A Surrogate Love Affair

by Jaimie Roberts

  Placing his hands into his jean pockets, he smirks. “Is that a yes?”

  I nod. “It’s a yes.”

  He looks away, then back at me. “I best be off then. See you tomorrow.”

  Feeling bad that I kind of rebuffed him, I smile. “I look forward to it.”

  He nods before walking away. I climb into my car. As I pull away, my phone pings with a message. I ignore it. I’ll wait until I get home to read it.

  Once I park in my driveway, I cut off the engine before pulling my phone out of my bag. I see a message from an unknown number.

  Check the basement.

  I frown. What in the hell is this? It must be from Kyle. He used to use our basement as his “man cave”, as he liked to call it. He’d sometimes go down there to watch movies on the big screen. On occasion, he would invite friends over to watch a film, shoot pool, or play darts.

  Wondering what the hell he’s up to, I get out of the car and walk to the house. Walking inside, I shake my head. He thinks he’s being clever by using another phone. If I tell the police he contacted me, he could just deny it. It’s probably a burner one he’s picked up that he’ll just destroy in a few days.

  I look around before closing the door. Lately, I have had the sense someone’s watching. I know it’s stupid and I know it’s because Kyle won’t leave me alone, but it’s still there.

  With that thought, I take my phone out of my bag and walk toward the basement. I flick the light on, then walk down the stairs. As I do, the vast room immediately illuminates, the TV, chairs, and games in the far corner visible. It looks the same as it always does. Why would he tell me to come down here? Is it because he wants all this back? I already told my solicitor he can have it. I won’t dispute that because I know how much he loved it down here.

  I shake my head. This is ridiculous. All he’s doing is playing games with my head. I start to turn and go back upstairs, but something in the back of my mind tells me to look around. I shouldn’t entertain the idea, but I will do it this time.

  Walking around, I look around the TV area, but don’t find anything that pops out. I walk over to the games. Everything is as it was when he left. The pool table has a few balls on it, and the dartboard has a dart in it. When I notice the dart holding something on the board, I walk closer. My eyes widen. At the top of the dartboard is a condom, still in its wrapper, tiny holes all over it.

  Gasping, I place my hand over my mouth and look down. On a table next to it are a few more that look exactly the same.

  Just as tears start in my eyes, my phone pings with another message.

  I know about the baby. We need to talk. We made a deal, remember?

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  For the rest of the day and through Sunday morning, I switched my mobile off and locked myself in the house. I couldn’t deal with the pressure. I couldn’t deal with the ugly notion that not only could I be carrying Kyle’s baby, but if I’m carrying Ethan’s, Sarah will be after my unborn. That is what I was frightened of. That was why I wanted to keep it all a secret. I’m only ten weeks along, but everyone is already fighting over my child.

  Hearing the landline ring, I moan and turn over in my bed. I don’t want to answer, just in case it’s Kyle or Sarah. Whoever’s ringing is quite persistent, but it eventually stops. Looking at the time, I see it’s well after ten. Sighing, I get up and walk slowly to the bathroom. When I don’t rush, I find the sickness isn’t too bad. In fact, within the last couple days, I haven’t been sick at all. I get nauseous, but once I have a ginger biscuit, I feel fine. It got to a stage where I kept a packet at my bedside. I used to berate Kyle for eating in bed, but now I’m doing the same. I figure as long as it’s temporary, and medicinal, it’s fine.

  Once out of the shower, I dress and walk downstairs to make myself some tea. When the doorbell rings, I stand still, too frightened to move, but then I realise I’m being stupid. It’s silly to live life like this.

  I walk to the door and glance through the peephole. It’s Ethan, out of breath. Was he running? I quickly open the door and he snaps his head up.

  “Thank God. I was worried sick.”

  “What’s the matter?” I ask, motioning him in. He walks through and I shut the door. Once I turn around, I see him staring at me.

  “I texted last night. When you didn’t answer, I called. I also called this morning.”

  I bite my lip, feeling guilty. “I’m sorry about that.”

  “I’m not having a go or anything. I was just worried. With Kyle hassling you and everything, I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” He looks at me for a moment, eyes narrowed. “All is not well, is it? Something’s happened since I saw you.” I nod. “Can you tell me?”

  I sigh. “I think the only way to explain is to show you.”

  I hold my hand out. He looks bewildered as he grasps it. I lead him downstairs and to the dartboard. Letting out a groan, he scratches his head.

  “This is a problem.”

  I nod. “It is. If he had access to the house, I’d say he could have done this recently. Unfortunately, he doesn’t, so he was telling me the truth.”

  Placing his hands on his hips, Ethan stands there, staring at the condom. “I still believe he’s messing with us. Just because we found these doesn’t mean he used them with you. I know you want to get the baby tested, so I’ll arrange that, fast-tracking it in order to end this charade, but I know in my heart that this isn’t his baby.”

  “I’m glad you have so much faith. I believe it in my heart, too. Unfortunately, Kyle is not the only problem now.” He narrows his eyes at me. “Let’s go back upstairs. I need to show you something else.”

  Once upstairs again, I grab my phone from the coffee table, switching it on. When it loads, I see a couple messages from an unknown number again, plus the one from Ethan. I ignore those and click on the one Sarah sent me.

  “Take a look at this,” I say, handing him the phone.

  He takes it, frowns as he reads it, then sighs loudly before handing it back to me. “She can’t make you do anything. You’re the baby’s mother.”

  Shaking my head, I place the phone back on the table before we both sit down. “I know, but she can still make things difficult. First it was Kyle, now this.”

  Ethan takes my hand. “You shouldn’t be under so much stress. It’s not good for you or the baby. Listen, don’t worry about Sarah, okay? I’ll deal with her.”

  Placing my hand over his, I smile. “Thank you for wanting to stand in my corner and fight my battles, but I am a big girl. I can deal with her.”

  Ethan smiles. “I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”

  I stroke his hand. “I know that. It’s just... Sarah has always been a rather domineering character. The vast majority of the time, I let her get her own way because I loved her. Her happiness was my happiness. Now that this has happened, she has to realise that I won’t be stepped on anymore. She can’t order me about like she used to.”

  Ethan nods. “Good for you. And you’re right. She is very domineering. That’s why we had such a volatile relationship.”

  That surprises me. “Really? I always thought you two were thick as thieves.”

  “From the outside, I should imagine it looked that way. We argued a lot, though, and it was mainly because I would want to do one thing, but Sarah always wanted it her way.”

  I shake my head. “Compromise. That’s what strengthens a marriage. You can’t go anywhere without it.”

  “So very true.”

  I look down at my hand on his. “Your hands are so soft.”

  He laughs. “It’s because I have to wear those horrible gloves at work. I have a moisturising hand cream that helps keep them from getting dry.”

  “It feels lovely,” I reply, stroking them longer than I should. Suddenly, I let go and stand up. “Would you like a drink?”

  Ethan gives me that look again. The same one he gave me after the massage yesterday. I hate to admit it, but I still
get tingly whenever I think about it.

  “Actually, part of the reason I came around here was to see about taking you for that picnic. If you’re still up for it, we just need to walk to my flat so I can load up the car with what we need.”

  I smack my forehead. “Shit, I’m sorry. I totally forgot.”

  Ethan laughs. “Don’t worry about it. I understand completely. Maybe another time?”

  I shake my head. “No, no. I want to go today. I would love to.”

  “Great.” He points to the door. “Do you want me to leave so you can get ready?”

  “No, that’s fine.” I put on my coat and grab my handbag. “Where are you taking me?”

  “It’s a surprise.” He winks, sending a flurry of excitement to my belly.

  We leave the house and walk the short distance to Ethan’s apartment. Once we walk in, I see that it’s a very modest, cosy apartment. It looked a bit like a showroom, but was nice if you wanted something temporary. He leads me into the kitchen where he grabs a picnic basket, then motions to a couple blankets on the dining table.

  “Do you mind just grabbing them for me?”

  “Of course not.” I pick up the blankets and we head out to the Range Rover. All the time, I wonder if I’m going to regret this. It’s way too cold.

  Once everything’s loaded, Ethan helps me up into my seat, then walks around and gets in the driver’s side.

  After thirty minutes, we end up at the edge of a cliff. He turns the Rover around so the back is facing view.

  “I’m going to regret this, aren’t I?” I ask jokingly. “I’m going to go back with frostbite in several places.”

  He laughs. “I would never do that to you. Stay here a moment and let me do my thing.”

  He gets out and opens the back doors and boot. In an instant, he has the seats flattened. He takes the picnic basket out, then grabs a blanket and lays it down. He then places the picnic basket in the far left corner before looking at me.

  “Would madam care to join me?”

  Taking off my seatbelt, I smile. “I would love to.” I walk around to the back. Ethan helps me up and I find a nice spot to sit on.

  Ethan climbs up. “Do you want the boot open or closed?”

  I look out at the sea. Although it’s a windy day, the sun is out and it looks as though the car is taking the brunt of the wind. “I think open for now.”

  Ethan nods. “Open it is then.”

  Turning toward the picnic basket, he lifts the top and takes out a flask and what looks like sandwiches and grapes. He also pulls out a container filled with small oranges covered with what could be a caramelised sauce.

  “What’s that?” I ask, pointing.

  He looks at me with a smirk. “You’ve never seen these before?” I shake my head. “They’re caramelised kumquats. I’ve put a hint of ginger in them for you. I made them in celebration of Chinese new year.”

  “Wow. Have you ever been to China?”

  He nods. “Several times. The Chinese are experts in alternative medicine. I learned a lot out there.”

  “So was it always to do with work?”

  He hands me a sandwich. “No, it was holidays, but doctors never really get a holiday.” He starts laughing. “You know, I heard one story of some British people camping. During the night, one of them felt pins and needles in his arm. He didn’t think anything of it, going back to sleep. In the morning, he opened his eyes to find a dead snake staring back at him. During the night, the snake had swallowed the man’s arm until it reached his shoulder and couldn’t go any farther.”

  Placing my hand over my mouth, I gasp. “Oh my god, that’s horrible.”

  He opens his foil up to reveal a ham sandwich on rye. “It certainly sounded it. The herbal doctor who told me the story said the man came to him a few days later covered in a rash. He hoped the doctor would be able to help him as he didn’t get any holiday insurance before he flew out.”

  “Did the doctor manage to help him?” I ask, opening my sandwich.

  “Yep. Apparently, he went back as good as new. I’m not sure about his mind being the same after experiencing that, though.”

  “Oh god, no. I think I would have nightmares for several nights after something like that.”

  He swallows his bite. “Speaking of which, are you sleeping okay? Is the morning sickness easing?”

  Biting into my sandwich, I nod. “These are delicious.” He smiles. “In the last couple days, things have eased. I want to sleep all the time, though.”

  “That’s perfectly normal. It’s due to the fact you’re having to produce more blood to carry nutrients to the baby. Also low blood pressure and sugar. Add that to increased progesterone, and it’s no wonder you’re tired.”

  We carry on eating our sandwiches for a moment. I watch Ethan as he stares out to the sea. I should be looking at the view, too, but Ethan has my full attention. He looks nice in his casual jeans and V-neck jumper. He has a jacket on, and I find myself disappointed that I can’t see the fine physique I know is underneath.

  “You look really good in that jumper,” I suddenly blurt. Immediately, his attention snaps to me, making my face flush.

  He gives me a smirk. “Thank you. And I can definitely tell you that you always look good in anything you wear.”

  I find my heart warming at that statement. “This little one,” I say, pointing to my stomach, “won’t have that lasting long. Pretty soon, I’ll be as big as a house. I doubt that will look attractive.”

  Ethan shakes his head. “And I highly doubt that to be true. Every pregnant woman is beautiful. How could they not be when they’re giving life to another human being?”

  I smile. “You always know the right things to say.”

  He shrugs. “It’s a gift.”

  I nudge him with my elbow, making him laugh. “And we’re so modest.”

  He grabs the flask and starts pouring the tea. He then opens the container of kumquats and picks one up. “See the size of this?” I nod. “That’s about the size of our baby.”

  When he said “our baby”, my stomach flips. “So our baby’s a kumquat?”

  He laughs. “Yes, I suppose that’s true. Thank you for looking after our kumquat.”

  I want to laugh, but I find what he says so sweet. “You’re very welcome.”

  “Do you want to try one?” He holds out the container.

  I reach in and take one out. “I suppose it’s good to try something new.” I bite into the citrusy sweet mixture and chew. Then the ginger hits me and my senses come alive. “It’s actually really nice.”

  “On their own, they can be very bitter. I tried these once in China when it was the year of the dragon.”

  “It’s now the year of the rooster, isn’t it?”

  He nods. “Yep. And I am one. I was born in nineteen eighty-one. What about you?”

  “Nineteen eighty-eight.”

  He looks deep in concentration. “That would make you a snake, I think.”

  “Oh wow. After hearing your story, I don’t think I quite like that.”

  “Well, as long as you don’t start eating my arm, I think we’ll be okay.” I suddenly snort in laughter, making Ethan jump. He takes his phone out and starts looking up my year of birth. “Scrap that. Maybe you’re the year of the pig.”

  “Wow… Thanks!”

  He offers me another kumquat. After a third, I feel full. “I think I’ve had enough.” He smiles as he places the lid back on the container and packs the other stuff away. “Thank you for this. It’s been nice. For the last hour or so, I haven’t thought about Kyle or Sarah and all the trouble they’ve caused.”

  “I’m glad.” He shuts the picnic basket. “Kyle is one thing, but Sarah shouldn’t be too much trouble. All you need to do is stand up to her. She has no rights to this baby and has to realise that.”

  Feeling nosey, I ask, “How is the divorce going?”

  When he sighs, I know it’s not good. “Slowly. She signed a prenup, so she ca
n’t dispute that. What she is disputing is the fact that we’re getting a divorce. She seems to think we can work things out.”

  “Very much like Kyle then. They deserve each other.”

  As I look at Ethan, I begin to wonder what would have happened if my taxi hadn’t made that fateful mistake? Would I be with Ethan now? I quickly snap myself out of those thoughts. I shouldn’t be thinking about him that way. However, I’ve found my mind wandering to Ethan a lot lately, imagining what it would be like to run my fingers through his short dark hair. I bet those tiny hairs on his head feel as soft as anything.

  “It would seem that way,” he answers, snapping me out of my thoughts.

  For another hour, Ethan and I sit, drinking tea and talking about silly things. Once dusk looks like it’s upon us, Ethan turns to me. “I don’t want to go, but I think it’s time I got you and our little kumquat back to your nice warm house.”

  I smile. “I don’t want to go, either. I had such a nice time. Thank you for this.”

  “It was only a picnic.”

  “Still. It’s the first time someone’s invited me to one, so it’s been special.”

  Shaking his head, he climbs out of the car. “Wow, Kyle really is one hell of an arsehole.”

  He offers me his hand and helps me down. As I murmur my thanks, I look up and notice just how close we’re standing. I feel the heat from his body, which makes me yearn for more. When our eyes lock, something seems to pass between us. It makes me want to snake my arms through his and pull him closer. An ache I have never felt before forms in the pit of my stomach. I want to run with it, but at the same time, my mind fights with me.

  This isn’t what he wants. I’m just the mother of his baby. We can’t do this when I’ve only just recently separated from my husband.

  “Thank you,” I whisper, stepping away.

  Ethan clears his throat. “Don’t mention it.”

  As we drive back, the conversation between us seems to have stilled. I didn’t want that to happen. I want us to have a good relationship without complications. Now that I seem to be developing feelings for Ethan, it’s causing all sorts of problems. I have enough of them as it is without adding another.