by Rye Hart
“See you tomorrow, Malcolm.”
“Later, Casey.”
I hung up the phone and stared at it for a long time, still trying to process everything that was happening to me. Things were moving a lot faster than I'd expected them to, and because of it, my heart was racing, and my cheeks were burning.
“Looks like someone has a crush,” Raya teased.
“No, it's not like that at all,” I said. “Please. This is a business deal. One that works for both of us.”
“Uh huh.”
I knew it was a lie. Raya knew it was a lie. But, I had to keep telling myself that lie and hope that I'd eventually come to believe it. I couldn't let myself fall for Malcolm. Not if we were going to make this work.
“Sure, whatever you say, Casey,” Raya said. “Just be careful, I don't want to see him hurt you. Remember, he needs something from you now, but once he has what he wants –”
“We're not going to be together, Raya. There's no way we'd work out,” I said. “We're just too different. And besides, I plan on getting the hell out of here as soon as I get that money, so in a way, I'm using him too. It's strictly a business arrangement.”
“Keep telling yourself that, chica, and hopefully, it'll actually turn out to be true.”
~ooo000ooo~
I got off the bus and stared up at the building before me. Crane Enterprises. Yep. This was it. This was where I was meeting with Malcolm and his lawyer to go over everything. Standing there on the sidewalk, it occurred to me that this was my last chance to back out of it.
The skyscraper was massive and modern, and I found it hard to believe that one family owned the giant, sleek building made of glass and steel before me. I counted the floors until I couldn't do it anymore. I knew I was just procrastinating, fidgeting, and not going inside. I tried to imagine how many employees they must have in a building so big, and the number was too large for me to fathom.
Most of the lights in the building were off, as it was after normal working hours, but a few windows remained lit. I figured one of them would be our meeting room. I stared down at the piece of paper in my hand that listed the address and the room number, and let out a long, pensive breath.
“It's now or never, Casey,” I muttered to myself.
I pulled open the large glass doors and walked through the lobby until I came to a reception desk. No receptionist was there, however, only a security guard who looked bored.
“Can I help you?” the woman said.
“Yes, I have a meeting with Malcolm Crane,” I said. “He's expecting me.”
The guard looked me up and down, and I didn't think she believed me. I'd tried to dress nice and look professional in the closest thing I had to a business suit – the same pencil skirt I wore yesterday with a white blouse. No jacket, but I had on heels and pantyhose. I thought I looked good, but the security guard didn't seem to approve of my choice in outfits.
“What's your name?” the guard asked.
“Casey Melville,” I said.
I crumpled the paper in my hand, then opened it back up again. Her scrutiny was making me sweat and told me that I was clearly out of place here.
The security guard picked up a phone, never taking her eyes off me. While she talked to someone in a hushed tone, I looked around the main floor of building. It was a sleek and modern interior with plants and a prominent water feature. It had black leather seating, wood trim on the walls, and a bank of elevators were set at the far end of the building. There were photographs on the walls of doctors, scientists, and others smiling brightly, with positive messages underneath them about how Crane Enterprises Cures People.
“He said to send you on up,” the guard said. “He's on the fifteenth floor, in the conference room. Just go up those elevators to –”
I stopped listening to her once she said I was free to go. I didn't like the way she'd obviously weighed and judged me, so I'd find my own way. I walked toward the elevators, the anticipation inside of me growing with each step. I felt like I was walking in a daze and it all felt like a dream. My body felt heavy, like I wasn't in control over it anymore. When the doors opened, I don't even remember walking inside and pressing the button.
I'd obviously done it, since I made it to the fifteenth floor in a matter of moments. The elevator doors slide open with a soft chime, and I stood there hesitating for too long. They closed again, and I had to press the button to open the doors back up in order to walk off the elevator.
The conference room, that's where I needed to go. I looked for some sort of signage that pointed the way to the conference room and didn't see any. There was another receptionist desk to the right, but it was empty. Everyone had seemingly gone home for the evening already. Apparently, I should have listened to the security guard downstairs.
I looked to my left and saw there were hallways that way, as well as some to my right. My head started spinning as I stood there and tried to figure out where I should go.
I heard footsteps coming from somewhere. The echoes of those footfalls were coming closer and it set my pulse racing. Malcolm rounded the corner and smiled.
“There you are,” he said, motioning for me to follow him. “We're just in here.”
We walked down the hallway, which ended pretty abruptly against two large, dark doors. Malcolm held the door open for me, and I swallowed hard as I stepped inside. The conference room could easily fit fifty people, but there were just the three of us: Malcolm, me and a man I assumed to be the lawyer.
The other man stood up from the table and reached for my hand.
“Terrance Houston,” he said. “It's nice to meet you.”
“Casey Melville,” I said.
Terrance looked every bit like a lawyer, dressed in a business suit with a burgundy and gold colored tie. In front of him were several piles of paperwork and a folder.
“Please sit down, Casey,” Malcolm said, pulling out the chair next to me.
His blue eyes locked on mine, and for the first time since I'd walked into the building, I knew it was going to be okay. Malcolm smiled at me, sending a warmth throughout my entire body. A warmth that melted into reassurance and even a bit of confidence. I somehow just knew that Malcolm was going to do everything in his power to take care of me.
I took a seat, and Malcolm sat across from me – seemingly miles away because the dark wooden table between us was so large. Terrance sat beside him and passed a stack of papers to me, and one stack to Malcolm. He kept one for himself.
I noticed that there was a digital recorder sitting next to the lawyer and he flipped a switch on it, starting an audio record of our meeting.
“Malcolm has explained to me that you're willing to enter into a surrogacy agreement,” he said. “Is this correct, Casey?”
“Yes,” I said. I placed my hands on my lap to keep myself from fidgeting. “That's correct.”
“And you're here on your own free will?” he asked. “No one is forcing you to enter into this agreement?”
“No, not at all,” I laughed, glancing over at Malcolm.
“Sorry, just routine questions for the record, that's all,” Terrance said. “We need to be sure you understand exactly what you're getting into.”
His eyes narrowed as he looked at Malcolm and very pointedly added, “Both of you.”
“I understand,” I said.
I tugged the hem of my skirt down, searching for anything to keep my hands busy.
Malcolm said, “I understand as well, Terrance. Thank you for getting everything together so fast.”
“Time is of the essence,” Terrance said. “Would you like to explain to Miss Melville the terms of the contract, or shall I?”
“I got it, Terrance. Just correct me in case I miss anything.”
The lawyer nodded, and we both turned our attention to Malcolm. He was also dressed in a suit and tie. He had on a black suit jacket that was fancier than the one he'd worn to the club, a white dress shirt that was crisp and clean, with a sapphire blue
tie that brought out the color in his eyes. He gave me a crooked smile, and my cheeks flushed.
In a few days or so, we'd be sleeping together. Just thinking about his body above me, naked and glistening in sweat, started a fire inside of me that I hadn't expected. Yeah, just a business arrangement. Right. I adjusted my position in the chair, feeling a growing ache low in my abdomen.
Malcolm ran a hand through his silky, sandy blonde hair before focusing on the contract sitting on the table in front of him.
“After talking to Terrance, I've decided to increase the payout to you, for your services, Casey,” he said. “I'm paying you one hundred thousand dollars – double what we'd discussed. But, in turn, there are some additional requirements I'll need you to agree to.”
My head started spinning. One hundred thousand. That would be more than enough for my family to start over somewhere new. Somewhere better. I opened my mouth to thank him, but no words came out. Malcolm picked up a plain, brown paper bag from the floor and slid it across toward me.
“I'm providing you with ovulation testing kits. We will monitor when you're ovulating to maximize our chances at success,” he said, his voice detached and clinical. “In addition to the testing kits are pregnancy tests, pre-natal vitamins and fertility treatments. Directions are included for the fertility drugs. Again, this is to increase our chances of pregnancy as quickly as possible, and if you have any questions about the safety of the drugs, you can ask the doctor I'm referring you too. Dr. Welch works for Crane Enterprises and will be running the STD screening prior to us being together. If anything comes back on the screening, then this contract is null and void unless otherwise treatable.”
“That won't be an issue,” I said, trying to make sense of everything he was saying to me. One question popped into my head instantly though. “Fertility drugs? Don't I need a prescription for these?”
Malcolm placed his hands on the table and leaned forward as if sharing some huge secret that only I could hear, except he wasn't close enough for that. The massive table between us kind of prevented that. He nodded to the lawyer, who stopped the recording for a moment.
His face serious, he said, “Technically, yes, but I've handled everything with Dr. Welch,” he said. “We have an arrangement, and I will require you to sign confidentiality agreements once we're done with this meeting. For her safety, of course.”
“Of course,” I said, feeling my stomach beginning to churn. “Is there anything else you require of me?”
He nodded to the lawyer again, who started the recording once more. Back on the record.
“Yes, in addition to the contract about the surrogacy, I am also asking you to sign a personal contract with me that says you will not sleep with anyone but me until after the baby is born, or if we decide to dismiss the contract,” he said. “During your pregnancy, you will also abstain from drinking, smoking and drugs –”
“I already told you, I don't do any of that,” I stammered.
He nodded. “I know, and I believe you,” he said. “But, I feel better having it in writing.”
“You don't trust me?”
My voice surprised even me. Malcolm's face fell, and he looked over at Terrance before looking back at me.
“It's not about trust, Casey,” he said. “It's just business.”
I scoffed, mostly to myself. “You trust me to carry your baby for nine months, but not to know better than to drink or do drugs while pregnant with said child.”
Terrance spoke up. “Miss Melville, is there a problem? If you're having any doubts about this agreement, please speak up now.”
One hundred thousand dollars. That was a lot of money. More than I'd probably see in my lifetime. Outside of winning the lottery, this was my only chance to get ahold of that kind of cash. Considering I didn't do any of the things they asked me to abstain from, it wasn't a problem. The lack of trust was most concerning to me, but maybe he was right. It was business. Malcolm did things differently as a business man.
“If it makes Mr. Crane feel better, I'm happy to sign the document,” I said. “None of those things are a problem for me anyway.”
Terrance studied my face long and hard and I could have sworn I saw skepticism flash in his eyes. I felt the bitter taste of anger rising up within me, but I choked it back. Now was not the time for that.
Malcolm continued, “I'd encourage you to read through the contracts yourself. If there's anything you don't understand or have questions about, feel free to ask,” he said. “Most of it is straight forward – like, once the child is born, you will forfeit all parental rights over to me.”
Terrance cut in. “Do you understand that what means, Miss Melville?”
“Yes, I'm aware that I won't be in the child's life,” I said softly. “It's been made clear to me already.”
“More than just that,” Terrance said. “It means you will not be in contact with the Crane family, at all. No letters. No pictures. Your child will never know you. Another woman may also raise your child as her own. Are you okay with all of that?”
My chest tightened. Putting it that way seemed so cold. It sounded harder than I originally thought it would.
Terrance continued. “If you saw Mr. Crane and the child out in public, you would not be allowed to interact with the child even –”
Malcolm cut him off, “Terrance, enough. Let's not beat a dead horse. And I'm not going to be a complete asshole about this,” he said. “Look at her, you're scaring her half to death.”
“I just want to make sure it's clear what she's getting herself into.”
“I think you've made it perfectly clear,” I said.
My voice didn't crack, and I actually sounded calm. Kudos to me.
Malcolm continued. “I'm not going to keep the child from her, especially if they ask about their mother,” he said. “I'm going to be honest and if they want to build a relationship, they can. That's up to them, not me”
I felt a smile pulling at my lips, but it didn't last.
“I know you mean well, Malcolm, but for the protection of your family, I will have to discourage that sort of mentality.” Terrance's eyes narrowed as he looked at me. “No offense to Miss Melville, but – ”
He didn't have to continue. I knew exactly what he was getting at, I'd been looked down upon by people all my life, so I was familiar with the attitude. I knew he was afraid that someone like me could bring shame to the Crane family.
I stopped him before he continued. “Mr. Houston, you have nothing to worry about. I know my place.”
“Casey – ” Malcolm cut in.
I held up a hand to silence him. He actually listened.
“No, Malcolm, I get it,” I said. “I'll admit that I was surprised you were being so nice to me, but once I discovered you needed something from me, it made perfect sense. I know my purpose in all of this. I know my role and I'm willing to play it.”
My eyes stung with tears, but I held them back, somehow. I kept it together, sitting upright and faced both of them with dignity. Like I'd said, I knew my place, and it would never be at the side of someone like Malcolm Crane.
Malcolm said, “Casey, that's not why I was nice to you.”
“It doesn't matter,” I said. “I'm not going to cause any problems, and I understand that I give up all parental rights once I hand the child over to Malcolm. I'm not naive enough to think it's going to be easy, but I trust that Malcolm can give my – err, his – child a better life than I ever could. And with the payment, I can start a family of my own one day. I understand everything that is at stake here.”
Terrance nodded. “Good. I'm glad we can agree on this, Miss Melville.”
“I'm ready to sign.”
I went through the contract and read everything, and when I got to the end, Terrance handed me a pen. Malcolm and I signed all three copies, and Terrance put one set of papers in the folder and handed it over to me.
“My card is in there if you have any questions, Miss Melville,” he said. �
�It's been a pleasure doing business with you both, but I need to get home. My wife is waiting.”
Malcolm stood, and the two men shook hands as I gathered my things. They continued to talk as I snuck out through the doors, seeing myself out. I was nearly to the elevators when a voice called from behind me.
It was Terrance.
“Miss Melville,” he said. “I apologize. I hope I wasn't too harsh on you in there.”
I shook my head. “It's fine. I'm used to it.”
He studied my face for a long time, then looked back toward the conference room. He leaned a little closer to me and lowered his voice as he spoke.
“I just want to make sure it's clear that as soon as this baby is born, you are out of the picture,” he said. “Malcolm has a good heart, he wants to do the right thing for everyone. But, he doesn't always think about himself and his family. He doesn't need any distractions right now, and that means –”
The conference room doors opened up, and Malcolm stood there, tall and handsome as ever, smiling back at us.
“Hey, I thought I missed you, Casey,” he said as he strolled down the hallway toward us. “I was just going to head out for something to eat. Care to join me?”
Terrance stood behind Malcolm, and he shook his head. His eyes were telling me not to go. My heart, on the other hand, wanted to spend more time with Malcolm. But then again, my heart didn't always make the best choices. Better not get too attached to him.
“Uhh, no thank you, Malcolm. I've already got plans,” I said.
Terrance gave me a thumbs up from behind Malcolm's back. Malcolm turned to look at the lawyer, but he'd already put his hands down by then. Houston just stood there looking as innocent as a lamb.
I hated him. I really, really hated him.
“I was just checking on Miss Melville,” he said. “I wanted to make sure I wasn't too hard on her back there.”
Malcolm glanced back at me, and I feigned a smile. “And I told him it's fine. I understand it's just business.”