The Math Club team stepped into the grand lobby of the hotel, their eyes wide with awe. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and plush velvet chairs lined the walls. It was the kind of place they had only seen in movies, and now they were going to stay here for the night.

“Wow,” one of the members whispered. “Can we really afford this?”

Mrs. Walters, ever composed, clapped her hands to gather their attention. “Okay, everyone, gather around. We’ll check into our rooms and head to the conference room for the competition shortly after.”

After collecting their room keys from the front desk, the team headed for the elevators. Lucas held his key card tightly, already feeling the weight of the upcoming match. As he reached the elevator, Lucy hurried to catch up, sliding in just before the doors closed.

“Lucas, looks like we’ll be roommates. My room’s right across from yours,” she said with a sickeningly sweet smile.

“Whatever,” Lucas muttered, eyes fixed on the floor.

Lucy’s voice sharpened, her frustration barely contained. “Can’t you at least try to be nice? I’ve apologized. What more do you want me to do?”

Lucas’s gaze hardened as he looked at her. “I don’t expect anything from you, Lucy. I don’t want to be friends. Just leave me alone.”

The elevator dinged, and Lucas stepped out quickly, not waiting for a response. He walked briskly to his room, swiped his key card, and slammed the door shut behind him, leaving Lucy alone in the hallway.

That’s alright, Lucy thought darkly as she watched the door slam. Just wait until tonight, Lucas. You won’t be so high and mighty then.

———————————————————————————

Thirty minutes later, the team gathered in the hotel’s conference center. The air buzzed with nervous energy as they prepared for the match.

“Everyone ready?” Mrs. Walters asked, her gaze sweeping over the team.

The members nodded, though their nerves were evident.

“Don’t worry,” Mrs. Walters said with a knowing smile. “We have a secret weapon they don’t know about.” She nodded toward Lucas.

“I’ll do my best,” Lucas said, his voice steady despite the pressure. “I won’t let you guys down.”

The competition began, and it was intense. Both teams fought hard, the scores neck and neck. But as the clock ticked down, Lucas made three crucial moves, bringing his team the victory they desperately needed.

Cheers erupted from his teammates as they lifted the trophy, passing it around and celebrating their hard-fought win.

“I knew you guys could do it,” Mrs. Walters beamed. “I’m so proud of each of you!”

“Thanks, Mrs. Walters,” Lucas said, smiling. “We couldn’t have done it without your guidance.”

The team decided to continue the celebration with a meal at a nearby restaurant. They settled into their seats, still riding the high of their victory.

“Lucy, could you grab everyone’s drinks?” Mrs. Walters asked.

“Of course,” Lucy said with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. She made several trips, handing out drinks, but when it came time to deliver Lucas’s, her smile turned devious.

This should take a couple of hours to kick in, Lucy thought as she discreetly slipped something into Lucas’s drink. By the time I go to his room, he’ll be out, and I’ll make sure it looks like we spent the night together.

Lucas, oblivious to her plans, took a sip of his drink and sighed. He felt tired, more than he expected, and longed for quiet. Mostly, he missed Katelyn. He wished she were here to share the victory with him.

“Excuse me, everyone,” Lucas said, pushing his chair back. “I’m feeling a bit tired. I need to make a phone call before it gets too late.”

Mrs. Walters smiled warmly at him. “Of course. Get some rest, Lucas. You were amazing today. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Mrs. Walters,” Lucas said, nodding to his teammates as well. “Goodnight, everyone.”

As Lucas left the restaurant, Lucy excused herself soon after. She went back to her room, where she slipped into a set of revealing lingerie, checking herself in the mirror. She had everything planned. In a little while, she would go to Lucas’s room and set her trap.

Lucas walked into his hotel room, exhaustion tugging at him. He set his bag down and stretched, already thinking about calling Katelyn. He was about to pull out his phone when something caught his eye.

Sitting on the bed was a neatly wrapped box with a note attached. Frowning, he picked it up.

Lucas, just a little something to remind you of me while you’re away. I miss you already. Love, Katelyn.

He smiled as he unwrapped the box, finding a framed photo of the two of them from one of their happiest days together. His heart swelled with affection, his tiredness fading as he stared at the picture.