“That’s her decision.”

“You’ve worked here long enough to know your place.”

Eli looked down at the tray in his hands. When he raised his eyes again, his voice was quiet. “I know exactly where my place is. Tonight, it’s at that table until she has everything she paid for.”

Maddie felt something in her chest shift. Martin noticed she’d heard. He cleared his throat. “White Oak Manor is contracted until midnight. After that, overtime rates apply.”

“I understand,” Maddie said.

Martin gave a stiff nod and walked away. Eli returned with flushed ears. “Sorry about that.”