Page 6 of The Billionaire's Contract Baby

"Wait, a date? With a CEO? Girl, you are living the dream. This is your chance!" I could see she was genuinely happy for me, but it was so much more than that.

"It's quite complicated given the surrogacy and me having a child. I just don't want to get caught up in a tricky situation. Imagine the scrutiny from the media? I want a simple life for me and my son. Anything more would complicate things. "

"I understand. You need to do what's best for you, and that includes following your heart."

"What do you mean?"

"I can see the longing look in your eyes when you talk about him. So, do you like him?" The question shocked me. Was I so obvious? I wanted to retort immediately but stopped myself. I could not deny the attraction I felt toward him, considering it wasn't long ago that he had appeared in my dreams.

I peered into my wine glass as if there was something meaningful inside. Then, I replied, "I think I'm getting ahead of myself. My attraction means nothing. All this could just mean he wanted to catch up after all these years."

"Do you really believe that? You don't want to put a man like that in the friend zone? Let's consider what you said: to me he seems to at least have some interest in you. We don't have to push this far. See how things go for a while. Don't shut him out. You might want to keep things simple in your life, but life has a way of going against our wishes."

Great advice, Jen.If only things could go my way for once, I'd make my life filled with rainbows and sunshine.

"He did say he would keep in touch. Maybe it's just me feeling inferior due to the enormous gap between us - wealth and age wise."

"Is he old?"

"No."

"In his seventies?"

"God, no. Jen, what's up?" I laughed, finding her line of questioning funny.

"Well, if he does not have one foot into the grave, then he's still a catch. Crystal, I don't want you to marry for money and fame, but rather for love. So, what if he's some years older than you? Age is but a number, many people say."

"Well, he's just fifteen years older than me, and he's handsome. No woman in her right mind can resist him." I said with mock familiarity.

"Hey, I can see someone here trying to resist him. Why don't you introduce him to me. I will treat him right," she said and winked.

"No, he's mine. Keep your claws away, witch!"

"I remember someone not too long ago, saying she didn't want him. Where's she?" She put her hand over her eyes looking around.

Pulling a cushion from the couch, I threw it at her. It hit her on her legs, and she laughed. "You couldn't even throw well. How would you fight for your man? Huh, Crystal?"

"You will see how I can demolish you if you come inches within my man's reach." It sounded just right calling Lorenzo my man, although he wasn't really mine. Jen laughed, and I joined her, feeling carefree and lighter. Raising a finger to my lips, we both went quiet then started giggling. Alfred was sensitive to loud sounds.

"He better be prepared because Crystal, the one and only, is in town. To a good life…" Jen raised her glass in a toast. Raising mine, we downed the contents in only one gulp.

"Thanks, Jen. I needed this." She rose and sat beside me, giving me a hug.

"Anytime, girl. Anytime." She looked at her watch and sighed. Looking out the window, I saw it was dark. "I gotta go now."

"I'm sorry for keeping you late." We both rose. She picked up her bag and smiled softly at me.

"Silly, there's no need to apologize. Take care of yourself and my young friend. Bring him over tomorrow or whenever you need time alone. In no time, he will want me to be his mom. You'll see."

We reached the door, and I gave her a hug, genuinely happy at having a friend who cared for me. “He would be happy to have you as his mom.” She winked, turned, and opened the door. I tried to follow her, but she pushed me back inside - her cue for me not to follow her. I waved her goodbye and closed the door.

Now alone, I had time to think about the fact that she didn't ask me about Alfred's father or other personal details. She already had the idea that I was a single mom, and she was respecting my privacy by not bringing that up.When the time is right, I will tell you,I promised myself. I had to freshen up and get something to eat.

***

The next day, already familiar with my routine, I dropped Alfred off at Jen's house. I planned to get a car soon to avoid taking taxis constantly. But for now, I will manage.

Stepping through the doors, I felt like I already belonged, and nothing was going to shake my confidence. I waved to greet those who smiled at me. I still didn't know any of them personally or their names yet, but I was sure that I would get to know them better soon. Some of the men were unabashedly staring. I was considered beautiful, and there were times I had to fight men off to leave me alone. I was used to this, but if any of them tried anything untoward, they would regret it.

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