The Uber drove up to the entrance of the Four Seasons Hotel aglitter with a profusion of white lights and garland. George climbed out then opened the car door for Maddy.

"Gotta get my bag," she said.

"The porter will take care of the luggage." He escorted her through the sumptuous lobby decorated with fresh fir trees bejeweled with hundreds of tiny white lights.

"Whoa!" Maddy stopped in her tracks.

"What?"

"Leylandiis." She inspected one of the trees.

"Huh?"

"Leyland cypress. I've never seen these as Christmas trees. They're beautiful."

"Come on. Let's check in." They walked to the desk where an enormous fresh boxwood wreath adorning the back wall drew her attention.

"Hey, Georgie," said a sing-songy voice, which came from an impossibly beautiful woman wearing a tight-fitting navy blue suit. Noticing Maddy, she said, "I mean, Mr. Spiros."

"Oh, hi, Astrid," George replied.

"It's soooooooo nice to see you again." She smiled, displaying her perfect bright white neon teeth. "As always. If there's anything you need, Mr. Spiros, please let me know."

"Thanks," he said, trying very hard to not watch her walk away, her thick blond ponytail swinging in rhythm with her hips. "Astrid is the concierge," he said, trying to play off the encounter while swiping his card at a kiosk. He handed a key card to Maddy then asked, "Would you like to join me for a nightcap?" He gestured toward the lounge. "They're sorta famous for their amazing craft cocktails."

"I'm kinda tired," Maddy replied. "I think I'm gonna head up to my room."

George waved the porter over, who wheeled Maddy's suitcase behind him. "Would you escort this young lady up to her suite?"

"It would be my pleasure." He smiled. "The elevators are right this way."

"Maddy? See you for breakfast at eight?" George said.

"Down here?"

"Yep."

"Awesome. See you tomorrow."

"Good night."

When the elevators opened on the twenty-fourth floor, the only sound Maddy heard was a light piano version of "Carol of the Bells" playing softly in the carpeted hallway.

"It's so quiet up here," she said. "Where is everybody?"

"There are not a lot of guests on this floor." He led the way, transporting Maddy's suitcase to room 2407. He swiped the key card, opened the door, and wheeled the luggage into the suite. "Would you like me to stow your luggage in the closet?" he asked.

As the lights slowly faded up she said, "You sure this is my room?" She stepped into the spacious front entryway, a gateway into prestige and opulence.

He checked his card. "Madison Taylor, Davenport Pharmaceutical?"

"That's me."

"This is your suite." He offered a warm smile.

"Suite," she repeated, her eyes following a trail across the large wool rug where two leather loveseats flanked a sumptuous leather couch, surrounding a glass-top table. Beyond that was another room, perhaps a study, or an office. The far wall was lined with tinted windows overlooking the bay, the glow from nearby buildings reflected in the glass like Christmas lights. Staying here would ruin her for life. This is how the one-percenters live.

"Where would you like me to place your luggage?" he asked.

"Right there is fine." She walked through the living room toward the windows and discovered that the adjoining room was a bedroom. A king-size bed came into view, its polished wooden headboard drawing a sharp contrast to the contemporary patterned wallpaper. "Am I the only one in this suite?"

"Yes, ma'am. You are."

"There could be four other people living here and we might never see each other."

He smiled.

It finally occurred to her to tip the young man. She left the bedroom, then crossed the living room. She opened her bag, found her wallet, and offered him a twenty-dollar bill.

"Thank you, ma'am. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to call."

"Looks like anything I could possibly need is already in this suite."

He exited, pulling the door closed behind him.

Excitedly, she snapped several photos and then texted a few to Haley with the message: Can you believe this? A suite at the Four Seasons! I'm living the Kardashian lifestyle!

A few minutes later, Haley responded: Awesome. You know it's almost 3 AM, right?

Maddy grimaced while she thumbed her apology: Sorry. I forgot. G'night.

........

The next morning, Maddy breezed into the restaurant admiring the fresh, live wreaths adorned with red velvet ribbons, which were mounted to the wooden paneled walls. At first, she didn't see George until she noticed a group of businessmen in a nearby booth glaring at a young waitress who flirted shamelessly with George, blissfully unaware of other customers.

"I've seen you on TV, right?" The waitress giggled.

Seated at a table by the window, George stood when Maddy approached. He was the picture of refinement in his royal blue tailored suit, patterned shirt, and silk tie. His eyes and crooked smile drew Maddy's attention. "You look well-rested," he said.

"About my room. That suite." She sat in a leather chair across from him.

"Something wrong?"

"No, it's awesome. Unbelievable. I just don't know why I need an entertainment suite, a living room, a dining room, a full bath, and a powder room in addition to that amazing bedroom. By the way, that bed is about the same size as my apartment."

George grinned. "I didn't want you to feel cramped and uncomfortable on your first trip here. Did you get a good night's sleep?"

"Yeah, I did. I slept until nine, which is 6 AM here."

"Yep." He nodded.

"So I got out and did some touristy things this morning. What an amazing city."

"I love this town," he said looking out the window. "I know a place that makes the best cioppino you've ever tasted. Maybe we could do an early dinner there."

"Sounds awesome."

The waitress returned to the table, silver coffee pot in hand, totally ignoring Maddy. "May I pour some coffee?" 

George nodded.

"Yes, please," said Maddy.

"Are you ready to order?" the waitress asked George.

"I'll have the crab omelet."

"Good choice, sir. And for you?" she asked, never bothering to make eye contact.

"I'll have the same."

"Very good." She winked at George as she departed.

Maddy cleared her throat, leaning forward on the table. She'd considered broaching the subject on the flight from Manhattan but put it off. Now, with their morning meeting just ninety minutes away, she had no choice. "Um... Listen. Full disclosure, I'm not a techie. You know that, right?"

His expression didn't change, his eyes locked on hers.

"I get the difference between covariance and contravariance," she said. "But that's about the extent of my programming skills."

"Contra what?"

"Maybe you should have brought Leopold instead of me."

"I'd rather brush my teeth with a rock."

Maddy added a splash of cream to her coffee and stirred.

In a reassuring tone, George said, "Seems like you could relax."

"That's fair," she replied, sipping her coffee.