She stood.
Approached the service station where the same young server was stacking cups.
“Excuse me.”
He did not turn immediately.
“Yes?”
“I ordered breakfast almost three hours ago.”
He finally looked at her.
“Whatever, old lady. You'll get it when you get it.”
Margaret stared.
A nearby employee laughed.
Someone else pulled out a phone for a second, apparently recording.
That detail chilled Margaret more than the insult.
Humiliation had become entertainment.
Again.
Just like the previous night.
Margaret's voice remained calm.
“Since I walked through those doors, you have lied to me, humiliated me, searched my belongings as if I were a criminal, and now I have waited nearly three hours for a cup of tea and breakfast.”
The server shrugged.
“Oh my gosh. Who cares?”
Chloe covered a smile.
Margaret turned toward her.
“Are you going to do nothing?”
Chloe laughed once.
“What do you want me to do?”
“I want you to behave as though I'm a guest.”
Chloe folded her arms.
“Honestly, for all I know, you're the person stealing from us.”
“Stop.”
The voice came from behind them.
Everyone turned.
Sam stood near the restaurant entrance.
His expression had changed completely.
He was no longer smiling.
Chloe stared.
“Excuse me?”
Sam stepped closer.
“She is a guest.”
“This doesn't involve you.”
“She paid more than anyone else here last night.”