My cell phone rang loudly in my pants pocket. I hurried to answer it before it could bother anyone. “Hello?” I asked curiously when I didn't recognize the number.
“Yes. Is this Alex Anderson?” a female voice asked.
“Um, yes. This is Alex speaking,” I replied.
“It’s a pleasure to finally talk to you, sir. I have been a big fan of your work for many years,” The lady on the phone gushed.
“Well, thank you. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?” I asked politely.
“Oh! I'm the head secretary here at the writers’ retreat. I understand you left early without notice and had been trying to get back in?” she asked.
I sighed and hoped I hadn't gotten into any trouble. “Yes, that's correct, but I was already informed earlier that I would not be allowed to continue,” I said, repeating what I had been told.
“Well, Mr. Anderson, normally that is our policy. But seeing as how renowned of an author you are, and how much of a fan I am of yours, I think we could make an exception,” she replied.
“Do you really think that would be possible?” I asked, unable to keep the excitement from my voice.
“Yes, I do think so, provided that you follow all the guidelines at our retreat as instructed and no more messing around like this,” she instructed me.
“Of course! I'll be there to work on my writing and nothing else,” I assured the secretary so she would let me back in.
“Excellent! I'll leave a note at the front desk explaining everything and granting your permission to return. Just give them both of our names when you arrive,” the woman explained before hanging up.
I hung up my phone and put it back in my pocket. Hurrying to close my suitcase, I ran outside in search of a cab. I didn't have a moment to waste. Unfortunately, I did have to wait a little while for a taxi, but that didn't diminish my excitement. I was being allowed back into the retreat. I was being given a second chance.
During the ride back, I knew exactly what I was going to do. After checking back in, I planned to drop off my bags and then head straight to Hazel's room. I needed to do everything possible to win her heart back. The best way to start that would be with a sincere and heartfelt apology. I needed her to see that I knew I had been in the wrong. I just hoped that she would be willing to talk to me, or at least listen.
Instead of writing, my mind was focused only on her. I tried to brainstorm different things I could do. A romantic dinner was out because I had already used that. I didn't want to get anywhere near the hot tub because that would just remind us of our sexy time together. I knew we were far from having that again right now. Maybe I should surprise her with candy, flowers, or a gift? I shook my head no at those ideas; besides, I had no money. All my savings went for this trip.
I was sure I would be able to figure something out later on. The priority was getting her to talk to me. Running out on her was probably the worst thing I could have done. I would do whatever I had to even if it meant I had to beg or plead with Hazel. I would find a way to convince her to listen. I was reasonably confident that I could accomplish all of this. I had read enough that I had a knowledge of what is involved in pursuing or wooing a woman. It was just a matter of putting that knowledge to use.
It felt like deja vu as the cab pulled up outside of the resort. I barely had enough to cover the fare, so I grabbed my suitcase and hurried inside.
“Hello. My name is Alex Anderson. I was told to come here by your secretary?” I asked at the front desk.
The attendant there gave me a look before muttering, “Oh yes, she left a note about you.”
As I waited for him to make the necessary arrangements, I scanned the room for Hazel. I was disappointed to see that she wasn't there.
“We will be able to give you your original room back. Please enjoy your stay,” the clerk replied as he handed me the key. He didn't sound very sincere.
I grabbed it from him and hurried as quickly as I could up to my room. Once inside, I dumped my suitcase on the bed. I rushed to straighten my hair and clothes. This was it, the moment of truth. I left the room and walked off, ready to change myself and my life.Chapter Thirteen - HazelMy nausea had finally calmed down to the point where I could write again. I was relieved to get back to that. I had made a lot of progress on my book and considered myself to be almost at the halfway point. I was very ambitious and had planned on making this a very lengthy novel, so I spent a lot of my time writing out extra details to add more description to my chapters. I also was very detailed in the dialogue and interactions between my characters.