My Mentor's Secret Baby - His Secret Baby

My heart stopped. I began to sweat. There was no way this could be happening, yet I couldn’t doubt it. I had seen that face every day that I was at their house. It was Hazel standing in front of me.

Seeing her brought up so many memories. I started to think that maybe this trip had been a mistake. I couldn’t deal with something like this, suddenly craving a drink so bad. I wondered if I should just pick up my bag and walk off. Yes, I would miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime, but I wouldn’t have to deal with Hazel and all that guilt.

Chapter Three – Hazel

The plane ride out to Colorado Springs from Kansas was a lot shorter than I had expected. I spent the entire flight reading rather than sleeping. Far too excited to close my eyes. I had never been to Colorado before, but I did some research online before the trip. I also had a travel brochure, as well as a couple romance novels with me on the plane.

This trip was meant to be the turning point in my career as a writer. I looked through the novels I had brought with me and started to read one. These were actually pretty steamy. That made me wonder which genre I should write.

I had been interested in science fiction because of my feelings for Alex. Yet, perhaps I should use this trip as an opportunity to grow in my desired field and experience new things. Maybe I could try writing a romance novel or something that I would be proud to call my own?

Obviously, I was proud of my first book because it was the first thing that I had published, but it brought up a lot of painful memories every time I looked at it. I finally locked my copy away in a drawer in my desk at home, out of sight, out of mind. My second book would be different.

After the short plane ride, we touched down at the airport in Colorado Springs. It was a lot larger than I expected. I grabbed my bags and hurried to find a mode of transportation to get to the hotel. I found out that it was on the outskirts of the city, which was good. Even though it was supposed to be a retreat, it was a comfort to learn we would still be close to a major urban area.

I was able to locate a taxi outside the airport. The driver was friendly and helped me load my bags in the trunk. When I gave him the address to the resort, he asked, “Here on vacation, huh? Well, I hope you enjoy your stay at the Broadmore!”

“Thank you! That’s very kind of you!” I replied, which it was.

It was a short drive to the hotel, but the driver talked about local tourist spots and places I should visit during my stay. When we arrived at the main building, he helped me bring my bags inside. I paid him, along with a generous tip. He gave me a big smile and drove off.

I walked inside and looked around the lobby. I couldn’t believe I was already here. Liking the place immediately, I waited in line to check-in.

“Hello, I have a reservation, I’m here for the writers’ retreat,” I said to the attendant. I waited as they checked my information and got my room ready.

Loving the fancy hotel, I started toying with the idea of having my next book take place there. I could already feel that this trip was definitely going to help me.

Making sure to leave the attendant a tip after he handed me my room key, I turned to pick my bags up off the floor. A man was standing behind me. I didn’t know a line had formed and worried that I had taken too long. As I stood upright with my bags, I got a good look at the man. Unable to walk away, I stared hard at his face.

“Oh my gosh, Alex?” I yelled.

I hadn’t seen my mentor since our kiss. He never tried to change my father’s mind or makeup. Even when Dad passed, there was no word from Alex, and he didn’t attend the funeral. When his books stopped being published, I worried that the man I idolized was dead.

He looked away uncomfortably. I knew that it was him. I’d recognize Alex anywhere. Bags in hand, I ran up to Alex and hugged him. He stood there, stiffly in my arms.

“Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it’s you. I had heard rumors that you were dead, but I’m so excited to see you!” I couldn’t keep the joy out of my voice.

I really was so happy to see him. Alex was a familiar face for many years, and his appearance was comforting.