The Surrogate

When he woke up in the morning Joyce had already left, he wasn't surprised that she hadn't woken him up before going, she never did. Getting out of bed he took a shower and after changing went downstairs to make coffee. Sitting at the table with his coffee he reached for his phone and dialed Christy's number. Since he didn't have to go to work today he thought this would be the perfect time to meet her.

He waited for her to answer and when it kept ringing he was about to give up when she answered. It sounded like she was just waking up and realized how early it was and felt the need to apologize. "I'm sorry, I hadn't realized how early it was and I'm sorry I woke you."

That's okay, may I ask who's calling?

The sound of her voice was so soothing, she sounded so young and sweet that he almost forgot why he was calling her.

Hello, if this is a crank call I'm hanging up.

"No, don't hang up, it's Cole Mason calling. I'm calling about the talk you had with my wife about being our surrogate. I was hoping I could meet with you today to discuss it, perhaps over lunch."

Mr. Mason, yes, I could meet you. Just tell me when and where.

"Ok, let's meet at Tony's, do you know that place?"

Yes, what time?

"Let's say twelve, I will meet you inside."

Okay, I'll see you then. So that you will know it's me I'll be wearing a yellow sundress and I have brown hair. Bye.

He hung up the phone, he couldn't get over how her voice sounded like sweet honey. But then again that didn't mean anything, just because she had a nice voice didn't mean she herself was sweet. He was curious to meet her and find out why she wanted to be a surrogate for two strangers.

Christy started getting ready for her meeting with Cole, she was feeling a bit nervous about going to see him. She also wondered why he never mentioned Joyce, but figured she'd be there anyway. His voice over the phone sounded so strong, and he spoke with such confidence like he was used to being the one in charge. He also had a sexy voice and wondered what he looks like, well she would soon find out.

Getting off the bus she headed towards Tony's, a place she could never afford to eat at. When she entered the restaurant she looked around for Joyce but didn't see her anywhere. Then she noticed a man standing up and she had to swallow the lump in her throat. He was tall, with dark hair and the most handsomeness man she had ever seen. She stood there frozen to the spot as he walked towards her.

Cole saw the woman wearing a yellow sundress and knew it had to be her. He watched her for a moment before he got up and walked over to her. She was beautiful, petite with brown hair and a touch of blond highlights. Her dark brown started back at him, she looked scared as he held out his hand to shake hers. "You must be Christy Grant, I'm Cole Mason."

She looked at his hand, hesitating before she took it. "Yes, I'm Christy."

A smile crossed his face when she didn't offer any more information. "It's nice to meet you. I have a table for us, after you," he said, letting her go ahead of him. He followed behind her and when they reached their table he pulled out her chair for her.

She waited until he was seated before speaking. "Isn't Mrs. Mason here?"

He cleared his throat. "No, she has gone away for a couple of weeks and asked that I interview you. My wife has already decided that she wants you to be our surrogate. I, on the other hand, need to know all about you and if you will be suitable for this arrangement. Would you care for a cocktail before we order lunch?"

"No thank you, I don't drink alcohol."

"Ever?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"That's right, I can't stand the taste of it."

"I hope it won't bother you if I have one?"

"Not at all," she replied as she picked up her menu.

When the waitress came over he ordered a brandy and she asked for an ice tea and then they each ordered the lunch special.

He took a sip of his drink and looked at her. "I guess I will start unless you want to ask me something first." She was not what he was expecting. She was young and beautiful and he was surprised that Joyce picked her.

She did have a lot of questions but wanted to wait and see what all he had to ask her. "No, you can go first."

He took a notepad from his pocket and a pen. "How old are you?"

She couldn't stop the giggle that came out of her mouth.

He frowned when he looked at her. "Did I say something funny?"

"Didn't anyone tell you it's not polite to ask a woman her age?" When he didn't acknowledge the humour she became serious. "I'm twenty-one."

"When was the last time you were sexually active?"

"Excuse me, I don't think that's any of your business."

The tone of her voice told him she was not happy with his question. "Normally it wouldn't be, but I do have to make sure you're not already pregnant or have any diseases. If I choose you I have to be sure that you won't get pregnant with another man's baby while we are in the process of you carrying my child."

She knew he was right, but she still didn't like the question. "It's been a couple of years and before you ask, I'm not seeing anyone."

He wrote in his notepad before continuing. "Do you have any medical problems that I should be made aware of and will you allow me to have access to your medical files?" He couldn't help noticing how she played with her napkin.

"I'm healthy and have no problems that I'm aware of. I have no problem with you seeing my records since you're a doctor."

"Any history of drug use or a criminal record?"

"No," she replied, feeling annoyed with some of his questions.

He was pleased with her answers and had one more he wanted to know. "Why would a young woman such as yourself agree to be a surrogate? Are you doing it just for the money or is there another reason?"

"I'll be honest, it's mostly for the money. The restaurant where I worked closed down and my rent is past due. When your wife first approached me I thought she was crazy and I wasn't going to do it."

"So what changed your mind?"

"I got to thinking about all the couples who desperately want a baby but can't have them. If I can help them and give them a baby to love, then why shouldn't I? I'm so close to being put out on the street and I need the money."

"I will expect you to have a medical examination before we can proceed. I will make the arrangements and get back to you, that is if you still want to go through with it."

"Is it my turn to ask you some questions?"

"Feel free," he said, taking a bite of his fish.

"I understand that you're a doctor and a very busy one at that, so will you have time for a baby with your busy schedule?"

"I'll make time."

"Why do you want one?"

"Wow, good question." He had the feeling he shouldn't tell her the truth, so he said what he felt she wanted to hear. "I have always wanted to be a father and I think I'd be a great one. I have all this love to give and a baby would fill that void in my heart. My wife and I have been married for over five years and now that my career is where I want it now is the best time to bring a child into the world."

She liked his answer and also thought he would be a great dad, he gave her that vibe. "When will we be starting the process and how will I be paid?"

"I'd like to get started right away and I was planning on waiting to give you a partial payment once you got pregnant. But as you said you are late in paying your rent I could give you ten thousand, then when the baby is born you will receive the rest."

She blinked, she was hoping for some money but wasn't expecting to get that much. "What happens if I don't get pregnant? I mean there's no way I could ever pay back that much money."

"I wouldn't expect you to pay it back, consider it as a payment for your time and effort."

"What exactly is the procedure, how does it work?"

"Since my wife is infertile you'll be artificially inseminated with my sperm. With luck you'll get pregnant the first time, if not we'll try again. Since your eggs will be used it won't mean that you'll have any rights to the baby. I will have my lawyer draw up a legal document that you will need to sign, giving up any rights. Do you agree to that?"

The thought of it also being a part of her was a bit unsettling, but as long as the doctor and his wife loved and cared for the baby she would agree. "Yes, I agree."

"Good, I'll get started on the paperwork right away and will make the doctor's appointment. I will go with you to every appointment and if you have any questions just ask and I'll answer them for you."

When they finished the meal and walked outside she thanked him once again for lunch. "Okay, I will wait for your call. If I hurry I can catch the next bus."

"Bus! Where do you live?"

"On the other side of town."

"Why don't I give you a ride?"

"That's not necessary."

"Please, you're doing me a huge favour so it's the least I can do."

"If you're sure it's not an inconvenience, then yes, I would appreciate it."

He led her over to where his vehicle was parked and opened the door for her. He waited until she was seated before closing the door and going to the driver's side. Getting in he started his BMW and headed in the direction she gave him. His eyes momentarily went to her legs where her dress had risen up. Grabbing the steering wheel he kept his eyes straight ahead.

When they arrived at her apartment they were met with a commotion outside. She saw the other tenants standing outside the building. "I wonder what's going on," she said as she got out of the car.

He also got out and stood next to her. "There's some fire truck here so I'm guessing there's been a fire."

One of her neighbours came over to her. "Christy, there's been a fire inside and all the apartments have water and smoke damage. We can't go back in until everything is up to code and have to find somewhere else to stay."

She was shocked. "How did the fire start?"

"Well, apparently the wiring throughout the building should have been replaced years ago but the people who own it couldn't be bothered to do it. We've all lost everything, furniture, clothes and other belongings. Sorry, I've got to go," she said and rushed away.

Christy tried to hold back the tears but to no avail, they flowed from her eyes. "Oh my God, I didn't have much but the little I did have is gone."

He was never one who liked seeing a woman cry and felt his heart go out to her so he put his arm around her shoulder. "Hey, it's going to be okay. I'll get you the money I promised you and that way you can replace the things you need. Is there somewhere I can drop you off? A family member or a friend?"

"The only friends I have won't have any room for me. As for family, I'm not close to them, so I can't go there. I suppose you could drop me off at a woman's shelter."

He couldn't bear the thoughts of her going to one of those places, and she had no clothes since they got destroyed in the fire. "I think you should come home with me until you can make other arrangements."

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"For one thing we are strangers, and for another, your wife is away. It wouldn't look right for me to be there and I'm sure Mrs. Mason wouldn't like me being alone with her husband."

"Christy, I'm sure she won't care and if you're afraid I might try something with you, I won't. I took my wedding vows to be faithful serious and will never break them." If he were, to be honest with himself he would admit that he could see the two of them together. She was as sexy looking as she was beautiful but he would not act on his urge.

She wiped the tears from her eyes and moved away from him. "If you're sure it's okay, then I guess I could go with you. I promise I'll call around and find somewhere else to stay."

"Let's not worry about that today and I'm going to take you shopping to get some clothes."

"No, no, I can't let you do that."

"You need some clothes, you can't wear this dress every day. Look, if it will make you feel better I'll deduct what we spend off of what I was going to give you. I'm never home much lately so you'll have the whole place to yourself during the day, and some nights too."

"I don't plan on being in your home long, maybe a day or two." She felt uneasy about staying with him and was worried about what his wife would say. She knew if Cole was her man there was no way she would allow a woman to stay in their home alone with him.

He had trouble getting her to pick out more than a couple of items. But with some coaxing, she ended up with some jeans, tops, underwear, a pair of shoes and some other clothing she would need for a few days.