Ruby felt sceptical about going to the hotel to find the mystery man. From what she knew about the Grand Hotel, it is a very big and popular place among the high and mighty so she knew it would not be easy finding him there. She doesn’t think any organisation would willingly give out information about their high-profile clientele. A lot of questions and emotions ran through her but she decided to ask the most important question
“Naomi thinking about what you’ve just said, if it is true, how would we get the VIP list?” Ruby asked the question on her mind
“We could ask the receptionist, he or she might be willing to help” Naomi revealed her plan.
“And if it doesn’t work?” Ruby was already feeling downtrodden. The Vips of most organisations were highly respected and confidential and with a hotel as classy and upscale as Grand Hotel, she doubted if they could get the list.
“Well there is no harm in trying, if it doesn’t work we will devise another means to get the list” Naomi said with determination. She was determined to find her friend’s mystery baby daddy at all costs.
They hurried to the hotel without delay, their hearts pounding in excitement. While entering the classy lobby, their eyes darted around to absorb the lavishness and magnificence of their surroundings. Naomi marched ahead, determination written all over her face.
As they neared the reception, they found a smartly dressed receptionist standing by the counter, smiling in a friendly manner. Naomi stepped up and took the lead, her voice clear and strong.
“Good evening, ” she started with a smile. We are looking for a person who might have been lodged in your penthouse recently. Please can you help us with the list of guests who have lodged in the penthouse recently?
The receptionist looked at them for a moment. “I’m sorry, I wish I could help you. The guest list is above my pay grade the manager is the only one that can help you with that.”
Naomi’s heart sank as the receptionist’s reply dashed her hope. She had thought that this would be an easy way to get the VIP list, but it seemed that the task was more difficult than she had predicted. She exchanged a dejected glance with Ruby.
“Is there any way we could speak to the manager?” Naomi asked, trying to keep a hint of determination in her voice. She knew that the mystery baby daddy had to be on that list, and they had come too far to turn back now.
The receptionist sighed, clearly contemplating their request. “I’m very sorry ma, but the manager is quite busy at the moment. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to speak with him directly.”
Naomi’s mind raced, searching for an alternative plan. If she couldn’t get access to the manager, they would have to think outside the box. Then, a mischievous idea sparked in her eyes.
“Could you perhaps give us some information about the penthouse guests without clearly giving us the list?” Naomi asked, a clever smile dancing at the edge of her lips. She had always been able to convince people to manipulate the rules, and she was committed to using that ability to her benefit.
The receptionist raised an eyebrow, impressed by Naomi’s proposal. “I wish I could help, but I can’t give any detail about the VIP guests.
Naomi’s smile quivered for a split second, but she quickly reclaimed her control. She leaned in closer, lowering her voice privately. “I understand the hotel’s rule, but this is a matter of great importance,” she whispered. “You see, my friend here had an encounter with one of the penthouse guests, and it resulted in an unexpected pregnancy. We’re just trying to find the father so that he can take responsibility.”
The receptionist’s eyes widened in surprise, his interest stirred by Naomi’s revelation. He glanced around to ensure no one was listening before leaning in closer to them. “I can’t reveal any names or specific details,” he murmured, “but I might be able to give you some traces to follow.” Naomi’s heart skipped a beat.
It seemed like their plan was finally gaining traction. Ruby watched with bated breath, her hope renewed. “Any information would be greatly appreciated,” Naomi replied earnestly.
The receptionist hesitated for a moment, weighing his options. Finally, he nodded and leaned back in his chair
“All right,” he said in a very low tone “the penthouse attracts different clientele but they are mostly regulars, especially on weekends. So if you are determined to find him, I suggest you hang around the hotel maybe your friend might recognise someone.”
“Thank you very much,” Naomi said with gratitude. The receptionist gave them a small nod before returning to his duties, leaving Naomi and Ruby to contemplate their next move. They stepped away from the receptionist’s desk. They had a small lead, something to hold onto in their search for the mystery baby daddy.
“I can’t believe we got something out of the receptionist,” Ruby whispered, her voice filled with awe. “I mean, I didn’t think he would budge at all.”
Naomi grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Never underestimate the power of persuasion,” she replied. “Sometimes, all it takes is a little charm and a compelling story.”
“Yeah about the story, you should have used a public address system and told the whole world I got pregnant for a total stranger “ Ruby said sarcastically. She knew Naomi meant no harm but at the same time, she felt her friend overshared with the receptionist.
“I’m sorry, but at least it worked, we just found out that, there is a ninety-five per cent chance that your mystery baby daddy could be a regular here” Naomi replied
They found a very nice and comfortable location in the lounge and carefully positioned themselves so they could get a perfect view of the entrance. The ambience was lively, with people discussing and enjoying their drinks. Their eyes moved from person to person as they anxiously awaited any sign of any familiar face.
As the minutes turned into hours, Naomi’s determination began to waver. Doubt crept in, whispering that their plan was nothing but a wild goose chase. She glanced at Ruby, her friend’s hopeful expression now tinged with exhaustion.
“Ruby I think we should call it a night and come back here next weekend, you need to rest so you don’t look exhausted on Monday”
“What if we never find him,” Ruby asked feeling disappointed
“We would find him no matter how long it takes. All we need is patience and pestilence ” Naomi assured her
Ruby sighed, her shoulders slumping. “I know you’re right, Naomi. It’s just...this whole situation is so overwhelming. I never thought it would come to this.” Naomi reached over and grasped Ruby’s hand in a comforting manner. “I understand it feels scary, but we’ll figure it out as a team. We made it this far, and we won’t give up until we find him.”
“All right, I’m exhausted and we need to sleep,” Ruby declared. They left the hotel with the hope to continue their search next weekend.