Chapter 20

Alexis spends the day helping Daniel clean up the prior breakfast disaster and turn over rooms, gaining a new respect for the labor he handles daily. That evening she dines at Jane’s with Gabby and Jessica, noting local sourcing and avoiding recognition. While Daniel calls bingo at the VFW, Alexis drinks with her friends, then later slips into Daniel’s room and leaves before dawn.

Sunday’s breakfast is smooth, and Daniel impresses with prepared recipe cards. As they pack to leave, Alexis feels unexpectedly sad and worries she’s growing too attached to Daniel despite believing a long-term future is impossible.

Alexis catches Gabby preparing a one-star review and learns Daniel comped their stay after the chaotic incidents. Furious at the entitlement and the blow to Daniel’s finances and ratings, Alexis shifts tactics: she takes Gabby and Jessica to Daniel’s garage to see his handcrafted pieces. Jessica buys a black walnut mirror for $3,000, and Gabby selects a barn-beam horse sculpture for $3,500.

Driving away, Alexis writes a five-star review. Texting Daniel, she learns he comped the stay out of customer service and worries the women overpaid; Alexis counters that he deserved “asshole tax,” reflecting on privilege and unfair power dynamics. She urges him to know his worth, recognizing the contrast between his generosity and her friends’ lack of grace.