The CEO’s Hired Surrogate

“Maybe, just maybe, this is better than my alcohol.” They both laughed and continued eating, enjoying the nocturnal silence for a while. During that time, neither of them sank into thoughts. It was the first time in days since that had happened, and they couldn’t have been happier. Kayla liked the way her mind was clear, every now and then her eyes glancing at the man in front of them. He was different, Kayla could sense that. The exact opposite of what he’d tried to look like the moment they’d met. She was unsure of why he wanted to look so cold and masculine.

At the other end of the table, Ryan was thinking of her as well. His mind wandering back to the way he had insulted her earlier that day. He knew he owed her an apology, she wasn’t like the other girls he knew, he was unsure of how he knew that but he did. Indeed, he may be naïve in this, but what harm could there be in trusting her?

 “I’m sorry,” he said, his lips parting on their own. Kayla looked at him, startled for a moment. At first it was clear she didn’t know what he meant, but slowly, she understood, the memory of their fight coming back to her.

“Don’t worry about it.”

“But I should. I was a di*k. I judged you without any idea of who you are. And I am sorry.”

He looked at her for a few seconds, while she searched for a response. During that time, he took the chance to get a better look at her face. He’d admired her curvy body and beautiful color. She was indeed a true African-American beauty. As she sat in front of him, the artificial light of the lamp cascading over her, he got to see how plump her lips were and how a dimple formed on her right cheek whenever she talked or smiled.

“My mother is sick. She’s been sick for years now. And a lung transplant is her only chance. I—I was fired a while ago, not that I would have been able to pay the medical fees with that salary. Anyway, that’s the main reason that I want the money. But of course, you were right too. I want a bit of luxury as well. I’ve been working, spat on and walked over ever since my father passed away, and I deserve better. Everyone treats me like sh*t because I’m poor, and so here I am, ready to sell my soul to the devil for a better life.”

“I—I…” Ryan was just about to get up and hug her, touched by the unshed tears that now stained her eyes, and by the deep sorrow and regret he felt. But he was unable to do that because before he was even able to utter a single word the voice of his mother walked into the kitchen, making them both jump in their seats.

****

“What are you guys doing?” Straightening, Kayla looked between Ryan and his mother, grabbing the cup of tea tighter in her hand, as if the warmth of the mug would protect her. She knew neither of them were doing anything out of the ordinary. Anything that would bring any source of judgment against either of them. But she couldn’t deny the nervousness in the pit of her stomach, that had aroused with the first word that opened Ryan’s apology.

“We couldn’t sleep, so we thought tea could be a good idea,” Ryan said nonchalantly, sipping his tea.

“Would you like some?” Kayla asked, already getting out of her seat, ready to pour Meredith a cup of warm tea.

“No, thank you, dear. I was just going to get some water.”

Kayla nodded but didn’t sit back on the red stool. Instead she grabbed her dish and placed it in the dishwasher, trying to avoid Ryan’s eyes.

“I’ll be going back to sleep then.” Kayla wished them both goodnight before dashing towards the stairs.

Once out of sight, Kayla took a moment to let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. Her hand involuntary rubbed the place above her heart, feeling the hammering sensation of its fast beating. Never had she imagined that Ryan would apologize to her.

He just seemed like that kind of spoiled man that believed everyone was beneath him, and yet, there he’d been, looking straight at her, his lips uttering the most sincere apology. Shaking her head she smiled, admitting to herself that these nine months were surely going to be like no other.

*****

“I don’t get it. Why do we have to do this? We just found out you’re pregnant.” Ryan nagged as he slipped his hands into his front pockets, looking at Kayla with a bored, defeated gaze.

She shook her head and turned towards the piece of furniture that she’d been studying for the last five minutes. Three weeks had passed since the insemination, and only two days ago had she’d discovered she was pregnant. During those two days, Kayla had felt ecstatic, mixed feelings rushing through her body, making her feel bizarre and strange emotions unknown to her before.

During those two days, after she found out about her pregnancy, Kayla hadn’t seen Ryan. In fact, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen him around the house. He always left so early and came back late, apparently to drown into the new project he was working on.

“Because your mother says so, and believe me, she’s stubborn. Like really stubborn,” Kayla sighed, remembering all the nagging Mrs. Johnson has done.

She wanted her grandchild’s room to be ready in no time. She claimed that nine months wasn’t enough to achieve the dream room for her son’s future child. And of course, she didn’t want to get involved either, scared of the stress that her body would have to endure.

So instead, she’d forced the future ‘parents’ into doing so.

“Trust me, I know.”