Of Love and Deception

by Melisa Hamling

  Daniella’s cell phone rang and startled her. “Crap!” She patted her chest to calm her racing heart.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, hey. What are you up to?”

  “Who wants to know?”

  “It’s me, Meg. Can’t you distinguish my voice by now?”

  “Oh, sorry. The number didn’t register under your name. It came up as unknown.”

  “I misplaced my cell phone so I’ve got a new one with a different provider. I’m going to use this one for friends and family.”

  Daniella’s head started swooshing and saliva filled her mouth. She was going to get sick. “I see. Can I call you back? I’m kind of nauseated right now.”

  “You’re not—”

  “No! I wish, but no. I used one of the pregnancy tests you gave me and it was negative. I… I’ve gotta go!” Daniella threw her phone down and ran into the bathroom. She heaved a few times and rested her head on the edge of the tub for a few minutes before she felt better.

  After she took a shower and readied herself for bed, she ate a small dinner and was about to curl up on the couch to finish reading her spicy romance novel when the doorbell rang. It rang several more times before Daniella made it to the door.

  “Geez, Meg. Give me a minute to get to the door next time, will you?”

  “I had to make sure you were okay,” Meg said and wrapped her in a hug.

  “I’m fine. I think with all the stress over trying to get pregnant and Cruz being away is messing with my stomach. But I’m fine now.”

  Meg shook her head and waggled a finger at her. “Well, when was your last period?”

  “Um… Gosh. I know this will sound stupid, but I haven’t been keeping track. It was too discouraging, and I’m always late. Maybe three or four weeks ago… no maybe five… no, no. Well, honestly! I don’t know, but I’m positive I’m not pregnant. I did a pregnancy test—a great doctor gave me a bunch of freebies—of course, it was negative. It’s been about four weeks since Cruz and I… well, you know.”

  “Oh? Well then, I’ve just the recipe to get you out of your slump. And I won’t take no for an answer. You’re going to meet me downtown at the Hilton tomorrow evening.”

  “The Hilton… as in hotel… Hilton?”

  “Yes, the Hilton Hotel. I’ve got a room for the night and after I’ve done my business, it’s all pleasure.” Meg smiled mischievously.

  She’s up to something.

  “Um… why are you renting a hotel room… for business?”

  “Oh, honey! You say that accusingly.”

  “What?”

  “Daniella. I have a business conference there. Nothing more. I thought I’d take advantage of the pool and amenities offered, including a free room for the night. Tomorrow is Friday, so you’ll meet me there after you get off work, and bring your swimming suit.” She glanced at her watch. “Shoot. I’ve got to go.”

  “But—”

  “Daniella! No excuses.”

  “Meg, I—”

  “Hush! I’ve got something really, really important to tell you so be there,” Meg said as she jogged out the door.”

  “Ug! Leave it to Meg to take charge. Oh well. I need to get out anyway,” Daniella mumbled.

  ~~~

  The following morning, Daniella woke with a headache and a queasy stomach. After she showered and readied herself for work, she grabbed some saltines and a bottle of Coke; the combination seemed to settle her stomach. She packed a small bag, including her swimming suit. Her cell phone was vibrating on the counter. A text from… she remembered Meg had a new number and opened the text.

  Meg: Hey, babe. Your hotel key is taped on your front door… Just come on in. Tonight’s gonna be a good time. A really good time. You’re all mine. Damn. I’ve got a boner already! Ha-ha.

  “What the hell, Meg!”

  Daniella: Really? Since when am I your ‘babe’? And I didn’t know you were capable of popping a boner! I think I’m afraid… really, REALLY afraid!

  Meg: Tonight you’re my babe :}. And darlin’, I’m warnin’ ya, I’m a gonna be poking and probing you all night long. Ahhhhhh!

  Daniella: I’ve never seen this side of you. Dang! You’re dirty!

  Meg: You have no idea just how dirty! Love ya. Can’t wait. Gotta work now.

  “What a freak!” Daniella snagged the envelope off the door and headed to work.

  ~~~

  The day dragged on and on. The few times Daniella cradled her head in her hand, she dozed off and then woke with a start when her head slid off her open palm. Cruz had only been gone for five days. Was she really losing that much sleep? What would she do for the next two weeks? She’d be a damn zombie by the time he returned.

  “Knock, knock! It’s five o’clock.” Lori smirked. “Hey that rhymed. Call me this weekend. I’ll tell you how my hot date goes tonight.”

  “Oh? Who’s the lucky man?”

  Lori sniggered. “Someone I met at the grocery store. Tall, dark and handsome! He was reaching for a large cucumber that I was just about to grab, and I held one end while he had the other. And then I stroked my hand down toward—”

  “Lori! No more details, please.”

  “Psh! You’re no fun. Anywho. I’ve gotta fly.”

  “Call me tomorrow.” Daniella shook her head. She cleaned off her desk, grabbed her purse and headed to the hotel.

  The cool air and a hint of chlorine perked Daniella’s mood and she could almost feel the heat of the hot tub relaxing her aching muscles. She was a little giddy riding the elevator and wondered if Meg was still at the conference or waiting for her in the room.

  “Hello? Meg?” Daniella called as she entered the… “Honeymoon suite? Really? Wow.” She sniffed, trying to determine the scent lingering in the room. It smelled musty mixed with cologne. Ick.

  The suite was devoid of Meg. Daniella tossed her bag on the heart shaped bed, dug out her swimsuit, removed her rings and then her work attire, replacing it with her bikini and cover-up. She waited for fifteen minutes. She was just about to text Meg when she noticed a note taped on the table.

  Don’t wait up for me. I’ll meet you in the hot tub around 7:15.

  “Great!” Daniella grabbed her towel and headed to the pool. When she stepped into the humid room, she immediately sunk into the heated bubbling water of the jacuzzi. With her head dropped back, arms stretched out along the edge, legs practically floating, she fell asleep waiting for Meg.

  “Wake up!”

  The pitch of Meg’s voice startled her. “Did you have to do that? I could have fell in and choked on foamy bubbles and died of a heart attack.”

  “Oh, pu-lease! Okay, so I have some news to share with you.”

  “Must be good. You look…” Like you’ve just been fu— “Excited.” The smell rolling off Meg was the same scent of the room, musty mixed with male cologne. She shot Meg a cheeky smile.

  Meg slid into the water, scanned the area, and then scooted closer to Daniella. “Maybe I shouldn’t say anything.”

  “No, don’t do that. Tell me. What is it?”

  Meg sighed. “Well. I don’t want to upset you because you’ve been trying so hard.”

  “Meg. I can handle—” In a fit of… excitement, Daniella reached for Meg’s hand. “Are… are you pregnant?”

  Meg nodded.

  “That’s fantastic! How far along are you?”

  “About two or three weeks. But, Daniella,” Meg paused and glanced into her eyes. “Don’t say anything to anyone. Not even Cruz, okay?”

  Unsure of why Meg didn’t want anyone to know, Daniella could only blink in dismay. “I won’t say anything, but can I ask why?”

  “Remember when you told me you were having problems getting pregnant?”

  “Yeah.”

  “And I got upset when you were asking about Cruz needing to be tested?”

  “Yee-ah.”

  “It wasn’t that you asked about him getting tested. I was upset over something that happened back in
high school. A certain someone got me pregnant, and then had the audacity to tell me he could never have kids.” Meg turned toward the window.

  “Okay. So what happened? Other than the guy was probably a liar.” Daniella still didn’t understand how mentioning Cruz and a sperm test could possibly have rattled Meg that night.

  “Well, the obvious happened. I didn’t keep it. Oh, but he was nice as pie after that.”

  Without a thought, Daniella asked, “Why would mentioning Cruz even bring such a thought to mind, Meg? Or was it just the mention of pregnancy?”

  Daniella gasped when Meg turned to face her. Eyes wild and cheeks crimson, she said, “Look, Daniella, I don’t know if you’re aware that Cruz and I dated back in high school, but we did. Lucky for you it didn’t work out. But that’s not the point. He was there to comfort me after I did what I did.” A few tears escaped and she swiped violently at them.

  At a loss, and totally shaken over Meg’s statement, Daniella could only offer a few words. “I’m sorry, Meg.”

  There was a long silence between them until Daniella decided she needed to get out of there. She climbed out of the jacuzzi and wrapped herself up in a towel. Meg did the same and followed her.

  They didn’t speak in the elevator or in the room. Daniella quickly shucked her swimsuit and slipped into sweatpants and a matching jacket. She gathered her things and before she escaped, Meg grabbed her and gave her a hug.

  “Please, Daniella. Don’t mention my pregnancy to anyone. I’ll break the news when I’m ready.”

  “No worries. It’s between us.”

  “I don’t want Falcon to know. I-I think he’s having an affair.” A solitary tear glided down her cheek. “With Tiffany. You know the cute little blonde who did some of your blood work?”

  “Oh, Meg. Are you sure?”

  “I’m fairly certain. The way they act around each other, all flirty and smiley, and when he leaves work, she leaves work, but he doesn’t come home until late. He says he’s doing some research project at the hospital. Pft.”

  “Sorry, Meg. I don’t know what to say, but you’ve got my word. I won’t peep a word to anyone, not even Cruz.”

  “Thanks, Daniella. You better get going now. I’m going to rest.”

  Relieved to be home alone, Daniella dropped her things and sat on the couch. She was still shaken and confused over Meg’s confession. None of it made sense, accept maybe the affair part, but that’s not what bothered her. A bigger question loomed. Why hadn’t Cruz ever mentioned dating Meg? Daniella wasn’t sure she could hold her tongue and not ask him. She sat for a long while before concluding she’d leave it alone until something brought her to speak of it.

  ~~~

  Week number two without Cruz and full of Meg dragging her here and there, Daniella was ready for a white padded room! She’d met Meg several times at an outlet mall, which was enjoyable until Meg dragged her into an expensive baby outlet to ogle over what baby furniture and clothing she was going to buy. It only made Daniella uptight and anxious, wanting more than ever to have a baby of their own. When she finally escaped the confining walls, which were Meg, and stepped foot into her own home, she sulked.

  Then she paced the living room.

  And glanced out the window.

  And stared at the black SUV with heavy window tint sitting in her driveway. She watched for several minutes waiting for the vehicle to leave, but when it didn’t, she secured the locks on the front door and went to retrieve her cell phone. When she returned she peeked out the window and breathed a sigh of relief as she watched the black beast back out of her driveway.

  Several days later, after climbing out of bed, Daniella decided to bury her nose in a book and enjoy a warm cup of tea in the front room. She went to flip the blinds open.

  “Shit!” The black SUV was sitting in her driveway, again. She wasn’t having it and stormed to the kitchen, snatched her cell phone and mace, and then flung the front door open. Whoever it was must have decided against staying when they caught sight of her stomping down the sidewalk. Tires squealed and the only glimpse she got of the driver was the black, short hair at the back of his head. Only a man would have hair that short, but she’d never be able to identify him with only that small piece of information.

  “Don’t come parking your sorry ass in my driveway again!” She waved a fist. Unfocused and furious, she tripped on the steps and let out a sob.

  Her cell phone rang. Great! She tried to keep the shakiness out of her voice when she answered. “Hu… hello?”

  “Baby, what’s wrong?”

  “I… well; some black SUV has been sitting in our driveway. They were here several days ago and again just before you called.” She peeled herself off the ground, stepped inside the house, locked the door and set the alarm.

  “Lock the doors and set the alarm. Maybe I should call Meg and Falcon. You could stay with them until I get back.”

  “The house is secure, and no thanks. I’m not imposing on anyone. Maybe I’ll call Lori and have her stay with me.”

  “Fine, but I don’t want you home alone. Not if some stranger is parking in our driveway. Hang up with me and call Lori. I want you to call me back after you talk to her, okay?”

  “It’s probably just some stupid kids, but okay. I’ll call you back.” She ended the call, but she did not intend to leave her home. The house was secure and only an idiot would attempt to break in. She did call Lori, but only made plans to have her come over for dinner and maybe a movie.

  As promised, she called Cruz back. “Lori will be here tonight. No need to worry.”

  “Good. That will put my mind at ease. If there are any more incidents, call the cops. I’ve got to get back to a meeting. Love you.”

  “Love you, too.” Okay, so maybe she told a little white lie, but still. Lori was coming over, even if she wasn’t staying the night.

  17- Humiliation

  Daniella slumped into the couch. She had falsely hoped she was pregnant. It would have been a nice surprise to greet Cruz with good news, but once again, a negative test meant no sweet surprises and locked in her date with a catheter tomorrow.

  Cruz stepped into the living room and leaned over Daniella. He brushed a lock of her hair behind her ear. “My love, I’ve missed you,” he said in a deep, sultry voice that made her shiver.

  Overwhelmed with his presence, and depressed over an empty womb, tears rolled down her cheeks. She reached her arms behind her and wrapped them around his neck. “I… I’ve missed you too.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m so glad your home. I’ve missed you so much.”

  Slipping his head out of her arms, he ambled around the couch, sat next to her and placed his hands on either side of her face. “Now tell me what’s really bothering you?”

  “I don’t know why, but maybe it’s the stress, the want, and the need to… to have a part of you within me.” Daniella turned away to swallow hard at the lump forming in her throat as more tears rolled down her cheeks. “I-I just wish I could… give you a child.”

  “Don’t think that way. It’s not you. I’m the one with a low sperm count.” He scratched his head and smirked. “It will happen. And I bet it happens with the first procedure, which is… tomorrow?”

  She rested her head against his shoulder. “Y-yes. Tomorrow.”

  “Let me get my things out of the car and unpack. Then we can snuggle here all night long, okay?”

  “Okay,” she whispered.

  He pressed a gentle kiss against her forehead and then disappeared around the corner. He wasn’t gone too long, but long enough for Daniella to get absorbed into a movie.

  “What are you watching, love?”

  Daniella hugged her knees against her chest. “Ice Age, Dawn of the Dinosaur. I love these kid movies.”

  Cruz reached for the controller.

  “Don’t. You. DARE.” Daniella attempted to snatch the controller from his grasp, but he lifted his arm and chuckled.

 
“I’m just teasing. I love Ice Age.” He set the remote on the table, leaned back and slipped his arm across her shoulders, pulling her into his side.

  “Wise decision.” She snuggled into the crook of his arm. Both watched the movie with great amusement, until the female mammoth labored. She heaved and pushed. The entire scene stirred up Daniella’s emotions. She had tears in her eyes. And just when the mammoth gave birth, Manny, the father entered the scene and gave a look of awe, a look of a proud father, all emotional and touched with amazement as he observed his little family.

  No matter how hard Daniella tried, she couldn’t hold back her sniffles and whimpers.

  “Baby?” Cruz shifted and turned his knees toward hers.

  Daniella clapped her hands over her face to hide her embarrassment.

  “Why are you in tears?” he said, tugging at her hands, coaxing her to look at him, and wrapped her in his arms.

  “I... I don’t know. S-something about that scene—even a cartoon can get pregnant,” she sobbed.

  “Ahh, honey, we’ll get pregnant. Don’t cry. I hate it when you cry.” He placed his chin on her head and stroked her back in circular motions. “Come on, let’s go to bed and I’ll give you a massage.”

  ~~~

  A loud shriek escaped her lips, jerking her awake. She panted and pulled at her sweat soaked t-shirt. She was in bed, not remembering how she got there. Cruz must have carried her up last night.

  “Hey.” His warm breath and knuckles brushed against her dampened cheek. The morning sun peeked into their room giving enough radiance to highlight his handsome face smiling down at her. “Bad dream?”

  She nodded and stared at his slightly dampened hair. He must have taken a shower because he smelled fresh and he was fully dressed.

  “You okay? Want to talk about it?”

  “Yes, I’m okay. I don’t remember what the dream was about, only that it was scary.” Her breathing evened out, and she could no longer feel her heart racing.

  He smiled again, but this time it reached his eyes. “It’s time for you to get up and get ready. We have a very important date this morning.”