Page 24 of Sassy Surrogate
“I’ve received a very interesting business proposal, and I find it strange that it’s come along now. Right when I need it.” Another sip of wine. At this rate I’m going to get myself too inebriated to make sense before the end. “I’ve been approached to be a surrogate.”
“You say what now?”
“Yeah. Someone has asked me if I’d be a surrogate for them. And I have no idea what I should do. Their offer is incredibly generous, and I know I’d be a fool to say no under current circumstances. But I’m not sure how I feel about being a human incubator to solve the problem.”
Rebecca hasn’t said a word to this point; she simply sits staring at me, her gaze pinned to mine. “Hmm, I guess I can understand that. What are the details of the offer?” She’s all business herself now.
“They cover all costs and pay me three hundred and fifty thousand rand to boot.”
“Three hundred and fifty rand?” Her expression has turned incredulous. “You’re sure that is separate to the costs?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, shit. They must really want this baby then. I’ve never heard of such a high fee.”
“Right? I mean, I don’t know much about surrogacy. It’s not something I’ve ever been interested in, but I also thought it was unusually high.” We’re both silent for long minutes. And then I blurt out what’s uppermost in my mind.
“Considering the giant pile of horse manure I find myself in, I don’t know that I should turn this offer down. On the other hand, I’m unsure if this is right solution for me either. And then I look at the party promising me this huge sum of money, and I’m not sure I have it in me to deny them their heart’s desire, you know?”
“Yeah, I hear you.”
“So what do I do, Becca? I’m so confused. There are so many variables at play here.”
“Ultimately, the decision lies with you, regardless of what I’m about to say to you now. And you need to be extremely clear that there is no right or wrong answer here. Bottom line is, you need to be at peace with whatever you do eventually decide to do. You get me?”
I nod. “Yeah, I get you.”
“I think you were spot on when you said the universe is watching out for you. Why else did thisverygenerous offer come along at just this moment. Why not three months ago? A year ago?” She pauses to take a sip of her wine, giving me a speculative look over the rim of her glass. “They’re clearly desperate to have a baby; you desperately need money to get out from under your father’s shit. Personally, if it’s something you can see yourself accepting – learning to live with — I would say go for it.”
I know this is what I invited Rebecca over for, but at her words, a frisson of unease slithers through me. I know it sounds stupid – I barely know the man—but from everything I’ve seen and heard, I can see myself falling in love with him. A bad boy, but a good man.
He’s gorgeous, he’s generous, and by all accounts, he’s a man with a heart of gold who takes care of the people that mean something to him. Despite all of that, my fear is that I’ll fall, and, in the end, he’ll break my heart when he walks away.
“Nica?”
“Hmm?” I answer distractedly.
“Helloooo. Earth to Danica.” Rebecca snaps her fingers in front of my face.
Shaking myself out of my reverie, I look at her. “Sorry, babe. Spaced out there for a second. What’s up?”
“No kidding. I asked, who is the interested party that’s offering you the big bucks?”
“I can’t tell you that–” She opens her mouth, but before she can say anything, I continue. “I promised them I wouldn’t reveal who they are unless I decided to go ahead with this. Only then will I be able to say anything.”
“Damn it. You and your strong moral code.” I can’t help but laugh at the disgruntled look on her face. “Fair enough, I suppose. But I best be the first person you tell when you’re able to. That’s, of course, if you decide to do this.”
“I promise, you’ll be the first to know. Well, right after I tell the other party.” Swallowing down the last of my wine, I tip my glass toward Becca. “Refill?”
“Hell yeah,” she says before draining her own.
I go over to the counter separating the kitchen from the dining area and pour more wine for the two of us. I’ve literally just picked up our glasses when my cell phone rings.
“It’s your grandad,” Rebecca says, reaching to answer the phone.
“Hi Pop. It’s Becca. How are you?” She’s quiet as she listens and, as I’m looking at her, I see all colour drain from her face, leaving her ghostly white. Jumping to her feet, she says, “We’re on our way, Pop. Hang tight, we’re coming.”
“What is it?” I put the glasses down on the table before I drop them. “Rebecca. What is it?” Panic is rising, and her holding her peace isn’t helping.
