Chapter 5: Buffet Drama and Gold-Plated Lies

I glanced over—of course, it was Madison. She never missed a chance to show off.

She looked nothing like her work self: fancy dress, rhinestone necklace, gold-plated bracelet. Trying to impress, she sat up straight, even though she was a little soft around the edges.

She acted like the star of the show, while the other three just focused on eating. She was in her element.

They piled their plates high, barely pausing to breathe. Madison kept glancing around, making sure everyone noticed her. Subtle, she was not.

"These hotels are so stingy—just a little meat and a little mashed potatoes, not as satisfying as a home-cooked meal!" the older woman complained, wrinkling her nose. Madison tried to laugh it off, but I saw the flicker of annoyance.

"What kind of lobster is this? Not even enough to fill the gaps in my teeth. TV says they’re as big as your arm—total lies!" the man grumbled, waving a tiny claw in the air, grinning. Madison forced a smile, but her eyes darted around, checking if anyone was watching.

"Why is the seafood just sitting on ice instead of being cooked? The chef must be lazy!" another complaint, but the eating never slowed.

They complained as they ate, but never slowed down. It was almost impressive.

Their plates emptied fast, but they were already eyeing the dessert table. Madison tried to keep up appearances, sipping her wine with forced elegance. She was trying so hard.

Madison raised her wine glass for a toast, pinky out. The woman next to her thought it was for her and gulped hers down in one go, wine dribbling down her chin.

The woman thought it was for her and downed it all at once, some spilling down her chin. She wiped her mouth and greasy hands on the tablecloth. Classy.

Madison’s eyes widened, but she said nothing. I stifled a laugh behind my napkin. Couldn’t make this up.

When their plates were empty, the couple immediately got up for more food. No shame.

They moved fast, like they’d done this before. Madison looked exasperated, but plastered on a smile as they walked away. She was losing her grip.

Madison couldn’t take it and pinched the man’s waist, whispering something sharp. He jumped, startled, but his eyes never left her chest.

He yelped, but his eyes were glued to her chest, not her face. Some things never change.

I rolled my eyes. Some things never change. Some people never learn.

"Did you tell your parents we’re getting married or not? Are you just here to eat? Are you a reincarnated bottomless pit?" Madison snapped, her voice sharp. He just grinned, still chewing.

Sensing the mood shift, the man finally looked at her face and gave a little smirk. Unbothered.

He put down the rib he’d been gnawing on, finally paying attention.

He wiped his hands on a napkin, the smirk never leaving his face. What a charmer.

"Babe, didn’t I bring my parents to meet you? Look, here’s a gift for you," he said, fishing a small box from his pocket and sliding it across the table with a flourish.

Madison opened it and saw a gold bracelet—her mood instantly improved. Shocker.

Her eyes lit up, and she slipped it on without hesitation, all smiles now.

She said, "Why do you always give me such expensive gifts!" but was already putting it on. Yeah, right.

Her voice was all coy protest, but her actions said otherwise. She couldn’t hide her excitement.

One glance, and it was clearly fake. The gold was way too bright, too shiny. I almost snorted into my water. Madison didn’t seem to notice—or maybe she just didn’t care.

After getting the gift, Madison calmed down a lot. Crisis averted, I guess.

She sat back, basking in the moment. Her earlier irritation faded, replaced by smug satisfaction. She was back in her happy place.

She stood up. "I’m going to the restroom," she announced, smoothing her dress, chin high, and made her way through the restaurant like she owned the place. What a show.

As she passed my table and saw my leftovers, she sneered, "Never seen real food before, huh!" I rolled my eyes.

Her words dripped with contempt. I just shrugged, not giving her the satisfaction of a reaction. Not today.

Oh, so she’s a glutton—eats chicken without spitting out the bones, swallows shrimp tails too. What a class act.

I watched her out of the corner of my eye. She ate like she was afraid someone would take the food away. It was almost impressive.

But she was clearly stuffed. She looked ready to pop.

Her movements slowed, her posture slumped. She looked like she was about to burst. Couldn’t happen to a nicer person.

I got up and wandered around the hotel. After I’d digested, I returned to my room, hoping for some peace.

The halls were quieter now, the buzz of the day fading into evening. I took my time, enjoying the hush. Finally, a little calm.

There was a group of people standing at my door. Not again.

My heart sank. I recognized Madison’s voice before I even saw her. Here we go.

As soon as Madison saw me, she pointed and shouted, "It’s her! She stole something from our hotel!"

Her accusation rang out, drawing stares from every door on the floor. My weekend getaway had just taken another wild turn. Seriously, what else could go wrong?