Page 15 of Rory: His to Discipline

“Bridget!” Tess scolded as she grabbed her arm and pulled her into Nick’s private office shutting the door. “Del is a very nice man,” she told her, still biting her cheek. Finally, she gave up and collapsed into Bridget’s arms. “It really is a horrible name, is it not?” she laughed. “Oh, I feel so guilty for laughing. Look what you have made me do? We should be ashamed of ourselves, yes?”

“Yes,” Bridget agreed, trying to pull herself together. “In theory,” she hiccupped before the next round hit her.

“Come,” Tess insisted. “Let us step outside and get some air. Do not look at me. You will get to escape but I have to stay here all day. How will I be able to look at him now without …?”

“Okay,” Bridget agreed sniffing. They went outside and stood on the sidewalk, back to back.

The only way she would be able to stop was to change the conversation to a serious matter.

“So, where are you staying?”

“I cannot tell you. I promised and I am afraid that your brother will get it out of you.”

"Never, but it’s okay if you want to keep it a secret. He will find you eventually, you know that, right?”

“Yes, I know. I need some time to think things through. I hope your madre understands.”

“She understands better than you know,” Bridget told her. “I’ll tell her I talked to you and that you will call her in a few days. Is that okay?”

“It is fine. Are you okay now? I need to get back inside.”

“Yes, I’m under control, but I need to grab my book bag. Do you think I should go in and apologize to Winston?”

Tess smiled and turned her head away. “Not right now. I do not know if you will be able to behave and I would not want to make matters worse.”

“Good idea,” Bridget replied as she picked up her bag. “Self-control isn’t my strong point,” she agreed. “Stay in touch, Tess. You’re very important to my family and I’ll miss you,” she told her candidly.

“I will,” Tess promised as she picked up the ringing phone.

* * *

Two hours later Bridget was back. Tess was not at her desk so Bridget walked to Del’s door, knocked softly and walked in. Winston was on the phone so she swiftly placed a pretty square box on his desk as he scowled darkly at her. Bridget smiled, mouthed the words, "I’m sorry" and made an X over her heart before she backed out of the room, closing the door gently.

Del eyed the pink box suspiciously as he finished his conversation. Whatever could she be doing now? It would not have surprised him to find a frog or something equally inappropriate inside. Carefully he pulled off the top and his golden brown eyes widened. The small heart-shaped cake truly astounded him. Decorated with pink icing, little candy hearts were sprinkled all over it. A little pennant flag rose out of the center with the words "Forgive Me" on it. Del pondered as he stuck his finger into the frosting and licked it off. What a strange contrary creature Ms. O’Malley was, horrible one minute and endearing the next. He would have to think about this.

* * *

Rebecca answered the phone just as Tess was getting ready to hang up. Slightly out of breath she plopped down on the sofa. “Hello?”

“Rebecca, I almost hung up. Are you busy?” Tess asked.

“No, I’m just a little out of breath. I have been trying to find something and not having much luck. How are you, Tess?”

“I am fine. It is you I am worried about. No baby yet, I see?”

“No,” Rebecca laughed. “Mason says it’s a girl so we have to expect her to be fashionably late, but tomorrow is D-day. I have been trying to wait for Maggie and Nick to get back, but the doctor says if I don’t go into labor by tomorrow, they will induce it. I’m not looking forward to that part, but unless I want to still look like the great pumpkin at Christmas, I don’t have much choice,” she laughed.

“So, you are feeling okay?” Tess asked, concerned.

“I’m just frustrated right this minute. Mason has been stuck to me like glue. I swear it’s a wonder I get to go to the bathroom alone,” she sighed.

“Is there anything I can do? I can come over and help you search for whatever it is you are missing?” Tess offered.

“No, I don’t think that will work. I have to find this object when Mason is not around and I have a very limited window of opportunity right now. If I don’t find it before the baby is born, I will have about six weeks give or take a few days to locate it. I might have to take you up on your offer then.” Rebecca moaned.

“Are you okay? Are you having pains?” Tess asked.

“No, Mason just came in so I guess I’m done looking for the time being. Anyway, thanks for calling Tess. Come see us at the hospital, okay?”