Page 67 of Vacation Friends

CHAPTER

TWENTY-EIGHT

Maddie remained around the corner, holding her breath as she listened for whatever Robert would say next.

“I’ve noticed you’ve been looking a little sluggish,” Robert said. “I used to feel that way also. Then I discovered NutriHealth.”

Her brow wrinkled. NutriHealth?

Maddie and Brody exchanged a look. A wrinkle of confusion formed across Brody’s brow.

Robert continued, “These shakes have changed my life by giving me the energy and nutrition I need on a daily basis.”

Realization washed through her.

Robert was trying to get William involved in an MLM scheme, wasn’t he?

She pressed her lips together and held her breath as she tried to contain her laughter.

She and Brody exchanged another look before creeping away. As soon as they were out of earshot, Maddie laughed so hard that her stomach hurt.

She’d had that totally wrong.

Robert wasn’t a corporate spy. He was a salesman trying to hustle anyone he encountered who looked tired or worn down.

She bent forward, grateful for a moment of levity amongst the stress she’d been under.

Brody gave in and laughed along with her as he ran a hand through his hair. “I guess you can rule Robert out.”

“I guess so. And I can make a note to avoid him if I’m ever tired.”

“What are you guys doing?” A voice cut into their conversation.

Maddie looked over to see Josh standing a few feet away, accusation in his gaze.

Maddie quickly straightened as her giggles instantly faded. “Nothing.”

How could she explain that she’d been following Robert and that he wasn’t guilty?

“It doesn’t look like nothing.” Josh’s gaze slid back and forth from Maddie to Brody.

Josh had assumed she and Brody were flirting, hadn’t he?

“It’s not what you think,” she started.

His cheeks reddened. “Then what is it?”

“Let’s talk.” Maddie stepped toward him, trying to stop him from making a scene. “But not here.”

He turned on his heel and began to walk at a fast clip back toward the west wing.

Maddie muttered an apology to Brody before following Josh.

Talking to him right now was the last thing she wanted.

But she would try to mend fences . . . for now.

“So you’re hanging out with that Brody guy now?” Josh stared at her, something flashing in his eyes.

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