.
Adam laughed. “Yeals, we’re all in the tennis clubs. Landon here is actually the club president.”
Thomas grinned and chimed in. “Eliana, you should join the tennis club too. I can pull some strings–skip the whole application process for you. What do you say?”
Every year, hordes of students tried to join the tennis club, but fewer than thirty made the cut. The competition was brutal, a testament to how exclusive the club was.
And why wouldn’t it be? The perks were insane. Private training facilities, members–only lounges, a luxury practice count, and tournaments with jaw–dropping rewards.
about the benefits, though. Being in the tennis club meant connections–valuable ones. Networking there could set they up for life. Graduate with a few of those named in their phone, and they wouldn’t need to worry about a job.
Selection, though, was a bloodbath. They used a quarter–final clamination format, and newbies often got cut in the first round.
Most people assumed Eliana didn’t know how to play tennis. If she joined, they figured she’d just be there to look pretty.
Hut honestly, no one would complain about that. She had the connections to get in, and being a “chab darling” was hardly a bad thing.
*Ther tennis club, lauli? Sound cool. Alright, I’m ind” 1 tryosis lair and square. No shortcuts for me!”
Eliana declared confidently, her eyes shining with determination. “But I’ll make it through the
Thomas raised an eyebrow at her bokless. “That’s some spirit, Eliana. But let’s be real–can you even play tennis? You’re not exactly the sporty type, and 1 bet your usual exercise routine is close to zero. I’m telling you the clination rounds are no joke, and those rookies who make it to the fals! They or beasts”
The tennis chula often competed with those from other universities, so members needed to be skilled. Players in Isonstead University’s tennis club were as good as national ail detes, Highlighting die challenge.
Eliana shot him a glare. “What’s that supposed to meant Are you underestimating mer
Before Thomas could respond. Cameron chimed in with a smirk. “Relax. Worst case, if you don’t make it, you can always join the cheer squad.”
Chapter 13
Thomas word “Cheer squad? Dinle, does our clubs even have one?”
There were few wonten in the trunk
so a cheer squad was umbrand of
*
“Not yet, Cameron replies, his voice calm and steady. “That it coul
Thomas Blinked in disbelief. ‘Is Cameron serious? Is he suggesting they create a cheer squad just for Eliana if she doesn’t make the cut he
wondered.
That would be wild, even for Cameron. Then again, if anyone could pull something like that o
toff, it was him.
Their banter was interrupted by the hums of an engine as Lanilons pulled up in his car,
Once inside. Thomas wasted no time, “Hey, Landon, make sure we save a spot for Eliana in the tennis clubs this year.”
Driving with one hand on the wheel, Landon glanced at Thomas through the rearview mirror. “Eliana’s joining the tennis club? Awesome. She can skaps the tryouts and just join directly.”
From the backseat, Eliana Jeaned forward, her voice firm. “No way, I’m doing the tryouts like everyone else. No favors, no shortcuts. Got it?”
The car fell silent for a moment. Seeing how serious she was, no one argued further,
Still Thomas and Cameron exchanged knowing glances. Whether or not the tryouts would be entirely fair was up to them.
They soon arrived at the Epicurean Club, a high–end recreational hub. Eliana was taken aback by its minimalistic, Zen–inspired design.
She had expected the largest entertainment venue in Dratora City to be flashy, maybe even goudy, but this was a pleasant surprise.
A staff member greeted them and led them to the third floor, where the billiards rooms were located.
The floor was divided into private rooms and open areas, with the private rooms charging by the hour–or by the month, for those who could afood…
The staff clearly recognized the group. Cameron, in particular, was a familiar face. He had a long–standing lease on the club’s most premium billands room, practically turning it into his personal hangout.
Thin, however, was the first time they had ever brought a woman along. Eliana couldn’t help but notice the curious glances sent her way as they
Inside the room, Eliana wandered around, taking in the space while the others prepared their cues
The walls were lined with custom–made billiard cues, each one a masterpiece worth a fortune
Cameron shrugged off his jacket, revealing a loose gray
ray T–shirt underneath, Rolling up his sleeves, he exposed his sharp collarbones as he
“Help me pick one,” he said casually, turning to Eliana
Eliana blinked, surprised. “Hile Met” She filed her head, scanning the wall of cues before pointing to a pink–and–purple one. “How about this one
The cue she chose had a purple tip, a pink handle, and–nuch to Canseron’s dismay–a little bow tied around it.
Cameron froze, rangla off guard by hierchusDE.
Adam, scho hail been selecting a cue of his own, burst out laughing. “Oh, man. That one! Cameron’s mom gave it to him for his eighteenth lantliday Special limited edition. He swore he’d never touch; it“.
Elana grimsed. “Perfect. Since he’s never used it, today’s the day. No backing out now!”
Cameron lersitated, clearly regretting his decision to let her pick
Eliana leaned closer, her tour teasing “What’s the matter! You’re not gonna chicken out, are you? Come on, Cameron, a man’s got to keep his word. If you back out. I’ll mark you for the rest of your life”
“Tine.” Cameron muttered, pulling the car off the wall. ““Let’s do this?
Adam doubled over laughing. “This is gold! Cameron said he’d never use that cue. Looks like he’s eating
ating his words today!“
The rest of the group erupted into laughter, the room filled with teasing and banter.
