The Baby Interview

by Robbie Terman

  "Lucy is a close friend of Cole's,” Nanny Hilda added.

  Both Lucy and Mrs. Donovan's jaws dropped at the bold statement. It was at the tip of Lucy's tongue to deny Nanny Hilda's words. Until she caught a glimpse of the sheer horror on Mrs. Donovan's face. Let her believe whatever she wants, Lucy thought with unusual pettiness.

  After a moment, Mrs. Donovan regained her composure, and her flawless face became a mask once again. “Since you and my son are such good ... friends, you must join us for the party tonight."

  Attend the party! Now it was Lucy's turn to feel horror. She couldn't imagine herself at Cole's party, surrounded by dozens of socialites who were looking at her the way Mrs. Donovan was looking at her right now. Like she didn't belong.

  "I'm doing inventory at the store tonight,” Lucy lied.

  She was about to run for the nearest exit when she caught a glimpse of something. Through Mrs. Donovan's expressionless face, Lucy could swear she saw a glimpse of a smirk.

  Mrs. Donovan was playing with her! Dangling a society party invitation in her face, knowing Lucy wouldn't accept. Well, if that was what Mrs. Donovan thought, she was in for a big surprise.

  "But I don't see why my employees can't handle that. I'd love to come."

  The veiled smirk disappeared. “Fine. I suppose I'll see you tonight. Mrs. Simms, come.” Mrs. Donovan walked regally out of the kitchen with the housekeeper on her heels.

  As soon as they cleared the doorway, Lucy sagged against the island. “What have I done?” she moaned into her hands.

  Nanny Hilda patted her on the shoulder. “You did the right thing. You stood up for yourself. Cole would have been proud of you, seeing you face down his mama like that. Not many women have the courage to stand up to Miriam Donovan."

  "Cole.” Lucy moaned again. “How am I going to explain inviting myself to his party?"

  "He wanted to invite you himself,” Nanny Hilda told her. “But he doesn't even like attending, and it's his party. He figured you wouldn't enjoy yourself."

  "Why is he throwing this party then, if he hates doing it?"

  "Because it's expected of him. His parents used to throw the annual bash, and when Cole's daddy retired, it got passed to him, same as the company."

  "I just couldn't bring myself to decline the invitation,” Lucy confessed. “Not with Mrs. Donovan smirking, sort of, at me. But I really can't come. Please let Cole know I won't be attending."

  Nanny Hilda shook her head. “Honey, you are not going to let Miriam Donovan have the last laugh. You will be here tonight."

  "But I have nothing even remotely appropriate to wear."

  Nanny Hilda grinned. “I'll take care of that."

  * * * *

  "I hear you met my mother."

  Cole sounded apologetic over the phone. Miriam had obviously wasted no time informing Cole about her and Lucy's conversation. By the time Lucy had arrived back at the flower shop twenty minutes after leaving the Donovan house, she already had a message from Cole.

  "Yes, we had a pleasant conversation,” Lucy replied sweetly.

  "Somehow I doubt that,” Cole muttered under his breath, quiet enough Lucy didn't think she was meant to hear. “My mother can be ... strong-willed. I hope she didn't say or do anything to hurt your feelings."

  Other than make me feel like poor trash, not at all, Lucy managed not to say. Miriam's behavior wasn't Cole's fault, and he had likely suffered enough for it throughout the years. “She invited me to your party."

  "You don't have to come. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable, and a lot of the people there ... let's just say they are very much like my mother."

  "Oh.” Lucy tried to keep the hurt out of her voice. “You mean people like yourself who think I should stay on my own side of town and not mix with my betters?"

  "That's not what I mean. I don't feel that way."

  "But other people do. Let me ask you this, Cole. How do these people, and your parents, feel about you coming to the wrong side of the tracks to find a mother for your child? Or is that why you picked me? Because you think a girl like me would do anything for a few dollars?"

  "Lucy, stop.” Cole's voice, calm a minute ago, was now hard with anger. “Don't talk about yourself that way. You're just as good as anyone coming to the party tonight. They're the ones with a problem, not you. And as for the baby, I interviewed seven different women as possible surrogates. Some were wealthier, some were poorer. Some had college degrees, some didn't. What I'm looking for has nothing to do with money or education or job status. I looked at the whole person, the perfect person. And that person is you."

  Lucy's heart clenched. Every time she was able to hate Cole a little, he did something to make her feelings soften. And that made her hate him again.

  "Yeah, well, I'm sure your mother is thrilled I turned you down.

  "My parents don't know, and I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't say anything."

  "Afraid they wouldn't approve?"

  "I don't care if they approve. But I think it's best to tell them after we've conceived."

  "There is no ‘we,’ buddy,” Lucy warned.

  "I meant me and the surrogate,” Cole quickly clarified. In the silence that followed, Lucy wondered if they'd been disconnected. Then he said, “I really would like you to be there tonight."

  "Okay,” Lucy found herself agreeing. “I'd like that, too. See you tonight."

  * * * *

  "I can't go in there,” Lucy protested as Nanny Hilda and Sarah, each with a hand on her back, propelled her forward.

  "Yes, you can,” Sarah insisted. “You said yourself you need a new dress."

  "I was thinking Sears or J.C. Penney. Not Neiman Marcus.” Lucy had never even stepped foot in the store before. It wasn't often she bought new clothes at retail prices, but when she did, she tended to patronize stores that wouldn't require financing and a credit history.

  "Those stores are fine,” Nanny Hilda said with diplomacy. “But Cole uses the personal shopper here, and I've already told her we were coming."

  "I can't afford anything in here."

  Nanny Hilda dug through the purse on her shoulder and pulled out a Neiman Marcus credit card. “Cole told me to use this."

  Lucy's eyes narrowed at the sight of the card. “Absolutely not. Cole is not paying for my clothes.” Was this his equivalent to buying a woman a nice meal and expecting her to put out? What did he think? If he bought her an expensive outfit, she'd have his child in gratitude?

  "It's not what you think,” Nanny Hilda protested. “Cole wants you to enjoy tonight. There are no strings attached. It's just a gift."

  That didn't make Lucy feel better. She was used to taking care of herself. It didn't feel right to let Cole buy her clothes. “I'll pay for whatever I buy myself."

  In her head, she quickly calculated her bills for the month and tried not to grimace as she realized how little she had to spare. She would have to use her credit card, which she tried to use only in an emergency, and pay it off over a couple of months. Or a couple of years.

  Nanny Hilda reached out to stop Lucy from walking. “You're a stubborn woman, Lucy Chaple. And I think that's good for Cole. He needs someone in his life who will challenge him."

  "We're not—"

  "But here's the thing,” Nanny Hilda cut her off. “I'm a lot older than you and a lot more stubborn. If I tell the personal shopper not to accept your money, she won't. Cole is a very good customer, and she won't risk losing his business. So just accept Cole's gift graciously and have fun.” Nanny Hilda squared her jaw and stared Lucy down.

  Lucy realized it was futile to argue. “Okay. But nothing too extravagant. Just a simple dress."

  Sarah, who had been watching the exchange with an amused smile, shared a look with Nanny Hilda. “Let's just see what the personal shopper suggests."

  Flanked by Nanny Hilda and Sarah, Lucy found herself in front of Amy, the personal shopper.

  The willowy brunette eyed Lucy, and then walked a circl
e around her. Lucy ground her teeth together, feeling like a circus freak on display.

  "Size six,” Amy stated.

  "Do you have to announce it?” Lucy muttered, feeling herself blush.

  Amy ignored her sarcasm. “Please take a seat, ladies. I'll be back in a few minutes with some selections. Mrs. Frye, can I get you anything to drink? Coffee, tea?"

  It took Lucy more than a few seconds to realize Amy was talking to Nanny Hilda. It had never occurred to Lucy to ask her last name. Nanny Hilda just seemed to fit the loving, jovial woman.

  "No, thank you, dear,” Nanny Hilda replied.

  Amy turned to Lucy and Sarah. “Ms. Chaple, Ms. Kirby. Can I get you a refreshment?"

  Lucy was actually a little thirsty, but she had no intention of letting this woman serve her. It was bad enough she was letting Amy pick out her clothes.

  Sarah had no such compunction. “I'd love some tea."

  "Certainly.” Amy made a quick phone call to the store's café for a tea delivery, and then excused herself.

  She returned less than ten minutes later, pulling a clothes rack behind her.

  Lucy jumped to her feet, ready to inspect each garment, but Amy turned her into a dressing room. “Here.” Amy took a black strapless Vera Wang gown and hung it on a hook. Try this first."

  Lucy mouth fell as she reached out to touch the silky material. The dress was simple, elegant. Yet daring with a slit up the side that would expose most of her thigh. She reached inside and groped around for the price tag.

  "Mrs. Frye requested I remove all price tags before bringing you the items,” Amy told her.

  Nanny Hilda chose that moment to look the other way, pretending her attention was on the nearby display of designer scarves.

  "Lucy, just try it on,” Sarah said with an exasperated sigh.

  Lucy shot her friend a look of betrayal, but Sarah just stuck out her tongue.

  Trying hard not to smile, Lucy closed the door and removed her clothes. Then she took the dress off of the hanger. The thin material was so fine it felt almost weightless in her hands. After unzipping the back, she shimmied into it. “I need help zipping it,” she called to Amy.

  The personal shopper stepped into the dressing room and pulled the zipper into place.

  Lucy smoothed the material against her. She nearly moaned at how good it felt against her skin. Nothing else in the world could come close. Except maybe Cole, lying naked against her.

  She turned to look at herself in the mirror and caught a glimpse of Amy's reflection.

  The young woman frowned and shook her head. “The cut isn't right on you. And it doesn't fit here.” Lucy let out a yelp as Amy grabbed at her chest, or more precisely, the extra material in the dress's cups. “Take it off and I'll hand you the next one."

  With regret, Lucy skimmed the dress off her body and placed it back on the hanger. The next dress Amy handed her was also silk, although not as luxurious as the Vera Wang. The neckline was a halter and the hem asymmetrical. When she donned the dress, Amy, Nanny Hilda and Sarah crowded around her.

  "Better,” Amy mused.

  "But I don't like the floral pattern,” Sarah said.

  "And the back is too low,” Nanny Hilda added.

  And so it went for the next twelve dresses. Lucy stood there helpless as Amy, Sarah and Nanny Hilda critiqued each outfit. Either it was too big or too small, too much pattern or not enough pattern, the wrong length or the wrong cut. They used words that Lucy was too embarrassed to admit she didn't even understand. How could she?

  For the last few years, nearly every outfit she'd worn came from secondhand shops. It had never occurred to her which necklines flattered her most or where the hem should end so her legs didn't resemble tree trunks.

  It was all too much. She reached into her purse for her cell phone, ready to call Cole and concede defeat. She would even have called his mother and admitted Miriam was right, if only it meant she could get out of this party.

  But when she would have dialed, Amy stepped back into the dressing room. In her hand, she held a little piece of perfection.

  The black, lacy concoction fell knee length with a white underlay. Thin shoulder straps connected to the bodice, which pushed her breasts together and formed impressive cleavage. The moment Lucy slipped it on, she felt like a princess.

  "This is it,” Sarah said on a breath as she walked around Lucy to get the full view. Nanny Hilda nodded in agreement while Amy flaunted a smug smile.

  "Now we just need to get shoes, undergarments, makeup and jewelry,” Amy said.

  "What? No,” Lucy protested. “I agreed to one outfit. That's it.” Even without the price tag, Lucy knew the dress cost a small fortune. There was no way she was buying anything else on Cole's credit card.

  "An outfit consists of more than just a dress,” Amy informed her. “The most important part is the accessories."

  "She's right,” Nanny Hilda added. “And you did agree to buy an entire outfit."

  "Right. So stop complaining and just enjoy.” Sarah gave Lucy a stern look.

  With three against one, Lucy knew she had no chance of winning. This would likely be the only time in her life she would be pampered in such a prestigious store. Sarah was right. She should just enjoy herself. “Okay. One entire outfit."

  "Good.” Nanny Hilda put an arm around Lucy's shoulder. “And no outfit would be complete without a new hairdo."

  * * * *

  A lead ball hit Cole in the middle of his chest. At least it felt like all the air had been sucked from his lungs and it was nearly impossible to breathe. But he hadn't really been hit in the chest. It was the sight of Lucy, standing in the doorway, illuminated by candlelight and lanterns, that took his breath away.

  Lucy wearing that amazing, perfect dress was the stuff of dreams. Not only did the black concoction fit her like a second skin, she was styled from her black stiletto sandals to the top of her fashionable up-do.

  His brain was so filled with mush at the sight of her, it took him a minute to realize the rest of his body was reacting as well. It took every ounce of propriety to stifle his caveman instincts to rush to the nearest bedroom with her thrown over his shoulder.

  "Cole, are you okay?” Cole's business associate leaned closer, probably wondering why he'd stopped talking mid-sentence.

  "Excuse me,” he said, never taking his gaze off of Lucy. He walked to where she stood with uncertainty in her eyes. As he got closer, it seemed as though everyone else on the patio had disappeared and they were blissfully alone.

  "Hi,” she whispered, as if avoiding attention.

  "Hi.” For some reason, his voice came out a whisper, too. He took her hand and pulled her close to him. “You look incredible."

  "Thank you.” Her cheeks colored with that adorable blush. “And thank you for the clothes. But you really have Nanny Hilda to blame when you get the bill."

  "It was worth every penny.” He already knew how much the day had cost him, and he would have gladly paid double to see this pleased smile on Lucy's face every day of the week.

  There was that lead ball again. Knocking the wind out of him. Why was he thinking of seeing Lucy as a daily thing? He wanted just one thing from her. The problem was, right now that one thing wasn't a baby, but a night spent naked and sweaty.

  "Can I get you a drink?” Cole asked, leading her to the bar. He needed to get back into the crowd, to remember this was his party. He couldn't spend all evening hanging on Lucy like a lovesick puppy.

  Lucy eyed a nearby waitress holding a tray of crystal flutes. “Champagne?"

  He nodded and waved over the waitress. Taking two glasses from the tray, he handed one to Lucy. “A toast?"

  "Better not,” she said. “The last one you made didn't really turn out the way I thought.” But she was smiling, and Cole wondered if perhaps she'd forgiven him for the unorthodox way they'd met. He was glad she could remember that day with a smile on her face.

  "Let me introduce you around.” He tucked h
er arm in the crook of his and approached the nearest couple, one of his employees and his wife. Lucy greeted them warmly, and Cole was pleased to see them respond in kind.

  After a few minutes, they moved on. He had introduced her to a majority of the Donovan Group employees in attendance when one of his country club friends grabbed him by the arm.

  That was always how Cole thought of them. His country club friends. He had two close friends he had met in college and they still kept in contact, but they both lived in different states. His country club friends were people he met because they had all lived the same childhood. Raised in mansions by nannies, spoiled and neglected.

  But that was really where the similarities ended. Cole had never felt a real connection to any of them. But working the long hours he did, it was hard to meet new people, so he always ended up falling back on these friends.

  He glanced back at Lucy and it dawned on him how much he enjoyed her company. In only a few short weeks, he felt closer to her than any of these people, most of whom he'd known his whole life.

  "Hey man.” Garrett Morton the third slapped him on the back. “Great party."

  "Thanks,” Cole replied. He forced his gaze away from Lucy and over to Garrett. The only son of one of the wealthiest couples in the Midwest, Garrett had turned laziness into an art form. The huge corner office his daddy had designated to him in the family business had never been used and his secretary's main purpose was to book vacations and buy off women who became too clingy.

  "Are you coming to Belize with us next week?"

  "Us?"

  "Everyone.” Garrett rolled his eyes as if Cole had lost his senses. “Me, Jenna, Carmen, Hugh, Walker...” He tilted his head toward the young, attractive group nearby. “We're going down for the regatta. You can bring your girlfriend.” He gave Cole a wink and nudged him with his shoulder.

  Cole gritted his teeth. “Lucy's not my girlfriend. She's just a friend."

  With that announcement, Garrett gave Lucy, who was nearby talking to Cole's secretary, a long look up and down. Garrett's gaze lingered way too long on certain body parts for Cole's taste.