The Vines'

***The Vines - First View

"I do not see your name, Miss Alayna Watson. Unfortunately, it appears that you did not make the list", the security guard stared at me as if I am an unwanted product of the entire human race.

I did not make the list? I am the list!

I am Alayna Watson. Best selling author, business owner and - a sudden kick into my soul and all my previous lives reminded me of the fact that in less than 3 weeks I'd be adding "being a mother" to that list.

"Do I really need to do this?", I asked the security guard as we stood glaring at each other in the middle of the breathtaking reception hall of The Vines.

I've never really seen anything like it before. Tonight is the official launch and my sister-friend, Natalie, who happens to be my housemate has my set of house keys. She was meant to drop it off at my book launch but couldn't due to an "event" happening at this particular hotel.

There I was thinking the "event" included a hotel room with some hot stud followed by some steamy action. Instead, I am dealing with some daunting list action with some overnourished security guard who has no idea who I am!

My day consisted of a gynecologist appointment, a 4D scan, yoga class and the launch of my latest book. I do not own the strength for this.

"Mr List Blocker, I drove all the way from the other side of town to get my house keys. I really do not want to burn this place down. Allow me to get my keys and I promise I'd get you a doughnut or some other edibles", I said with my head bowed and my palms firmly resting on the edges of his expensive desk.

List blocker clearly took offense to my offer. The look on his face resembled that of a well... his face.

I hastily pushed my hair behind my ear as I reached for my phone.  I've resorted to dialling Natalie's number and telling her to find her way to me. Right now! Please don't ask why I did not exhaust that avenue from the get go. I have a severe case of porridge brain.

The doors of the elevator opened and Natalie rushed out. She stopped in her tracks and gasped, "Alayna! Your hair. This dress. Your shoes. You. Amazing!" She proceeded to bend down and kiss my tummy.

I was glowing indeed. Glowing and glaring at every soul but glowing. I've decided to wear a gorgeous red off-the-shoulder floor length dress. The A-line cut definitely accomodated my bulging tummy. My breasts are not on their best behaviour. They've been screaming, "I own breastmilk!"

"How is my godson doing? Let me see him!", she extended her hand as a means to get me to show her the picture of Eli. I handed her the picture and she went into a fit of giddy cheer.

"I am sorry that I missed your book launch but duty called." Her voice trailed off and she shifted her gaze to the heavens above. Was that a scent of akwardness?

I stared at her in sheer confusion.

"Natalie Palmer, what in the world is going on with you? What is it!", I practically screamed in a whisper voice.

"You know I work for him. It is his hotel. He thinks you are abroad and not... fat. Not that you are fat. Alayna, but he is here", she literally dropped some heavy Busta Rhymes bars while nervously looking over her shoulder to the elevators.

"He" being Tyler Vines. My handsome ex fiance. All of a sudden everything made sense! Her being vague regarding the hotel business, the name of the hotel and her awkwardness.

Ty and I broke up a few months ago due to natural causes. It was a unanimous decision to part but the "no contact" clause was all me. I changed my number, went abroad and ate weird shit. Did I mention the part about not telling him about the pregnancy? No? Ah, it's the porridge brain acting up again. Please do forgive me.

"You could have said something! I cannot afford the expense of running into..." My voice trailed off at the sight of him dressed in a fitted emerald suit with gold cufflings. His hair was swept back and his face matched the shocked expression on mine...

Yes, tonight we are definitely matching.