Chapter 2 - Grounded Reality
When Flight 812 touched down at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the rain was coming down in sheets, matching the grim reality waiting for Marcus at the gate.
I deplaned swiftly, bypassing the baggage claim since I only traveled with a carry-on for short business trips. As I walked briskly toward the VIP exit, I heard the frantic slapping of leather dress shoes on the terminal tile behind me.
"Elena! Stop! Just stop for one minute!"
I didn't slow my pace, but I did glance over my shoulder. Marcus was jogging toward me, pulling his heavy Tumi suitcase. Behind him, struggling to keep up in her impractical heels, was Mia, dragging her designer weekender bag. She looked terrified, no longer the smug mistress curled up in first class.
I pushed through the revolving doors into the damp Seattle air. A sleek black Cadillac Escalade was waiting at the curb, the driver standing by with an umbrella.
"Mrs. Vance?" the driver asked respectfully.
"Just Ms. Hastings now," I corrected him smoothly, handing him my bag.
Marcus caught the door of the SUV just as I was about to slide in. He looked completely unhinged. "You cut off my cards! I just tried to buy a coffee at the terminal and my card was declined! Are you insane? I have client meetings today! How am I supposed to pay for the hotel?"
"That is a fascinating logistical puzzle for a logistics director," I smiled, adjusting my coat. "Perhaps you can ask Mia to cover it. After all, she’s the one enjoying the trip."
Mia, who had finally caught up, stood shivering in the rain. "Marcus, my corporate card isn't working either. The company flagged it for unauthorized out-of-state travel."
Marcus whipped his head around to stare at her. "What?"
"Oh, did I forget to mention?" I said, leaning comfortably against the leather seat of the Escalade. "My architecture firm is the primary contractor for the new Seattle high-rise. Which means I know the VP of Operations at your company very well. We had a lovely chat on the plane via Wi-Fi. I asked him if it was standard corporate policy for regional directors to expense romantic getaways with their subordinates under the guise of 'client meetings.' He was... quite surprised."
Marcus’s eyes widened in sheer horror. "You called Greg? You called my boss? Elena, you’re ruining my career!"
"No, Marcus," I replied coldly. "You ruined your career when you decided to sleep with your assistant on company time using company funds. I merely provided the audit."
I looked at the driver. "We can leave now."
May you like
The driver firmly but politely removed Marcus’s hand from the door, shut it, and walked around to the driver's side. As the Escalade pulled away from the curb, I looked out the tinted window. Marcus was standing in the pouring rain, screaming into his phone, while Mia stood three feet away from him, looking like she wanted the earth to open up and swallow her whole.
They had no hotel. They had no money. They had a weekend in Seattle, and it was going to be the longest weekend of their lives.
