AllFreeNovel
Share Us
In fact, I wasn’t the only one to notice her. A group of men passed, murmuringbeautiful, wow,andcan we take you lovely ladies out?
To my utter shock, Isabelle gave them a sultry smirk, and they turned around and approached us. I quickly shook my head dismissively, but Isabelle took their cards.
My jaw dropped when they walked away. “Oh, my God, Isabelle.”
“I’ve got to get back out there.” She jutted her chin. “I haven’t had sex in a year.”
I gave her a quizzical look. The surrogate agency told me that it was okay to have monogamous sex.
“Well, we both know I could, but I didn’t want to date,” she added. “The family was my priority. I wanted to be there for them and the baby….” She sniffled and tilted her head downward.
I touched her arm. “Are you okay?”
She bobbed her head. “My hormones are still out of whack; I mean everything is out of whack. The birth was tough. The doctor had to do an emergency C-section because the baby had moved to a breech position.” She winced.
“I’m sorry,” I muttered.
“Don’t be. He’s a preemie, but healthy…they placed him in my arms before taking him away. That was what we agreed on.” Tears pooled in her eyes. “See? I cry all the time even when I’m not upset.” Isabelle’s mouth trembled and she turned her head.
I hugged her. “I’m sorry, Isabelle.”
“Really. I’m fine. Honestly. Thank you, Nadia.”
I let her go and gave her a tissue.
Isabelle dabbed her eyes. “Please don’t think my tears are because I have regrets. I know they micromanaged to the point of nausea, but this baby is so loved and wanted. They cried so hard when they saw their boy. They’ve been trying for ten years. I’m glad I was able to help their family.”
Without doubt, I understood why the agency chose Isabelle. Her heart was for the family; the financial benefit came second. My motivation came only from my need for money. It would have been a constant strain, and the pressure would have devastated my well-being. No wonder Paul was reluctant to let me try to be his surrogate.I want our baby—I mean, I’d want our baby if I were pregnant, which I am not. Thankfully.I touched my grin as I dreamily imagined Paul holding our baby.I’m nuts.
“You look different, Nadia.”
I grinned as she squinted at me. “Do I?”
“I don’t know…glowy, happy. I don’t know how to put it, and I don’t want to offend you.”
“Less Mid-West Farmer’s Daughter?” I joked and we laughed together.
“Actually, I disagreed with Sophie calling you that. I envied the way you looked at New York city with fresh excitement.” She turned to the hostess, giving our reservation name. “Isabelle Talbot for two.” The hostess nodded.
“I’m in love with this print.” She smiled at my floral mini dress.
“I have been trying out new patterns.”
Her eyes widened. “You made this dress?”
“I did.” I grinned sheepishly.
She eyed it more as the hostess escorted us to a private table at the far end of the restaurant. Most restaurants in New York were eye-catching, and Nobu didn’t disappoint. I couldn’t stop looking at the river rock wall and oversized ceramic sculptures hanging above. When the menus came, I had favorites, and like a creature of habit, I ordered the sashimi salad and maki. Isabelle ordered the roasted king crab with uni.
“I’ve always wanted to eat here but thought it was too expensive. But now, I can afford a few things. Should we get a bottle of wine?”
I shook my head. “No, thanks. Just sparkling water and lemon for me.”
“No wine? Come on, don’t make me drink alone. One celebratory drink?” She shook her empty wineglass, and the waitress opened the bottle.
If I don’t drink, Isabelle may become suspicious.Then again, I was paranoid for weeks before and after seeing Doctor Foster it turned out that I wasn’t pregnant.I’m not.“Okay. Why not?”
“Yay!” she cheered.
