I drove six hours to check into my new luxury resort, only for the front desk clerk to toss a keycard at my feet.

twenty-four, maybe twenty-five. He had the sharp, calculating expression of someone constantly measuring his place in every room. His hair was perfectly styled, his posture rigid. As I approached, I saw his eyes scan me. I watched the assessment unfold in real time.

No designer handbag. Comfortable sneakers. Wind-tousled hair from the coastal drive.continue reading …