(18+) The Guest (Complete)

Ch. 36: Cold

My apartment felt cold when I closed the door behind me. But I didn't really know if it was because of the temperature or just because it was empty. Well, not completely empty, though. Nugget was there. And she was swimming in food. Pedro obviously didn't know how little a hamster ate.

I sighed and stared at my suitcase. I didn't feel like unpacking today. It would only make me feel more lonely to see the lingerie I'd bought. I giggled.

"I can't believe I wore those," I said to myself, thinking about the way Michael had reacted. It actually made me want to do it again.

"Maybe some other time," I mumbled, before I went into the kitchen to make myself a cup of coffee to sharpen my senses. The time zones had really messed with my head. We'd started from Perth early this morning, and even after several hours on Michael's jet, it was still morning here in Spain. I was too late for the morning shift, though. But that didn't matter, because I wasn't supposed to work until tomorrow. Nevertheless, barely an hour later I entered through the tall glass doors to our hotel, with Marcus and Scott following close behind. They seemed completely misplaced, since nobody had discovered I was home yet. And I hoped that it remained that way, so they could go home to their families. Maybe the obnoxious journalists and crazy people would leave me alone as long as I wasn't together with Michael?

"Ana! Our very own celebrity!" Sophia exclaimed when she saw me, and smothered me with a hug. And even though I shushed her, she rambled on in her usual way. Pedro came over too, and congratulated me with one kiss on each cheek and a pat on my belly, which was fine because I knew him. But when our new porter Kazu came and did the same, I frowned inwardly. Especially when he ended it with a half crooked flirtatious smirk. Even Sophia noticed. So, not to dwell on it too long, I stepped behind the reception desk and searched the guest list.

No 'Mr. Diaz' today, I thought to myself and sighed.

The conversation between us continued in a lively manner, until everyone around me suddenly became silent.

"I need to check on room 224," Sophia said and excused herself. And Pedro pretended to get an urgent phone call. Only Kazu remained put, and stared at something behind me. Or more exact; someone. My mom.

"You're back," she said coldly, and I slowly turned around to face her. Then I swallowed and nodded, before I felt angry at myself for being such a coward under her demand. But eventually, I dared to look her in the eyes.

"Hi, mom."

I smiled briefly, but I knew it didn't reach my eyes. Why should it really? She didn't smile back anyway. She just stared at me for a few seconds, then walked away as if she was trying to ignore my presence altogether.

"Love you too," I mumbled sarcastically, and decided to go look for my dad. I knew where I would find him. He was taking care of the guests in the conference department together with a girl I hadn't seen before.

"Sugarbun! You're not supposed to be here today. I was going to drop by your apartment when these meetings were done."

He gave me a bear hug so warm and heartfelt that I got tears in my eyes.

"I know, but I felt too restless to stay home," I said and blinked them away.

He looked at me and chuckled.

"I can't believe you're pregnant."

"I know," I said and giggled too.

"I can't believe it either. I'm not even the slightest prepared. But hopefully that has changed before her arrival."

"Her? It's a girl?"

"According to Michael it is."

"And how does he feel about it?"