Chapter 3: VIPs, Umbrellas, and Cold Showers

She glanced at her watch, bit her lip. For the first time, she looked rattled.

Her voice was suddenly meek, almost apologetic. I wondered what had changed.

Something was up. I scanned the lobby, trying to piece it together.

He wore a crisp suit, his badge gleaming. Madison straightened up, her smile snapping into place.

She practically bowed, her tone syrupy. The manager nodded, barely glancing at me.

He lingered for a moment, then walked away, leaving a trail of authority in his wake. Madison’s posture slumped as soon as he disappeared.

Their voices drifted through the open office door, low and urgent.

“Tonight I’m having dinner with my boyfriend’s family.”

Her coworker sounded envious: “Is it that rich boyfriend? He said he’d bring his parents to visit—must be coming to see you since you can’t get time off.”

She giggled, twirling a strand of hair. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.

She sighed, as if already picturing herself lounging by a pool, far from the front desk.

Their clothes were worn, their shoes scuffed. They looked more like regular folks than the country club set.

It wasn’t my place to judge. I shrugged it off, reminding myself to stay in my own lane.

The buffet was legendary—prime rib, crab legs, endless desserts. I filled my plate and settled in, people-watching as I ate.

She had a way of making herself heard. I looked up, half-expecting trouble.

She sounded so generous, anyone would think she owned the place.

I glanced over—of course, it was Madison.

She looked nothing like her work self: fancy dress, rhinestone necklace, gold-plated bracelet. Trying to impress, she sat up straight, though she had a bit of extra flesh on her back.

She acted like the star of the show, while the other three just focused on eating.

They piled their plates high, barely pausing to breathe. Madison kept glancing around, making sure everyone noticed her.

The older woman wrinkled her nose, poking at her food. Madison tried to laugh it off, but I saw the flicker of annoyance.

The man waved a tiny claw in the air, grinning. Madison forced a smile, but her eyes darted around, checking if anyone was watching.

They complained as they ate, but never slowed down.

Their plates emptied fast, but they were already eyeing the dessert table. Madison tried to keep up appearances, sipping her wine with forced elegance.

She held it high, her pinky out. The woman next to her mistook it as an invitation and gulped hers down in one go.

The woman thought it was for her and downed it all at once, some spilling down her chin. She wiped her mouth and greasy hands on the tablecloth.

Madison’s eyes widened, but she said nothing. I stifled a laugh behind my napkin.

They moved fast, like they’d done this before. Madison looked exasperated, but plastered on a smile as they walked away.

He jumped, startled. Madison hissed something under her breath, her patience clearly running thin.

He yelped, but his eyes were glued to her chest, not her face.

Her voice was sharp, but he just grinned, still chewing.

He put down the rib he’d been gnawing on.

He wiped his hands on a napkin, the smirk never leaving his face.

He fished a small box from his pocket, sliding it across the table with a flourish.

Her eyes lit up, and she slipped it on without hesitation.

Her voice was all coy protest, but her actions said otherwise.

The gold was too bright, too shiny. I almost snorted into my water. Madison didn’t seem to notice—or maybe she just didn’t care.

She sat back, basking in the moment. Her earlier irritation faded, replaced by smug satisfaction.

She smoothed her dress, chin high, and made her way through the restaurant like she owned the place.

Her words dripped with contempt. I just shrugged, not giving her the satisfaction of a reaction.

Guess she’s the type to eat fried chicken bones and shrimp shells, too.

But she was clearly stuffed.

Her movements slowed, her posture slumped. She looked like she was about to burst.

The halls were quieter now, the buzz of the day fading into evening. I took my time, enjoying the hush.

My heart sank. I recognized Madison’s voice before I even saw her.

Her accusation rang out, drawing stares from every door on the floor. My weekend getaway had just taken another wild turn.