Page 22 of Fake Spring Fling

There’s a line at the front desk, with a large group of people from the networking event needing to check out to catch the same plane.

Wyatt waits patiently. Of course he does. Everything about him is steady. Honestly, he’s as well balanced as the decor throughout this hotel.

Adaline catches my eye as she walks from the Pine Lounge to the main restaurant. Leaping to my feet, I rush over. “Hi. I just wanted to tell you that it was wonderful to run into you again. Naturally, I am very interested in joining the Aadland team at some point. But no matter if that’s this year or in the distant future, it would be great if we could reconnect. Two cousins in the same industry are bound to have some stories to share, right?”

This time her smile is genuine. “I’d like that.” She looks around for a second. “Especially if you try to stay away from Lauren.” Her nose wrinkles. “She’s definitely more into the hard-core party side of the industry, as opposed to actual service. Not a great example for you when you’re starting out.”

“Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate that.”

“Madison!”

I jump at the loud, delighted squeal to my right, as Heather barrels toward me to envelop me in a hug. “I didn’t get a chance to say hi at breakfast. Thank you so much for saving the day last night.”

Adaline looks interested. “Saving the day?”

Heather positively beams. “My daughter was about to have one of her meltdowns because things weren’t perfect. Not only did Madison fix the lighting, but she talked Tanya down, insisting that it was an improvement. I don’t know the details of color temperature or whatever they were babbling about, but the candles made Tanya happy and quieted her down. Which is all we could ever hope for.”

“The cool lighting was doing something to the color of her teeth that she wasn’t happy with,” I explain, turning to Adaline. “So I brought some candles to Tanya’s table, which also made her feel like she was in the spotlight. Which…” I glance at Heather sheepishly. “I think was honestly her ultimate goal. I may have also mentioned that I stole the trick from the Four Seasons.”

Adaline smiles and nods. “Give people more than they expect. That is the motto of a dedicated service industry professional.” She taps my shoulder. “I have to go. But take this.” Adaline slips me her business card. “That’s my direct line. Text me anytime. I’ll speak to HR, get you in for an interview.”

“Thank you. I really appreciate it.”

Adaline hurries off and Wyatt joins us as Heather laughs. “I think you just missed our girl moving up in the world, Wy.”

“Ourgirl? Pretty sure she’smygirl.”

“Pfft. Just a matter of time before she’s part of the family.”

Heather reaches out to flip my hair away from the neckline of my t-shirt. “I love this color on you. You’re so…pretty in pink.”

“Oh god.” Wyatt grabs my arm. “We need to get out of here before she starts singing the theme song.”

I wave goodbye as I’m hustled out the front door along with our bags.

“Theme song?”

14

WYATT

There’s a refreshing breeze coming off the lake as we stroll along the rocky shore. The sun is warm as it finishes burning off the morning dew.

Madison is beyond gorgeous in her cute pink t-shirt and plain jeans, with just the hint of a sun-kissed glow across the bridge of her nose and apples of her cheeks from yesterday’s hike.

“Did I see Adaline giving you her business card just now?”

“Yes.” Madison smiles. “Heather came over, gushing about how I saved the day last night with the whole lighting thing.”

“You’re a problem solver. In your industry, that’s what people need. Someone who is focused, creative, and fixes the problem quickly.” I reach out and slowly drag my palm down her spine. “I know you’re going to go far, darlin’.”

She stops walking. Is her bottom lip quivering?

“Speaking of going far…” Her weight shifts from foot to foot. “I feel this weekend took a bunch of turns we didn’t expect. At least, I didn’t.”

I reach out and take her hand. “I know. As my grandpa would say, we’ve done everything completely ass-backwards.” I’m relieved when she giggles. “So the question is, shall we start over at the beginning, jump into the middle, or—” I shake my head. “Actually, no. Calling it quits is not an option.”

Her lovely eyes glow. “Really?”

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