One More Time

Raya finished digging in the bag and pulled out the pre-natal vitamins. Probably the simplest item in the bag. She read the label, then seeming to be bored with it all, put everything back in the paper bag.

“Sure, you can keep your crap here,” she said. “In fact, I have something better. You can even stay here for a bit.”

“Stay here?” I asked. “Don't you think this place would get crowded with two of us?”

“I'm not going to be here, dork,” she said. “My grandparents are sending me on a trip to Sedona so I can explore the Earth's energy vortexes there.”

“The what?” I asked and then when she opened her mouth to explain, I quickly added, “Never mind. Forget I even asked.”

“Anyway,” Raya said. “Since I'll be gone for a month or two, maybe you could watch my place? Not sure how long I'll be gone, it all depends on how quickly I open my heart to the energy there. But, if you need a place to crash while you're trying to get knocked up, you're free to stay here.”

“Really?” I almost couldn't believe my luck. Away from my family for a couple of months? That would make things so much easier. “I could kiss you right now, Raya.”

“Hey, it's the least I can do. I'd hate for you to get pregnant while you're being confined over there,” she said. “The bad juju can't possibly be good for the baby.”

“Uh huh,” I said.

I laughed, feeling like maybe things were starting to look up for me for a change. Not only could I stash my stuff at

Raya's, I had a place to stay without brothers and sisters barging in and asking questions about what I was doing. My phone went off, and I checked it. It was a reminder for my doctor's appointment that morning. I was dangerously close to running late.

“Shit, Raya, I have to go,” I said. “When are you leaving?”

“Tomorrow sometime. Not sure yet. I'm riding out there with a few friends,” she said. “So swing by later tonight to pick up the key, maybe?”

“Sounds great,” I said.

I pulled myself to my feet and felt like dancing. This was going to be like a vacation, one I clearly needed. In my mind, it was a sign that everything just might work out after all.

I hugged my best friend and ran for the door, trying not to trip over all the junk piled around on the floor. Raya wasn't the most organized person I knew, but she had to be one of the best friends a girl could have ever asked for.

I've never been one to believe in fate or shit, but things were lining up perfectly, and I couldn't have been more excited. Maybe it was a sign that I was doing the right thing.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

MALCOLM

Casey and I had kept in touch, mostly through text messages back and forth. I didn't want to pry and ask her about her damn cycle every single day.

The texts were short and sweet, just a simple “How are you today?” and she'd answer the same way, every single day.

“Good,” she said. “But no ovulation yet.”

I was starting to think this was hopeless, but Dr. Welch assured me that Casey was in good health and didn't appear to have any fertility issues. She was young, in good shape and STD free. No history of disease or other health problems. Even her family history looked pretty good, according to the doctor.

I kept asking Casey to come out with me – asking her to lunch or dinner, or one time, just to talk. She was a busy little bee, however, and kept turning me down. Probably for the best, I knew we couldn't actually date. Not because of what Terrance had said, but simply, I wasn't ready for a relationship. Not to mention the fact that a relationship with the surrogate who'd eventually carry my baby was just plain awkward to think about.

She kept things professional, which I admired. But, as the days wore on, part of me yearned for something more than a quick text exchange. Before the arrangement, I actually had enjoyed her company. She made me laugh more than anyone I'd ever known. I was so used to submissive women letting me call all the shots, but Casey was different. She didn't take shit from anyone, me included.

Part of me fantasized what sex with her would be like. I was sure we'd both fight for dominance, but in the end, I'd win. I'd tame her in the bedroom, or at least I had fun imagining what it would be like. Since we'd be doing the deed on a schedule, it wasn't like we could spontaneously fall into each other's arms. I hoped it wouldn't be awkward, but this was a first for me.

That morning, I'd texted her and was waiting for a response. It took longer than usual, but I tried not to worry. Figured she was just busy doing whatever it was she did. Come to think of it, I had no idea what she did for fun, or what her family life was like. I knew so little about her.

She was mysterious and beautiful and amazing, and exactly what I didn't need in that moment. I tried to focus on work, but found myself checking my phone every few minutes, eagerly waiting for a reply. Finally, when my phone buzzed, I snatched it up off my desk in a hurry and read the message.

I read it and re-read it several times over, and it still took me a long time to believe what it said.

It's time. I'm ovulating, so we should get together soon.