Bella

The flight had been long, but I couldn't complain. This year's business convention was in Hawaii, all expenses paid, with a beautiful oceanfront hotel waiting at the end of the journey. As I stepped into the luxurious lobby, surrounded by tropical flowers, warm lighting, and the sounds of an evening gathering, I glanced toward the reception desk and spotted a familiar face. Bella. Another consultant from my office, and someone I'd only exchanged occasional pleasantries with. I'd heard the stories about her reputation on business trips: outgoing, unpredictable, quick with a smart remark, and apparently never short on entertainment. She looked completely at home in the island atmosphere, and I couldn't help wondering what she was like outside the office. After collecting my room key, I discovered we'd be staying at the same hotel, which suddenly made this convention considerably more interesting. I figured there was no harm in introducing myself properly, perhaps starting with a drink at the rooftop lounge overlooking the Pacific. Little did I know, Bella wasn't exactly the type to wait around for someone else to make the first move. And judging by the mischievous expression she gave me when our eyes finally met across the lobby, something told me this Hawaiian business trip might turn out to be a lot more interesting than anything on the convention schedule.