Chapter 2

Brooke Hayes stepped forward before Madison could say anything. She was Madison's closest friend in class, and she seemed determined to enjoy the position.

"What are you doing here? Maddie didn't invite you."

"We're here for the hot springs," I said.

"Seriously? You three make her miserable at home because you're jealous, and now you're showing up for a free weekend?"

Madison lowered her eyes. A moment ago she'd looked worried. With Brooke beside her, she looked wounded instead.

"It's fine," she murmured, just loudly enough for everyone to hear.

"No, it isn't," someone behind Brooke said. "You rented the place. Tell them to leave."

My friend drew breath to answer, but I touched her arm and turned to the front desk.

"Is the resort privately booked tonight?"

The woman at the desk recognized me. She answered without greeting me by name.

"No. Ms. Reed has booked a group package and agreed to cover her guests' charges."

Thirty people, including Madison, were in her party. My parents' resort could accommodate more than that.

"Then we'd like three rooms," I said. "I don't have my membership card with me, but I can give you the number."

Madison moved so quickly that Brooke had to step out of her way.

"I'll book it now. Privately. No one else comes in."

I hadn't even reached the first digit.

She kept her eyes on the receptionist, one hand clamped over her bag. So that was what it took to make her buy an entire evening of privacy: the possibility of my membership number matching the card she'd brought.

The receptionist glanced at me. I gave a small nod. Madison was asking for a service the hotel offered; she could have it on the same terms as anyone else.

"The remaining guest rooms and guest pool area are available for an exclusive booking tonight," the receptionist said. "That doesn't include the family's private wing. The additional charge is three thousand dollars, on top of your group's packages. Is that what you want?"

"Yes. Obviously."

The price was there on the booking sheet. The receptionist turned it toward her, and Madison confirmed the addition to the reservation she'd made in her own name.

Brooke folded her arms.

"There. Now you can leave."

"Maybe next time don't bully the person who could invite you," another classmate said.

My friend beside me gave a short, disbelieving laugh.

The others were already talking over us. One wanted to go straight to the pools. Another was looking forward to the seafood buffet and spa treatment included in the package.

"We get all this to ourselves? Maddie, you're amazing."

Madison's shoulders relaxed. She looked at me again, this time with her chin up.

I let the receptionist finish, then asked, "Are you sure you want to do this?"

Madison frowned.

"Thirty packages, plus the private booking," I said. "That's fifteen thousand dollars before anyone buys anything extra. Make sure you can actually pay for it."

Her smile tightened.