Page 4 of Fake Spring Fling

“Mmm-hmm.” She eventually steps back, flashing a guilty little smile. “Sorry. You smell really amazing and I’ve never hugged a guy with arms as big as yours. It’s cozy in there.”

I hold my arms out in a circle in front of me, like a dancer. “No apology required. Please feel free to dive in here whenever you like.”

I load her suitcase into the trunk, next to mine, then open the door for her. By the time we reach the highway, Madison has already entered the address into the car’s navigation system, checked the weather – clear skies and a light breeze all weekend – and found some perky indie rock to keep us company.

“So, tell me about this important connection,” I ask. “What do you do, anyway?”

“My dream is to manage a hotel,” she says softly. “Maybe it’s weird, but I love the idea of being part of someone’s big events. Vacations, business trips, weddings. There’s always a few little details that can make someone feel extra special, you know?”

“I like that.”

“I have a distant cousin Adaline, who is the manager of Aadland Sandersville Lodge.” She laughs lightly. “She’s several years older than I am – she used to push me on the swings. Now we’ve completely lost touch, and she’s not on social media. But it would be incredible to have any kind of connection to the Aadland chain. I’d love to get a job at their new property, the Kingsville Plaza.”

“That’s the super classy place uptown?”

“Yes. Right now I’m working at the Kingsville Riverview Suites. But Sarah and Lauren are desk clerk and nighttime concierge at the Hilton and they really like working at a more upscale place, so…”

“I get it. You’re using them to make connections.”

“No!” Her eyes grow wide. “Notusing. We’ve always helped each other.”

“I’m sorry, I’ll rephrase. You aremaintaining a closer connection than you otherwise might for the sake of your career?”

“Close enough.” She giggles. “Plus, the last time I saw Cousin Adaline I had my nose in a book and I’m sure she thought I was boring. If she sees me with my friends, it might help.”

“Plus, a few drinks couldn’t hurt.”

Madison glances at me, her fingers drumming on her knee. “I guess I should tell you this now, since it’s going to come up later. I kind of…fake drink.”

I’m already chuckling. This is going to be good. “Please explain.”

“I drink about half as much as everyone else. Less, even.”

“How do you manage that without them noticing?”

She purses her lips, bringing my attention once again to that luscious bottom lip that I’m quickly becoming fixated on. “There’s always a way. If they’re drinking vodka and soda and want me to have one too, I signal to the bartender to make mine just soda. If they’re drinking anything on ice, I dilute it with water on the sly but keep the ice-filled glass in my hand so they think I have a fresh cocktail.”

“Very clever. What about when they want to do shots?”

Her giggle is an adorable half snort. “By the time they get to shots, they’re drunk enough that they don’t notice if I don’t join them.”

“So you’re the most sober person in the group, and most likely to remember conversations and contacts?”

“Ha! Exactly.”

I love that Madison plans ahead to keep her wits about her. At first I was genuinely worried about such a sweet girl hanging out with hardcore party people. I have to say, I’m impressed by this young woman’s sense of responsibility.

“Well, as your fake fling for the weekend, I’ll make sure that I don’t blow your cover.”

“Thanks. Now, what about you? What’s your family like?”

I pause while allowing an 18-wheeler to merge in front of us. “We’re…pretty boring, to be honest. My parents are both pharmacists. My sisters Christine and Andrea were pharmacists too, then they got married and had two kids each, so they’re on full-time Mom duty for a while.”

I glance over to her. “I’m a pharmacist, too. Not exciting, but it’s good, steady work.”

“Hey, it’s an important job. People need their medicine.”

My hand reaches out to give hers a gentle squeeze, gauging her reaction. Madison definitely likes the casual touches.Good. “Thank you for understanding. Yes, it is important.” I release her hand slowly. “My youngest sister Tanya is an interior decorator, so she’s all about aesthetics and image.”

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