Number 73

Managing the front desk of a popular resort in America’s new vacation destination left little time for a life, much less a social life. So for Bella Brown to bump into Duncan Grable, her high school crush on an island thousands of miles away from her hometown in upstate New York was nothing short of a miracle. And add to that the fact that this was the first night since she had moved to this island, that her staff was able to convince her to got out dancing instead of her usual weekend plans of staying in and pouring over the week’s reports on everything from restaurant supplies to room occupancy and Bella was convinced it was kismet. 

They had grown up in the same town but Duncan was a few years older than her and a classmate of her older brother. As far as she’d known he had gone to Stanford on the other side of the country and lost touch with her brother Mackenzie. 

He smiled so brightly when he saw her, walked up behind her and covered her eyes. She whipped around and almost belted him until she realized who she was looking at and smiled, “Duncan Grable?” He smiled, “Look at you Belliwelli. All grown up and womanly.” 

She laughed, “That happens when time passes. You look the same.” He smirked and motioned to the bartender, “Is that a compliment? Let me buy you a drink.” One drink turned into ten and then it was the next morning and Bella woke up in his hotel room naked. 

She blinked afraid to do anything else and prayed she was alone, even though she felt the heat of his body next to her. She turned slowly hoping not to wake him but he was staring straight at her with his head propped up on his elbow, “Good morning.” She said, “Hi.” He said, “I ordered us some breakfast.” 

She started to get up and then realized she had no idea where her underwear was. He smiled and lifted them from behind him, “Looking for these.” She said, “Did we?” There was a knock at the door as he was about to answer. He got up to get it giving her a chance to jump into her underwear and slip back into her dress, “Dumb question.” 

He brought in the tray and started opening plates, “I wasn’t sure what you would want. I’m a fruit and coffee person myself. But there is eggs and bacon and toast as well.” Bella nodded and looked at her phone, “I’ve got to get to work.” 

He blinked, “You’re leaving. I don’t want you to think this was nothing. When can I see you again?” She sighed, “Did I lose my purse?” He pointed to it sitting on the TV stand and reached for her hand, “Give me your phone. I want to see you before I leave. Maybe we could hang out on my day off. Where do you work?” 

She smirked, “Here?” His panicked expression confused her but she handed him her phone, “This is my resort. I’m one of the managers.” He nodded and put his phone number into her phone then called himself, “We’ll hang out. I will figure it out.” She nodded and let him kiss her before she left and did the walk of shame back to her office. 

Only her assistant saw her walk in with the same dress she had left in the night before and she was smiling, “Coffee boss.” Bella pointed at her, “This is all your fault. I knew I should have gone home.” She winked at her, “You went home with someone alright.” Bella sighed, “Not funny Monifah. I have the worst hang over.” 

Monifah went and brought coffee for them both as Bella changed into her resort uniform and tried to shake off the night before. It was coming back to her in flashbacks. She couldn’t believe she had been so free. They had danced until the club shut down and then not wanting the evening to end, had decided to watch the sun come up in Bella’s favorite spot in Old San Juan on the beach. He talked to her about his past and his future and she listened with the same awe she had listened with when they were in school. He was still so interesting to her and so attractive. Then he had kissed her and she just let go. 

What was she thinking? That was so unlike her. She knew better. She was grateful it didn’t seem to be a one night stand to him but she was embarrassed to face him again. What if he thought that was all there was to her? What if he was expecting a fling? She was definitely not that girl despite her actions from the night before. 

Monifah broke into her thoughts by handing her a mug of coffee, “Bell, he was cute. I was glad. You needed to relax and I bet you’re relaxed now.” Bella frowned, “Not even a little bit. I don’t want to talk about this anymore. What’s on my schedule for today?” Monifah smiled and they got down to business. After an early meeting with her staff she went out to the front desk to see how check in was going and to be available for any troubleshooting. 

Sure enough there was a rewards member who wanted an upgrade she wasn’t entitled to under the program. Bella’s staff member turned to her and widened her eyes so Bella knew it was time to take over. 

She walked over with her most professional smile and said, “Gladys, can I assist you?” Her guest spoke before Gladys could, “Are you a manager?” Bella nodded, “Yes maam. Can I be of assistance?” She explained that she was entitled to an upgrade to a suite above the suite she was actually entitled to and that Gladys was not listening to her. She actually addressed her as “that incompetent one”. 

Bella made a face, “Why don’t I take over Gladys? You can assist the next client. Ms…” Bella looked at the computer screen, “Ms. Montague. I’ll take over assisting you.” She huffed, “Good, I hope you better than that one.” She pointed at Gladys who was now walking away and Bella saw fire. She took a deep breath and said, “It is our sincere desire to assist you in anyway we can but I would ask that we maintain a level of respect.”

She raised an eyebrow, “Excuse me?” Bella looked at her, “Certainly. Now as I’m sure Gladys explained to you, the upgrade you’re requesting isn’t available to your membership level. But I will give you our nicest room in class that you’re eligible for. It has a nicer view than the room you want and it’s only slightly smaller.” 

The woman narrowed her eyes, “That will do I guess.” Bella nodded and checked her in then went about her business. Gladys winked at her, “Gracias jefa.” Bella winked back, “Anytime.” Bella wasn’t aware she was a guest of the wedding that was happening the following weekend until the bride approached with her to ask who had checked in from her guest list. 

Bella turned to one of the front desk associates who pulled it up on the computer. She typed it up quickly and flinched when she noticed Duncan’s name. The bride handed Ms. Montague the list, “He’s here. So you see. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to make him see he’s meant to be with you.” Ms. Montague nodded, “Oh yeah. Duncan won’t know what hit him. I’m going to be Mrs. Grable if it kills him. He doesn’t get to ask me to marry him and then break up with me.” They laughed and walked off. The bride smiled and turned back to thank them.

Bella made it her business to avoid Duncan. He was on the opposite mission. They finally crossed paths the day of the wedding. Bella had been requested by the groom to go over some last minute details of their honeymoon suite and Duncan was in the room when she arrived. 

She blinked and put on her game face, “Mr. Acevedo, you asked for me?” He nodded, “Yes Bella. I want white chocolate and coconut covered strawberries in my room for my bride. She loves them. Is that doable?” Bella bowed slightly and smirked, “Of course.” He nodded, “And no rose petals. I’m allergic but I want it to look sexy.” Bella nodded, “Consider it done.” He nodded and pointed to an envelope on the dresser, “That’s for you and your team.” Bella tried not to show her embarrassment. But Duncan could see the blush forming below her collar. 

He picked up the envelope and handed it to her, “Dude, you don’t ask a lady to grab money off the nightstand. That’s not cool. He didn’t mean it that way.” The groom was mortified. He turned beet red, “I’m so sorry Bella. I just didn’t want to forget. That was thoughtless of me.” She bowed her head, “Don’t give it another thought sir. And congratulations.” He smiled and stood up, “How do I look?” Bella smiled, “Picture perfect. I’ll be leaving for the evening but if you need anything just ask for me and I’ll come back.” He put his hands together and bowed, “No maam. You enjoy your time off. You have been amazing this past week and I have asked for the most off the wall things. Thank you so much for everything.” 

She smiled, “You’re not leaving us yet. You still have your honeymoon week. Enjoy.” She left the room but Duncan followed her, “Bella, why are you ignoring my texts?” She said, “I’m sorry. I’ve been really busy with the wedding and things.” He said, “And now.” She turned, “And now you’re busy with the wedding and things.”

Rochelle walked over and kissed him, “Baby, I’ve been looking all over for you.” He frowned, “Why?” She wrapped her arms around him, “Where would you like me to sit?” Bella took that opportunity to leave, “Like I said and things. Bye Duncan.” 

A few months later, she wasn’t as resolute. Her assistant frowned, “You need to go to the doctor Bella. You’ve been sick for weeks.” She nodded, “I haven’t been eating. I don’t know.” Monifah said, “I made you an appointment. Let’s go. I’m driving.” 

Bella was pale as a ghost when the pregnancy test came back positive. She wanted to scream and cry all at the same time. How could one moment of carelessness have resulted in this? What was she going to do? How was she going to explain this to her conservative Christian family? She blocked it out of her mind and went back to work. 

She had a meeting of managers in New York a few months later. It was getting hard to hide her pregnancy and she decided it was time to tell her family. She also thought Duncan should know before them. 

She had Duncan’s address from his payment info at the hotel and she mustered up the strength to go to his apartment and knock on the door. Ms. Montague opened it, “Babe, I told you it was going to rain… What are you doing here? You’re that person from the hotel.” 

Bella steeled herself, “I’m here to see Duncan.” Ms. Montague narrowed her eyes, “What would you need with my fiancee?” Bella said, “It’s personal. Is he here?” She slammed the door in her face. Bella stood there for a second not knowing what to do next but then decided she had too much dignity to knock on his door again. She turned and walked back to the elevator. 

When it opened he was standing right there. He blinked at her speechless as her baby bump poked out of her coat. She frowned, “I… this was a mistake.” He dropped his groceries and took hold of her hand, “Wait, you mean it’s mine.” She looked up at him and yanked her hand away, “You think I’m that girl?” 

He shook his head, “No Bella. I’m sorry. It’s just I haven’t heard from you in months. You blew me off. I thought maybe you had somebody else.” She looked at him sideways, “You mean like you do?” He shook off the confusion, “Rochelle? Oh no. We were broken up. I’m not a cheater.” Bella pointed down the hallway and then furiously hit the down button for the elevator, “You’re clearly not broken up now. She just slammed the door in my face. I only wanted you to know. Now you do. I should go and you should deal with that.” She put his groceries back in the bag and handed them to him, “I don’t need anything from you. I just wanted you to know. I didn’t come here to interrupt your life.”

She got on the elevator and left him standing there with his thoughts. But when the elevator opened he was standing there, out of breath, “Wait a second.” She blinked and stepped off the elevator, “I have a conference to get to.” He grabbed her hand, “Bella we have to talk about this. How about dinner?” 

She nodded, “I can’t.” He frowned, “This is more important than work.” She sighed, “Work is all I have Duncan. I’ll call you.” She got into her waiting car and went to the evening welcome reception. Afterwards, she went to visit her parents. 

Her mother made a face as she received Bella’s kiss on her cheek, “What’s the matter baby?” Bella said, “I’m just exhausted. You look great mommy.” Her mother smiled, “Your father and I went to a silent auction for the church.” Her father walked down the stairs and smiled, “Hi baby girl. When did you get in?” Bella reached out and squeezed her father, “Hi Papi. I got in this afternoon but I had some things to do before I could come visit.” 

He frowned, “Visit? You’re not sleeping over?” Bella said, “I’m in the hotel next to the convention center. It’s four days. I didn’t want to travel a lot in the mornings.” He nodded, “That makes sense. How is it going in Puerto Rico? Can I expect a better third quarter?” Bella frowned, “Papi, I just manage the front desk and housekeeping. I can tell you that we’re improving our room turnaround times which means we can give early checkin to more of our guests and that’s lead to higher survey results which my resort manager loves.”

He said, “You manage the heart of the resort Bella. Front of the house staff ensure guest satisfaction and that’s our business.” Her mother put her hand up, “You can talk shop any time. I want to know about your life outside of the family business.” 

Bella’s eyes filled with tears, “It’s been work work work for so long.” Her mother took hold of her waist and lead her to the couch. Her father sat down as well, “Baby, I thought you loved your new job.” Bella nodded and wiped her eyes, “I do. I absolutely do but I was so lonely and a little home sick.” 

Her mother was stroking her hair and Bella popped up, “I’m pregnant. I know you’re disappointed that I’m not married. I’m not even with the father but I can’t regret it when there is this little person growing inside of me.” 

Her father blinked but her mother got up and walked out of the room. Bella said, “I’m sorry Papi. I was drunk and it just happened.” He sighed, got up and pointed at her, “This is what comes of a life lived out of God’s will baby. Your child must now suffer the consequences of your disobedience. Where is the father?” 

Bella said, “He lives here in New York. I just told him this afternoon. He’s engaged to be married and I don’t want to interrupt his life. I can have my baby on my own.” He frowned, “Baby, a child needs a father.” She got up and kissed his cheek, “I’m sorry I’m letting you down but this is my life.” She went back to her hotel and cried herself to sleep. She woke up resolved that she would not hide her baby any longer.

Duncan called right as she was about to step into her first session. She hesitated but then decided to answer. He said, “Where are you Bella? I’ll come to you.” She sighed, “I can’t Duncan. I’m about to step into a session I need to attend.” He said, “Well then, when is a good time today? We need to get some things straight and I know you. The longer it lingers, the more resolute you become in your thoughts.” Her head snapped back. How did he know that? She sighed and scratched her forehead with her free hand, “Fine, I have a break between 12 and 2. Meet me in front of the convention center.” He nodded, “I’ll be there.” 

He was leaning on a safety bollard when she walked out to look for him. He looked like he had just stepped off of the runway of Ralph Lauren. Gosh he was so handsome she thought to herself before waving like a teenager and walking forward awkwardly.

He smiled and took her into his arms as soon as she was close enough. He didn’t let go right away and she was completely unnerved, “I just wanted to start by saying I’m sorry for how Ro treated you. She’s extremely jealous and she thinks another woman is the reason we’re not together anymore.”

Bella’s look was doubting, “You’re not together but she was at your house?” He took hold of her hand and hailed a cab, “We’re still friends.” Then, he didn’t let go of her hand until they got to the restaurant and were seated at their table. “So we’re having a baby.” Bella blinked, “You’re very calm about this. Do you have other children?” He nodded, “I’m not calm. I’m resolved. And I’m relieved that it’s you and not some stranger.” 

She laughed, “But we are strangers Duncan. I don’t know anything about you. I knew you when I was a teenager but that was a long time ago.” Duncan said, “I haven’t changed that much since then. And you knew me better than most people then.” 

She frowned, “Are you ever serious?” He put down his menu, “I am totally serious Bella. I had such a crush on you in high school.” She shook off the shock, “Don’t do that Duncan. It’s not necessary. I’m already pregnant with your child.” He pointed at her and smiled, “Was that a joke?” She smiled, “You’re frustrating.” 

He nodded, “You’re not the first woman to tell me that. Let’s order and then talk seriously about us.” She blinked and dropped her menu, “There’s an us?” He said, “Order first, talk second.” They ordered and he sat back, “I can’t believe this is happening.” 

Bella folded her arms, “You can’t believe it? I was saving myself for marriage.” His eyes threatened to bulge outside of his head, “What did you say?” Her eyes widened as well, “I’m not a complete heathen.” He looked at her sideways, “I was your first time and you got pregnant? Oh my God Bella. Why didn’t you say anything?” 

She said, “Because I didn’t want to. I’ve had some time to sit with this and I wanted to do something crazy. You know I don’t go to church like I used to when we were kids. I barely pray anymore. I got tired of always following the rules. But I have never gotten too far out of control. At least in my mind, but that night… I was up to my neck in rules and for once I didn’t want to have to think about wrong or right. I just wanted to be me.” She rubbed her belly, “And if this is the consequence of that so be it. I’ve been hiding my personal rebellion from everyone and now God has forced it out in the open. So be it.” 

He was shocked speechless and it took him a minute to find the words, “That’s exactly how I feel. My boys call me the monk. I play the Christian but my heart has been far from God for a long time. So long that I was about to marry a woman who doesn’t even share my faith. And I can tell myself she deceived me but you will know them by their fruit. I knew she was a Christian only culturally. One day I woke up and said nope. I cannot do this anymore. I either need to be about it or stop pretending I am. So I went back to church and rededicated my life to Him. Ro was complaining about the changes I had made and it became obvious she was part of my past but not my future. We had a long talk and I called it off. It helped that she was cheating on me with someone from my office. I went to Puerto Rico a broken man and seeing you was like seeing the familiar. I’ve always been so at home with you. That’s why I never minded when your parents forced Mack to bring you along. And like I said I had a crush on you back then…” 

She shook her head, “Duncan, stop saying that.” He reached for her hand and kissed it, “I hid it because you were younger than us. And because I was scared of what people would think. You had this confidence about you. You weren’t scared to be different. You didn’t care that people made fun of you. I could never do that.” 

She laughed, “I didn’t know that people made fun of me. And I was very sheltered back then. I only hung out with my brothers and my sister. I didn’t really need anyone else to be my friend.” He nodded, “Well it didn’t look that way from the outside looking in. So where is your faith now?” 

She sat back and let go of his hand, “I’m struggling. I don’t want to be a Christian because that’s what’s expected of me and I’m not ready to give up control over my own life. But I know that there is a God and I believe in Jesus Christ. I don’t know… I’m struggling.”

He nodded in understanding, “It’s a start. Listen I’m not a perfect man. Obviously. I should never have slept with you. That was wrong. But a baby is a gift from God and I will walk this every step of the way with you. I just need to know that raising our baby to believe won’t be a problem for you.” 

She rubbed her belly again and nodded, “I’ve been thinking about that and it’s really her choice.” Duncan froze and sat back, “Her? It’s a girl?” Bella panicked, “Did you not want to know? Yes, it’s a girl. I’m naming her Deborah. The first female leader of Israel.” Duncan nodded, “Do I get a say in this?” She smirked, “Do you want a say?” He said, “My family has a tradition. The first born gets named after their grandparents. Mother’s side then father’s side.” 

She thought about it, “Gabriela Lillian?” He said, “Think about it. It would soften the blow.” Bella nodded, “Not for my mother but if it does for yours… It is a beautiful name. And it means something to you…. Okay.” She looked down at her belly, “Well peanut. I guess your name is Gabriela Lillian.” He said, “I need to know your doctor’s appointments so I can get the time off from work. And I was thinking that if you have room for me when the baby is born, I’d like to come and stay with you for my paternity leave so I can bond with her. Could you try to make those appointments on a Friday or Monday so I don’t have to fly in and out.” 

She closed her eyes for a second to gather her thoughts. He stopped talking, “What’s the matter?” She said, “You’re going to fly into Puerto Rico for the weekend so that you can attend doctor’s appointments with me? You have it like that?” He nodded, “I have flexibility in my schedule and money saved up to invest. What bigger investment could there be than my child?” 

She shook off the wonder, “Okay, I can do that but you don’t have to come to every appointment.” He pretended not to hear that and said as he put his napkin in his lap, “Now let’s talk expenses. How much money do you make? Should we split things 50/50 or will you just let me pay for everything. I mean you’re doing the heavy lifting. The least I can do is pay for things.”