Chapter 2: Lines Crossed at the Lake

I’d joined the company retreat at the last minute, desperate for a break from endless work. The lakeside lodge promised a day away from emails and deadlines. After a long day of trust falls, awkward icebreakers, and way too much beanbag toss, I was beat. I planned to slip out after dinner—until Hailey slid into the empty seat beside me.

She had that fearless, TikTok-ready confidence, snapping selfies with sliders and mini tacos. The room buzzed—the scent of barbecue sauce mixed with the low rumble of a country playlist, and someone’s laughter bounced off the ugly floral carpet. It felt more like a college mixer than a corporate event.

As I shifted, someone warned, “Hailey, that’s our VP, Ms. Morgan. Don’t crowd her.”

I waved them off with a smile. “Relax, we’re here to have fun. No need for all the formality.”

There’s always a few employees who act like I’m about to hand out pink slips at the buffet. I tried to set the tone, letting my posture relax, hoping my own nerves wouldn’t show. The smell of roasted chicken, barbecue sauce, and even a whiff of lake water drifted in through the doors.

Hailey was already settled beside me, big brown eyes sparkling every time she grinned. She looked genuinely likable, almost innocent.

She reminded me of my little sister back in Pittsburgh—always charging ahead, never pausing to wonder if she should. I watched her scan the room like she was auditioning for The Bachelor, hungry for attention.

I asked, “Are you new?”

Hailey stuck out her hand, all confidence. “I’m the new intern—just turned twenty-one.”

She announced it like she was winning a prize. Her handshake was strong, neon green nails popping against her crisp white shirt.

I nodded, only half-smiling.

Then, Hailey piped up: “Let’s play Truth or Dare, Natalie! C’mon, show everyone you’re not all business!”

Classic intern move. I felt the room’s eyes turn to me, the anticipation buzzing. Before I could say anything, she grabbed my phone and handed it over, eyebrow cocked. “Dare. Do you dare?”

I couldn’t help but laugh. With everyone watching, there was no way I’d back out. I took the phone.

A part of me remembered loving this kind of thing—the thrill, the spotlight, the laughter. Now, it just felt like nostalgia.

“How do we play?”

Hailey grinned. “We both pretend to be drunk and call our partners to pick us up.”

Her words carried across the room, daring everyone to watch. I kept my face neutral, but I could sense the challenge. The rest of the team closed in, half-amused, half-expectant.

I’d seen enough office politics to know when someone was testing boundaries.

I wasn’t mad—just a little entertained. I dialed Marcus, secretly hoping he’d answer and play along. Maybe I wanted him to remind everyone how much he cared.

Since it was a dare, I put the call on speaker.

Coworkers started in with the jokes:

“Hailey, you’re about to get schooled. Marcus is the definition of husband goals.”

“Pretend to be drunk? Marcus would probably show up in a cape if Natalie asked.”

“Bet he’ll be here before the call even ends.”

I heard someone in the back fake a swoon, and another coworker whisper, “She’s so lucky. Marcus is obsessed with her.”

While everyone teased, my phone kept ringing. Then—nothing. The call was cut off. A second later, Marcus’s text: [Busy.]

It was like a punch to the gut. I kept my face smooth, but my hand trembled as I set the phone down. I forced a laugh—too sharp, too bright. “Guess I lost.”

Nobody seemed to notice, but I felt my cheeks burn as I tried to keep my composure.

Hailey’s turn. Some tried to wave her off, but she just grinned, totally ignoring the unspoken rules.

She dialed, voice turning syrupy sweet: “I’m drunk, can you come pick me up?”

She added a little whimper, and I rolled my eyes. The older women exchanged knowing looks, but Hailey didn’t care.

She met my gaze, chin raised, brows arched—practically daring me to react. My stomach dropped, heat rising in my cheeks. I realized, with a jolt, she was aiming all this right at me.

But why? I’d never met her before. She’d probably never get this chance again.

And then, from her phone: “I’m coming to pick you up right now.”

That voice—deep, familiar—froze me in my seat. The room went dead silent. Everyone’s eyes flicked from me to Hailey, then back again. I felt the air shift, thick with curiosity and confusion.

I knew that voice better than my own. Marcus Whitaker.

For a second, I thought I was hallucinating. My heart leapt, then crashed. Even the chattiest coworker fell silent, watching my face for cracks.

“Okay, I’ll wait for you.” Hailey ended the call, her pride and challenge on full display. She looked like she’d just won the final rose on The Bachelor—soaking up all the attention.

And that’s when it hit me: Hailey wasn’t just here to stir up the office. She was here to stir up my marriage.

It wasn’t about me at all. It was about the thrill of the chase, and this time, the prize was real.