Page 2 of Legally Binding
“Hit me with it straight, Scout. Can someone really make you have their baby?”
“This is about the surrogacy contract you have with Mr. Wilson, correct?”
“I guess?” I shrug because I’m unsure. It wasn’t a contract exactly.
He and his wife asked about me being a surrogate for them. At the time I was new to working for them, and they were so nice. They gave me a sob story about wanting a baby, and I said I’d think about it because it was awkward and I felt bad. It didn’t take long before I put together they needed a surrogate because Mrs. Wilson enjoys her nights out and doesn't want to give them up.
Then a few weeks ago, Mr. Wilson cornered me. He told me to call him Bob and went on about his marriage falling apart and wanting a family. I tried to be understanding and supportive. I felt bad when he told me his wife was banging her trainer. Now I don’t know if it was true or not, but it doesn’t matter.
When I was trying to be supportive is when everything changed. He tried to kiss me and pull me into his lap, suggesting I give him a baby. As in, not just carry it, but for him to put it in me himself.
I never agreed to anything, but when I didn’t show up to walk his dog the next day or return all of his calls afterwards, that’s when I got served a letter to show up here today. Or else.
“Are you sure you don’t want to see about getting a lawyer and rescheduling?” Scout says in a low voice so no one else can hear.
“Can I ask you a question?” I whisper.
“Sure, but I’m not a lawyer.”
“Is a verbal contract really a thing? Like it holds weight?”
“Yes, a verbal contract can be legally binding.”
“So it’s his word against mine,” I mutter, knowing no one is going to believe me over him.
“Tell you what, why don’t you have a seat and?—”
Another woman pokes her head around the corner, interrupting whatever Scout was going to say.
“Is that her?” The lady nods toward me but doesn’t let Scout answer. “Because they’re waiting.” She steps closer and waves me toward her. “I can take her back.”
I cast a quick glance at the elevator doors, contemplating whether I should simply make a run for it. Scout gives me a sympathetic look like she knows what I’m thinking.
Taking a deep breath, I follow the woman and hope this can all be sorted out. What are they going to do? Hold me down and put a baby inside of me?
I keep that thought to myself. No need to give anyone any ideas.
Chapter Two
LANDON
When my friends and I started Adair, Bennett, and Chapman Law, we knew it was going to be a success. We’re driven, hardworking, and if I’m honest, egotistical assholes. But you don’t get to the top by playing nice.
We’ve had our fair share of unsavory clients, but today I’ve got a meeting with Bob Wilson, and he’s one of the worst. I thought having our reputation meant we could pick and choose who we wanted to represent, but when someone backs up a truckload of money and dumps it on us, it’s hard to turn it down.
“I’ll trade you summer houses at Martha’s Vineyard,” I say to Gideon. He’s the Bennett in our trio and the numbers guy.
“Your house is right next to mine and has twenty-two fewer feet of beachfront than mine. Try again.” He doesn't bother looking at me as he reviews case notes.
“I’ll give you Spencer's comic book collection,” I offer.
“First of all, leave me out of this. Secondly, go fuck yourself.” Spencer winks at me, and I scowl. “Hey, you drew the short straw. He’s your client today. Go deal with it so we can get some actual work done.”
The three of us have our own offices, but we have a communal one we share when we go over case files and need to talk it out. This is where we spend most of our time arguing, but it’s probably my favorite place on earth. My mom said I was born to argue, and based on my career path, she would be correct.
“If you stay in here another seven minutes, you can bill him for an additional hour,” Gideon says.
“I’d rather pay the hour myself to get him out of here faster.” I groan as I get out of my chair and grab my coat. “Someone interrupt me with urgent business.” I turn my glare at Spencer. “And I mean it this time.”
