“I’m not asking for any favors tonight,” I say, as I take a seat next to her. If she only knew I’d had my assistant arrange for the hot chocolate and milk to be added to my grocery order today. Gary got overexcited at the mild change in routine, and started suggesting other things, including marshmallows. He gets me the same order of groceries every week. When I told him I just wanted the hot chocolate and milk, it was like I’d just taken away his favorite toy. Poor guy is assistant to the most boring man in the world, apparently.

“We’ll get you there.” She shifts the blanket around so it covers both our legs, and I let her even though the air seems to have warmed several degrees since she got off the bus. “I’ve got a week before I move. You’re going to be able to make the perfect mug before I leave.”

My stomach tugs at the thought that she won’t be my neighbor for much longer. I chastise myself. It’s good she’s moving. No more dancing with danger. No more taking stupid risks because the woman in the cabin next to mine is hot. I’m in Star Falls to work, not to fuck the staff. I’ve got to stay focused.

So why am I still sitting here?

“How was your first day?” I ask.

“A little overwhelming.” She sighs, and I have the urge to fix whatever’s troubling her—to extract every detail of what she’s struggling with so I can make it better. “It all seems so complicated. I’ve never worked in a hotel—no, not a hotel, a resort.” She laughs. “You know we can’t call the guests guests, because it might make them feel like they’re not at home? They’re members.” She squeals. “And apparently it costs members a hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year to… I don’t really understand what that gets them, actually. The ability to pay more to stay there? It’s wild. All that money.” She shakes her head like she really doesn’t get it. “Can you imagine?”

She turns her head in my direction when I don’t answer.

“I think having a lot of money comes with its own challenges,” I say, not wanting to outright lie. If I tell her the truth, it will change things between us. I’m her boss, after all. “Just like having no money.”

“I guess. I mean, I suppose the super-wealthy have different worries. But I’d happily trade champagne problems for food insecurity any day.” She says it like she has experience, which fills me with a deep urge to make things better.

She turns back to face the woods again, and we sit in silence for a few beats.