Bette saw it before I could point it out and elbowed me excitedly. “Look!”
“I know,” I replied as I scanned the suitcases and duffle bags.
There weren’t any outward signs that they’d been searched, but I had a feeling I’d get confirmation once mine had been delivered.
A fertility counselor I didn’t know but recognized from our trip spotted Bette and me eyeing the bags and hurried over. “The luggage will be brought to your room by the end of the night. Right now, though, you should head into the dining room, so you can eat. It’s been a long day and I’m sure you’ll want to rest.”
Was she sure I wanted to rest or was she letting me know that we had a curfew and had to be in our rooms by a certain time? I’d put money on the second one, but since I was starving, I chose not to ask.
The restaurant was packed by the time Bette and I made our way there. It matched the rest of the hotel, both in its dark decor and that it looked a little worse for wear. No linen covered the tables, leaving their dinged tops exposed for all to see, and the chairs were made of the same dark wood but had cushioned seatscovered in worn, ripped brown leather.
A line on the other end of the room led to a buffet of steaming dishes, and the air was thick with the scent of roasted meat. Recalling the catered meals we’d had during our group sessions, my stomach rumbled, and I grabbed Bette’s arm and led her to the back of the line.
It moved quickly, but when we reached the front, I was surprised to discover that our fare was nothing like what we’d had at the meetings. It was like high school cafeteria food. Salisbury steaks floating in dark gravy, grease congealing on top, mushy green beans, canned peaches, and what had to be fake mashed potatoes. I wasn’t even pregnant, and the sight of the food turned my stomach.
Bette put her hand over her nose. “What is this?”
The fertility counselors had apparently been given jobs, some of which involved taking care of the food, and seeing my friend’s horrified expression, the nearest one came over.
“Is there a problem?” she asked in a crisp tone.
The hard light in her brown eyes made me instantly dislike her, although I wasn’t sure if it was worse than plastering a fake smile on her lips the way Hilary did – not that I could see this woman’s lips since she was still wearing a mask. Anyway, since I wouldn’t have minded slapping either Hilary or the woman in front of me, I figured their expressions were pretty even.
Bette, who was too timid for her own good, said nothing, but I glared at our fertility counselor. “We were expecting something a little better. I mean, we are the hope for the human race, after all. You’d think the government would want to feed us properly.”
Someone snickered, and I glanced over my shoulder to find Malika a few people behind me in line. With everything that had happened today, I’d totally forgotten about the other women who’d come here with Bette and me but smiled when Malika shot me a wink of approval.
“This is what they have for you,” the fertility counselor snapped, drawing my attention back to her. “It’s not a feast, but I promise it has all the nutrients you need. I feel like I should also remind you that the country is in a crisis. You should try beinggrateful for the position you’re in and what you’ve been given instead of complaining.”
A chorus of angry murmurs from the women around me followed the statement.
“That doesn’t sound like gratitude,” I said, giving the fertility counselor a smug smile even though it was hidden by my mask. “I wonder why?”
She took a menacing step toward me. “What’s your name and who’s your minder?”
Minder? My brain spun from the word. Not because I didn’t know what it meant, but because I couldn’t believe she’d said it. It made me think of animals, of the zoo, not of human beings who were due respect. It was grotesque.
When I said nothing, the woman hissed, “Your minder. Who is she?”
“Hilary Tantor,” I said, but only because I was too stunned to maintain my bravado.
“And your name?” the woman snapped.
“Arabella Murphy.”
“Well, Miss Murphy,” she replied in a haughty tone, “you should know that I’ll be reporting the incident to your minder and that this will go in your permanent file. The Department of Fertility is tired of dealing with ungrateful women such as yourself and has revised the stipulations you must meet for compensation. It’s going to be addressed at the briefing tomorrow, but just because you aren’t yet aware of the consequences for your actions doesn’t mean there aren’t any.” She leaned closer, and even though her mouth was covered, I pictured an evil smile curling up her lips. “If I were you, I’d learn to control that attitude before it gets you in trouble.”
Stunned, all I could do was nod, and when Bette grabbed my elbow and whispered, “Let’s just eat,” I followed her automatically.
The line had moved on, the women around me who’d witnessed the altercation hurrying to get their food with their heads down. Even Malika, although she did risk a quick glance my way when Bette and I reached her. The fear in her eyes matched my own.
What the hell was this place?
Anotherminderwas at the end of the buffet table, her arms crossed over her impressive bosom and her eyes sharp as she watched us load food onto our plates. She reminded me of a gargoyle.
“The MacGregor and music rooms have extra seating if you’re unable to find a place to eat in the restaurant. Just follow the signs,” the woman told us. “There’s also outdoor seating on the patio if you prefer that.” Bette and I hurried past the imposing woman but had only made it a few steps before she repeated her obviously scripted lines. “The MacGregor and music rooms have extra seating if you are – ”
I tuned her out.
