“You’ve been calling a lot lately.”
“I’ve called twice.”
“In the past week.”
“Is that odd?” he asked.
“For you? Yes.”
“Anyway, did you have that insanely awful appointment to have a kid without a mom?” he asked.
“I did.”
“How did it go?”
“I’ve found a candidate, and we’ve met. I gave the green light. So did she. So we’re meeting up sometime soon to discuss the details of our contract.”
“So you really are as crazy as I think you are,” he said.
“I really am.”
“And you’re sure this is a good idea?”
“If you’re going to rag on me about this every time you call, don’t call.”
Hudson sighed on the other end of the line.
“I need to get back to leading a somewhat normal life, and this is how I’ve chosen to do it. I had a plan for my life. A dream. And even though my life has derailed a hell of a lot, that doesn't mean I can’t still fulfill some of those dreams.”
“By having a contract child.”
“By having two children I love,” I said. “No, they won’t have mothers, but in my experience, they’re better off without them. My daughter and I have a wonderful, healthy relationship, and she’s blossomed more than I could’ve ever thought. With no mother involved.”
“I know you know how stupid you sound right now,” he said.
“That’s fine if you don’t support it, but it’s the decision I’ve made. So I at least expect you to respect it,” I said.
“Well, good luck with your meet-and-greet or whatever this is going to be?”
“It’s a negotiation. None of this will be a surprise, and all of it will be planned. It’s how these things work.”
“
You aren’t going to romance her or anything?”
“I’m not dating her, Hudson.”
“No, just knocking her up. Got it,” he said.
“Anything else?”
“All I wanted to do was check in with you. See how you were doing. Making sure you hadn’t spiraled into complete craziness yet.”
“And your verdict?”
“It’s much worse than I feared.”
I chuckled as I grabbed my sandwich and took a bite.