Page 13 of Fake Spring Fling

I lift my gaze from my eggs to look over at Lauren. “Yeah?”

She laughs and Sarah rolls her eyes. “I think she’s exhausted from last night. You saw how frisky they were right beside the dance floor. They were probably up all night.”

Lauren flashes me a thumbs up. “Well done, girl. Wyatt is a hottie and a half. Every woman in the place was checking him out, but he only had eyes for you.”

Her chin jerks up as an elegant auburn-haired woman enters the restaurant, passing by our table and heading directly to the kitchen. “That’s Adaline. Be right back.”

Lauren returns with Adaline a moment later, and I jump to my feet to shake her hand. “Hello. I’m not sure if you remember me, but I’m–”

She takes my hand warmly. “Madison Foster. Of course I remember you! Surprised I didn’t see you on the way in.”

“Well, I can see you're very busy. How are things?”

She fills me in on this new lodge, and how the Aadland chain is expanding through the entire country. She’s being modest about it, but it’s clear she has rocketed up the ranks quite quickly. “What about you, Maddy? What did you end up doing?”

“Right now I’m Front Desk at the Kingsville Riverview Suites. But I’m hoping to find a position in a slightly more upscale hotel.” I give her what I hope is my most winning, professionally warm smile. “I adore giving guests more than they expect to make their stay extra magical.”

She blinks in surprise. “Really? Like what, for example? That can get expensive quickly, if you’re not careful.”

Sarah leans in. “Oh, Madison has always managed to surprise guests without spending a lot. There was one time a bride had her something old, new, and blue, but nothing borrowed. Madison clipped her own crystal earring into the back of her dress, and only half expected it back in the morning.”

I laugh at the memory. “Her maid of honor did bring it back, actually.”

“She’s an inspiration,” Sarah continues. “Honestly, practically everyone we know in hospitality takes notes from Madison. She knows which nearby dollar store will have crayons and coloring books to entertain kids. She always has a stash of safety pins, needle and thread, and she knows how to knot a tie six different ways.”

“Even bowties,” Lauren adds. “Those things are tricky.”

“It helps if you tell the guy to lift his chin and count backwards from thirty,” I laugh. “It doesn’t really help, but it makes him stay still long enough to get it done.”

Adaline’s smile seems a little strained. “I suppose since you’re family, you’re hoping that I can get you into the new Aadland Kingsville Plaza that’s opening soon?”

Yikes, she gets right to the point. “Of course I wouldn’t say no to having a chance to interview for the role. But mostly, I was just hoping to get your email, so that we could get back in touch.”

There’s a beep, and she checks her phone. “Sorry, I have to run. Busy busy. My email’s listed on this place’s website under GM. Best of luck, all. Good to see you again, Madison.”

As soon as she’s out of earshot, Sarah asks, “Did that go well?”

“I…think so? Thank you.”

The girls go back to alternating mimosas and lattes, while I switch between the last of my coffee and sparkling water.

I’m going to have to find a way to make Adaline realize that I don’t want any massive favors. Just a small foot in the door at that incredible new hotel, and to be given the opportunity to work hard at a place with potential for advancement.

I should spend the afternoon studying all the local hotels. Studying the Aadland brand. Finding ways to talk to Adaline.

But all I want to do is go for a hike in the forest with Wyatt and see what happens when we’re in the woods alone.

8

WYATT

Ididn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I couldn’t help but overhear the conversation as I was waiting for Madison to be finished with her friends. That must have been the distant cousin that she wanted to reconnect with. I have to say, the woman didn’t look very welcoming.

No wonder, with a couple of clearly hungover girls going on and about Madison and barely letting the poor thing speak for herself.

My lovely girl comes out about ten minutes later, her eyes lighting up immediately when she sees me. “Hey. Hiking time?”

“Yes.” I look down, glad to see that she’s wearing sturdy-looking running shoes. I want to tell her that I missed her. That I want us to spend the entire weekend glued to each other, away from anyone who stresses her out.

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