Page 16 of Billionaire's Desire
Anger flashes deep within me.
This fucking man and his fucking everything is threatening not only my career but also my dream of reopening my bakery.
Fuck him. And fuck all these people, too.
Rich people have been screwing me over for way too long. First it was Poppy’s boyfriend and then this man.
Instead of growling my frustration and making a scene, I demurely nod, then hurry right back to our cabin.
Then I plop myself on my bed and sob until I doze off.
I must have napped for a long time because I am shaken awake.
I look up to find Hilda’s face hovering over mine.
“Hey, girl. How are you holding up?”
I am not sure I can talk about today’s incident without breaking down in tears so I just shrug in response.
“Do you need a hug? I can give you a hug, but it will have to be fast because I am still on shift.”
“Why are you here?”
She shoves me playfully, “I wanted to check on you.”
I feel my heart squeeze as I lean into her open arms. I am touched that she would take the time to come down and check up on me even though we are just strangers.
“Thank you,” I mumble into her shoulders.
“Of course.” Then just as quickly as the hug began, she stood up from my bed.
“Supper will be served at ten. Can I come and get you then?”
I shake my head, “Nope.”
“Okay, can I bring you anything?”
I am touched by her kindness. “Thank you, Hilda, but I am okay.”
She shuffles out of the room.
“See you later, yeah?”
I smile at her retreating back.
“I will see you later.”
And as soon as the door closes, I quickly undress and put on a baggy t-shirt for comfort, then plop right back on my bed and pass out.
I’m jolted awake by the sound of Hilda’s moans. I rub my eyes and try to shake the grogginess, wondering what’s going on. Then I hear her voice, filled with pain.
“Maggie, Maggie. Something is wrong.”
Fuck! Let her not be sick. Let her not be sick.
“Zach is throwing up, the chef is throwing up. Everyone is a mess.”
A sense of dread blooms through me when she utters her next sentence.
