CHAPTER 10
Maddie
As hard as that was, it had to be done.
I have a feeling I’ll be telling myself that a few more times tonight. The man was something. But it had to be done.
She wouldn’t be…
No, it’s too early for that. Besides, she just met the guy. He’d want to get her drunk and charm her first, right? Isn’t that how these things are supposed to work?
I’ve checked the pool, all seven hot tubs, all four restaurants, and the bar. Where is she?
The boys haven’t answered my texts either. Randy talked about wanting to learn how to snowboard. If I had to guess, the boys are somewhere on the slopes.
The landscape through the giant windows is still breathtaking. Dozens of rows of lights run up the slopes making the whole mountain look like one giant Christmas tree. I bring up my phone and take more pics for Mom.
Feeling all alone, I wander over to a lounge area. As soon as I sit down on one of the white wicker chairs, my phone pings.
Rhonda: Ash and I went for a walk. I’ll tell you about it tomorrow. Are you okay?
Hmm. I can see how a leisurely stroll out there would be romantic—and a surefire way to get Rhonda’s panties off. I’m guessing this isn’t Ash’s first conquest which means he knows exactly what he’s doing. I just hope Rhonda does, too.
Another thought occurs to me. Despite being with a dreamy guy and not wanting to be bothered, it was so nice of her to ask if I was all right. Rhonda has a big heart.
Maddie: I’m fine. Your priest called. He said Jesus is watching!
Rhonda was raised by a very Catholic mom, so she’s been known, on rare occasions, to be susceptible to religious shaming. Not enough to avoid temptation, mind you, but she does try to be a good girl… most of the time.
Rhonda: Pussy blocker!
Maddie: Good! See you tomorrow?
I add a blushing emoji for good measure.
Rhonda: Byeee
That’s her way of saying, leave me alone when I’m getting my sexy on. She makes me laugh.
I lean back, taking in my situation. Normally I’d be disappointed that I’m left here all on my own, but this might be a good thing. I can do whatever I want, and there’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while—as in years. I can’t believe I can do it now.
Back in my room I kick off my boots and order room service with a bottle of wine. While waiting for it to come, I start a bubble bath in the giant tub.
The knock on my door comes sooner than I expected and I give the room-service guy a five-dollar tip. The aroma wafting from the tray makes my mouth water. This is going to be the best night ever.
Sitting at the small table in front of my window that provides a spectacular view of the slopes, I take the lid off the penne all’arrabbiata and draw in a deep breath through my nose.
It smells as good as it looks. I have no idea what it will taste like, but the photo on the menu convinced me to give it a try.
One bite and I realize the picture didn’t do it justice. Oh my gosh, it’s so good!
While eating, I text Mom.
Maddie: Check out the slopes.
I send her the pics I took downstairs.
Mom: It’s beautiful.
I take a photo of my meal and send it.
Maddie: It’s called penne all’arrabbiata. The food here is amazing.
Mom: It looks delicious. Did you have fun today?
I consider telling her about Riggs, but she’ll have a million questions, and there’s no point since I’m never going to see him again.
Maddie: I did. How are you doing?
Mom: It was a good day. I made a Tuna fish sandwich then later I had a grilled-cheese sandwich. And before you ask, I took my meds.
She has “good days” and “bad days.” Good days are simply less bad than bad days, but I’m still grateful for them.
Maddie: I’m so glad. You’ll let me know if you need anything, right? You can text me anytime.
Mom: I know, sweetheart. If anything happens, I’ll let you know. I love you.
Maddie: I love you too.
I eat only half of what’s on my plate. The portions must be intended for someone like Riggs. I put everything else back on the tray and set it outside my door. I love how easy it is. No dishes. No cooking. No anything! I think I’d sell a kidney to stay here another month.
I grab the bottle of wine that’s still mostly full and head to the bathroom and dim the lights.
I set my cell phone on the bathroom counter and push play on my favorite playlist and slip into the hot water.
If you had told me that I’d be able to soak in a bubble bath without a care in the world for as long as I wanted, I would have insisted you’re out of your mind. Me? I never get to do things like this.
I lean my head back and close my eyes. The only thing that could make this better is if I had a vibrator. One of these days, I’m going to get one. But for tonight, it’ll just have to be my fingers and thoughts of Riggs, shirtless wearing tight jeans, boots, and a cowboy hat.
Maybe just boots and a hat.
* * *
Light filtering through an inconvenient opening between the curtains wakes me.
I arch my back with a stretch that feels almost as good as the orgasm I had in the bath last night.
I still can’t believe I had two on the same day.
That’s never happened before. I have a feeling Riggs is going to be the gift that keeps on giving.
Rolling out of bed, my whole body comes alive, which is such a contrast to the perpetual zombie state I usually find myself in. I wish I could sleep in like this once a month even. It makes such a difference.
A glance at my phone tells me it’s 11:52.
I’m relieved to see there aren’t any texts from Mom.
That’s always good, but I’m a little surprised that there’s nothing from Rhonda.
I resist the urge to text her to see what happened last night.
She might still be asleep. I’ll text her later if I don’t see her downstairs.
I pull the curtains open then stand back and just marvel at the view. A girl could really get used to this.
I love sleeping in, taking bubble baths in giant tubs, and my favorite, ordering room service.
Speaking of which, I use the phone on the nightstand to order a bagel with cream cheese and some orange juice.
It may be noon, but I’m calling it a late breakfast. I can get ready while waiting for it to arrive.
On my way to the bathroom, I can’t help noticing my unmade bed.
Instinctively, I’m tempted to make it but decide to let it be.
For once, I’m giving myself permission to do nothing.
Besides, when I’m not here it’s like the mice in Cinderella show up and do all my housework.
What I’d give to have singing rodents like that back home, and the kind that make dresses too.
After trying on a few outfits, I settle on a pleated black skater skirt with a white short-sleeve scoop-neck crop top that reveals a hint of midriff and a matching pair of white sandals.
I take a last look in the mirror after doing my makeup.
I’m not thrilled with my hair, but I can live with it.
It’s been a while since I could afford to get my hair done in a real salon.
Ms. Southerby isn’t a stingy boss, but she’s not able to pay us much.
Living on tight budgets, Rhonda and I learned how to cut each other’s hair by trial and error.
And the errors were brutal in the beginning.
I still remember the first time we wielded scissors.
“How hard could it be?” Rhonda said as she went to town on my head.
We were in her kitchen, with no mirrors, and she wouldn’t let me see it until after I did her hair.
I should have stopped and asked why, but I didn’t.
In a roundabout way, her plan worked. I couldn’t be mad at her after I totally butchered her hair, and I mean completely destroyed it.
We were sixteen and we both refused to go to school the next day.
Fortunately, over time, we got better… or smarter rather. Instead of trying to do the fancy things, we’ve learned to keep things simple. Needless to say, my hair hangs straight, no frills, making it easy to manage.
I take the elevator down to the first floor, and, wouldn’t you know it, as the doors open to the lobby, there’s Riggs, looking every bit as hot as he did in my bubble bath last night, only now he’s sporting some new clothes.
I blink twice and try to stop my eyes from roaming over him, keyword “try.” His khaki shorts stop just above his knees.
Those calves could break hearts. And wherever he shopped, they must not have had his size because his earth-tone green t-shirt looks two sizes too small.
He showered. He looks good with his thick brown hair tousled with a hint of gel.
Maybe too good, but that’s not the best part.
His tight shirt reveals a hint of his ripped abs, and don’t get me started on the size of his arms!
The whole package is sending serious heat to my lady parts.
The elevator doors closing in front of me yanks my mind out of the gutter.
Suddenly I’m keenly aware that I’m just standing here, practically drooling like an idiot.
My cheeks heat as I reach out in the nick of time.
The doors close on my hand, then open again while he’s watching me with a cockeyed grin, like he’s wondering what’s wrong with me.
He’s not alone. I’m wondering what’s wrong with me too.
As I step out, I find myself face-to-face with the guy and he smells like sex on a stick. Damn.
“Have you seen my brother?” he barks in a gruff tone that’s so cold, I can feel icicles forming in my vagina. What’s gotten into him?
“Good morning to you too, Mr. Grumpy Pants.”
I could let him know that Ash is probably with Rhonda, but before I make that big reveal, I want to know what his sour mood is about. Maybe Ash and Rhonda don’t want him to know they’re together. Come to think of it, I’m not sure they are. I haven’t talked to her yet.
“Sorry.”
The pouty look on the big guy’s face almost makes me laugh, but at least he apologized so he gets points for that. “What’s going on?”