The CEO’s Hired Surrogate

“You.” Sabrina’s voice was low and venomous, her eyes watching Kayla as she came to stand in front of them.

 “I see they haven’t gotten ridden of you yet,” the blonde woman said, her finger sliding between the strands of a fallen lock, swiftly pinning it back in place. “What I don’t understand is why you’re dressed like that? I’m sorry to tell you but even in such a dress you’re still are a clumsy waitress.” Her words were bitter, as if Kayla was an old enemy of hers.

*****

What Kayla couldn’t understand was why the woman would hold such a grudge against her, it wasn’t as if Kayla had purposely spilled the wine on her that night.

No, Kayla didn’t understand the woman’s rage. But that didn’t mean she didn’t reciprocate the utter hate both women had for each other. Kayla wanted to answer, to make the snobby woman in front of her shut up, and maybe pay for the trouble she’d caused her, but before she could, Ryan spoke from beside her, reminding them both of his presence.

“Am I missing something?” He looked between them with a raised brow, searching for some kind of explanation.

“This woman right here ruined one of my designer dresses. One that was specially made for me. I thought they got rid of her, but here she is, trying to look like one of us.” Her words dripped with disgust, as if the events had only happened yesterday.

Kayla didn’t know how to answer, she was speechless. Never in her life had she believed that someone could be so shallow. She searched for a response, one that would burn the woman’s pride the way she’d intended to burn Kayla’s. But instead, before she could find one, she felt a hand grab onto her arm, pulling her to Ryan’s side.

“Be careful how you talk to the mother of my child Sabrina. Or by God, I will make you pay for it.” Kayla looked at Ryan, her entire body numbed by his words. He’d made it sound as if they were—they were something more. She wasn’t sure if he’d intended it to sound that way, but she didn’t care. He’d stood up for her, and that was more than enough. Turning back to Sabrina, she could see the astonishment on her face, her mouth opening and closing like a fish on dry land.

“Child? You never mentioned anything about a child all the times we were together.” The entire situation was as confusing as it could get. Together? Was he in some kind of relationship with this woman? Had he been dating her that time when they’d been together? Not that it mattered, it wasn’t like he was her boyfriend or anything.

But still, hearing Sabrina say it made her heart burn.

“Because that wouldn’t be such a wise topic to open when you’re in a business meeting, right?” She expected the blonde woman to defend herself, but instead she walked away, fury written all over her body.

“I’m sorry for what happened.”

“No, don’t be. You defended me, thank you.” Kayla didn’t look him in the eye, she knew that if she dared look into those pools of pure blue, that she would be lost at sea again, unable to find her way back to shore.

“I still don’t understand what happened though. Why is she so mad at you?”

Kayla didn’t answer right on the spot. Instead, she looked around, spotting the place where Sabrina’s table had been. That night playing in the back of her mind vividly, reminding her of every single detail.

“Before I met you I worked here. I worked here for years, dedicating my entire time to this restaurant. Night after night I served people like you, Ryan. People with money and power. One night, a few days before we met, I was on my night shift and I served Sabrina. I was so exhausted, and my hands somehow—I lost control of them, and I spilled the wine I was pouring on her dress.She was mad. She started yelling and screaming, threatening me. The manager wasn’t pleased either, and so I was fired. Yes, a simple mistake such as this made me lose my job. That is how I know her.

 I don’t understand her anger, but I understand mine. It’s people like her that make us feel like crap. I will never forgive her for the worry she made me go through.” Kayla was looking at Sabrina from across the room, as was Sabrina returning the stare.

“Hey, don’t be sad. I know how spoiled she can be at times. The important thing is that everything worked out. Look, you’re here, living the life. That’s the best revenge you could get on her, and everyone else.”

Ryan’s thumb was resting beneath her chin now, making her look him in the eye. Involuntary she smiled, feeling much better already. It was the power he had over her that made her see the world brighter, it was that very power that made her feel whatever he needed her to feel. And somehow she didn’t mind that at all. On the contrary, she felt safe and happy.

“Listen, how about you go get a drink while I go talk to some people. I’m sorry for leaving you alone, but it’s a business gala after all. But I promise I will be back before you finish your drink.” To her surprise he kissed her on the cheek, leaving an intense feeling lingering above that very spot. She felt that patch of bare skin burn with heat, making her insides boil in a way only he could accomplish.

“Okay.” Her voice was breathless, low, barely audible, making him chuckle.

Thankfully, her legs were able to take her to the table where the drinks and food were. Of course, being the pregnant woman she was, she couldn’t wait to get there and have a taste of the various delicacies that had been prepared for the night. From the corner of her eye she studied the different faces of the waiters out there. They all knew her, and she knew them all. But no, she didn’t bother to say hello, instead she welcomed their confused faces with a sweet smile.

They’d never been nice to her, had given her the cold shoulder while she worked there. She’d been weird according to them, a show off for always declining their outing offers and gatherings. She never explained to them why she couldn’t make it, she knew that a true friend would understand, or so she’d thought.

But none of that mattered now. She knew that most of them would have noticed her belly too, probably thinking that she’d gotten knocked up by a rich man only so she could have a few extra bucks in her purse.

Rolling her eyes, she looked at the buffet, tapping her chin with her finger as she tried to decide what exactly was she craving. She felt like eating something salty, maybe some pickles. The decisions were too hard.

“So we meet again.” That voice, she would recognize it anywhere. The sound of it alone made her feel disgusted and low. She felt the hair on her bare back raise, while her hand stopped in mid-air, just as it was about to reach for one of the water bottles set on the middle of the table.