by Rye Hart
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 do
esn'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.”
I turned on my heel and walked toward the elevator, quickening my pace to keep the distance between us. My heart was racing, my stomach in knots.
Whatever I did, I didn't want to get attached to Malcolm. That wouldn't end well for either of us. In fact, it would be a downright disaster.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
MALCOLM
Terrance kept me cornered, and I watched Casey head down the hallway. It was like he was purposely trying to keep me from her or something.
“Excuse me, Terrance,” I said, pushing past him. “I'll be right back.”
I hurried after her, and as I rounded the corner, I heard the elevator doors chime as they shut. I tried to push the button to get them to open, but it was too late. I waited for the other elevator, but it was coming all the way up from the first floor. I knew by the time it got there, Casey would be gone.
I wasn't sure why I felt the urge to chase after her in the first place. Maybe it was the look of fear and sadness in her eyes. I didn't know what it was, but something bothered me. Terrance rounded the corner before the other elevator arrived.
He stood stiffly beside me as we waited.
“Why did you have to be so harsh to her? She's doing me a huge favor,” I said.
“She needs to know where she stands, Malcolm,” he explained. “My first obligation is to the Crane family, the entire Crane family – not just you. It's bad enough that you're having a child with someone of mixed race, but –”
“Wait, what did you say?”
I turned toward him, not sure if I'd heard him correctly. Hoping I hadn't. He sighed, staring straight ahead as he spoke.
“Malcolm, I know desperate times call for desperate measures and all,” he said, “but I'm with your father on this. Danielle would still be the ideal candidate. She has good genes, comes from money herself –”
“And she's a gold-digging bitch who fucks other men and who's only after me for my money? But who cares about that, right?” I scoffed. “Why did you mention Casey as being mixed race? What does that have to do with anything?”
“Because she's half Hispanic,” he said as if it were something to be ashamed of. “On her mother's side.”
“How would you know this?” I asked. “And why does it matter?”
The elevator doors finally opened for us, and we stepped inside. Terrance tried to use it as an excuse to avoid my question, but I pressed the issue.
“Terrance, I asked you a question.”
“I looked into her background a bit, Malcolm,” he said. “I was curious about the woman you'd chosen as your surrogate. It’s my job to make sure your are protected. I figured your family ought to know.”
“Don't bring my family into this,” I said. “It's my personal affair, and I expect you to keep this quiet until I'm ready to tell them. Is that clear?”
He didn't respond.
“Terrance, I'm the one paying you right now, and when my father dies, I will be the one taking over Crane Enterprises. Trust me when I say that you do not want to be on my bad side. Not if you still want to remain on retainer, that is.”
For the first time all night, something flashed in his otherwise dead eyes. A shadow passed over his face as he turned to me.
“Understood, Mr. Crane,” he said. “I will not talk to your family about this matter.”
The elevator landed on the main floor, and I hurried out, glancing around the lobby. One of our security guards was sitting at the front desk, but otherwise, we were alone. I rushed out of the building and into the street, looking everywhere, but there was no sign of her.
A bus pulled away from the curb just as I started up the steps, and I saw Casey's face peering back at me from the window. When she caught me looking, she turned away.
Terrance came out of the building and stood beside me.
“I'll keep your plans secret, Malcolm, but just know that I have your entire family's best interests at heart. Not just yours. That is my job and I will execute it as faithfully as I can.”
He walked to the parking lot and disappeared among the few rows of cars still there. My fists were balled up at my sides as I watched him walk away. Maybe I should have hired my own lawyer to work on this – someone who wasn't tied to my father.
It was too late now though. I'd been in a hurry and needed to get moving on this.
Hopefully I wouldn't pay for it later.
~ooo000ooo~
Ever since I'd split from Danielle, I let her stay in our condo while I'd been sleeping in my old bedroom at my family's home in Beverly Hills. It just seemed easier than dealing with Danielle at the moment.
Only a few days into the stay at my parent's house though, and I knew I'd need to get my own place. The condo had too many memories for me to go back there, even if I did kick Danielle out. I figured I'd just let her have the condo. She could take over the payments and I'd find somewhere else to live, eventually.
“Mom, what are you still doing up?” I asked when I got home that evening.
It was after ten by the time I made my way back home. She was usually in bed by that time. Instead, she sat in the parlor room, drinking tea by the fireplace. She smiled and stood up when I walked through th
e door.
“I was waiting for you, dear,” she said. “I wanted to see how you're doing in regard to the task your father set out for you.”
I knew mom would support me in my decision to enter into an agreement with a woman like I had, but Terrance's words came back to me. His comments about Casey being mixed race and what my family would think of that. A nervous ripple rolled through my body and I wasn't sure why.
I was mentally exhausted though, and in no mood to answer a hundred questions or have my mother beg to meet Casey, so I decided to keep it under wraps for now. Especially since Casey wasn't even pregnant yet – and we weren't even sure this would work.
I whipped around my mom and headed for the mini bar, where I poured myself a Scotch. I leaned against the bar and drank, finishing most of the glass before I knew what I was going to say.
“I'm working on it, mom,” was what I finally decided on.
She raised an eyebrow. “Just working on it, Malcolm?” she asked. “How close are you to finding a surrogate?”
“Close. Just give me a little more time.”
“We don't have a little more time, Malcolm,” she said.
She got up from the sofa, crossed the room, and stood in front of me. My mom was not a tall woman, but she could make herself seem tall and mighty when she wanted to. Even when I was staring down at her, it felt like she was the one sneering down at me, a mother's stern expression on her face. An expression that rarely failed to make me feel like a child all over again.
“I'm serious, Malcolm,” she said. “If you don't want Adam to take over the company, you need to be on top of this.”
“I am on top of it, mother,” I said, finishing the Scotch.
I considered making myself another one, but she grabbed the glass from my hand before I could pour it.
“Do you think Adam is taking his dear, sweet time,” she asked. “Or do you think he's out there trying to have a baby?”
“I really don't want to think about Adam's sex life, mom,” I said. “And honestly, I'd rather not be talking about my sex life with you either, so if you don't mind, I'd like to go to bed.”