Falling in Love with the Surrogate

Chapter 3: Meeting for the First Time

AS I made my way to Ram’s office, I was scared and excited at the same time. It was just a first meeting, and I’m not sure what’s going to happen. I psyched myself up and thought that I don’t have to do it if I didn’t want to. I’m just going to find out what I need to do. It’s worth the effort at least.

When I entered the building, I felt a little insecure with what I’m wearing. I had on a simple v-neck white shirt, skinny jeans and sneakers. Most of the people I see here are wearing formal and corporate attire. I wish I dressed up a little. But then again, I don't really own a lot of clothes other than t-shirts and jeans. I was actually wearing one of the few fitted shirts I own. Most of them are loose and are too big for me.

I prefer wearing loose shirts because fitted ones accentuate my b*obs which are on the big side relative to my body. I am a tiny girl at 5'2" with C cups for br*asts. I'm s little skinny and some people mistake me for a child or even a teenager. My br*asts somehow make me look my age.

I went to the reception desk and told them who I’m looking for. She asked if I had an appointment and when I said yes, she made a call. After a few minutes, she gave me a visitor’s pass and told me to ride the elevator to the 25th floor.

As I rode the lift towards my destination, a lot of thoughts were running through my head. I wonder what kind of job Ram has. Is he one of the big bosses in the company? I have also been wondering why him and his wife needed a surrogate mother to carry their baby. Is there something wrong with them? I wonder what his wife looks like. I can only imagine how pretty she must be to attract someone as hot as Ram. Attractive people tend to flock together.

I stepped out of the elevator as soon as the doors opened. I jumped in surprise as a woman wearing a long-sleeved button up shirt, fitted high-waisted skirt and high heels greeted me. She’s very pretty and put together, as opposed to me who looked like I was a little girl who got lost. She had a nice smile on her pretty face. She looks very pleasant and friendly.

Pretty Woman: “Hi Miss, are you Denise Andrada?”

Her voice was very perky and she reminded me of a cheerleader in high school.

Denise: “Uhm, hi. Yes, that’s me.”

Pretty Woman: “Hi Ms. Andrada, I’m Erica. I’m Mr. Estevez’ assistant. Please come with me.”

Denise: “Okay, thank you.”

I walked behind her as she led me towards where I presume is Ram’s office. I felt more insecure as I saw her walking. Her high heels and tight skirt accentuates her butt. She is very sexy and I wonder if she’s sleeping with her boss. I’ve heard that it’s pretty common for the boss and the assistant in offices like this to have an affair. But then again, Ram might really be in love with his wife that he’s loyal to her. I scolded myself for judging him and assuming the worse even before meeting him in person.

I was taken out of my reverie when Erica stopped in front of what appears to be the door to Ram’s office. She knocked and when she heard him say “Come in,” she stepped inside the office. I heard her say “Ms. Denise Andrada is here.” I didn’t hear what he said in response but when Erica came back out of the office, she opened the door and asked me to go inside.

I nodded while saying “Thank you,” and she smiled at me once more. Erica looks really friendly and my nervousness disappeared for a while. That is until I got inside Ram’s office and my heart beat went faster once more. He was sitting on his office chair in front of his elegant-looking table and he seemed to be reading some important papers on his desk. I closed the door as soon as I got inside and that is when he looked up and smiled as he saw me.

Oh my, he’s even more handsome in person. I felt my heart beating faster than it already was and I’m sure my face has turned bright red. He stood up and walked towards me. He held his hand out as he introduced himself.

Ram: “Hi Denise. I’m Jose Ramon Estevez. Just call me Ram. It’s nice to meet you in person.”

I took his hand and shook it. He didn’t let go of my hands right away as I felt him squeeze it a little.

Ram: “Wow, you’re tiny.”

I’m not really tiny, but he is a big guy. I’m 5’2” and wearing flat shoes. He looks like he’s about six feet tall.

Denise: “Uhm, yo-you’re really big. I look like a hobbit right next to you.”

Ram chuckled and he finally let go of my hand. He asked me to take a seat and asked if I wanted anything to drink ot eat. I could really drink some water right now since I walked for about 15 minutes before I got to his office building. However, I’m a little shy to ask, so I just said I’m okay.

Ram: “So Denise, tell me something about yourself. What do you do?”

Denise: “I-I work as a waitress at a Chinese restaurant. I also work as a part-time nanny.”

Ram: “I see. May I know what made you apply for the job?”

The way Ram is talking right now is so formal that I almost felt like I’m on a job interview. This works well for me since I’m still anxious about the job itself. He’s making it feel like a normal business transaction more than anything else. I felt myself relax. His pleasant face somehow calms me down, and despite the situation, I feel comfortable opening up to him.

Denise: “My dad had a heart attack and we need money for his operation. I’m the eldest child in the family and I couldn’t find any other way to get the money.”

Ram looked down. I don’t know what he’s thinking. Is he feeling pity for me, or is he looking down at me because I chose to use my body to earn the money that I need?

Ram: “I’m sorry to hear that. It’s admirable to know that you are doing this for your family. Rest assured that if you get the job, your father will get the operation that he needs.”

Denise: “Thank you.”

This time, I looked down because tears are about to fall off my eyes. I’ve only known the man in front of me for two days and he’s being thoughtful and he even commended me for what I’m doing. Aside from my family and Wendy, no one else knows the sacrifices I’ve gone through for my family. I really appreciate this relative stranger for saying that he admires me for it.

When I looked up, Ram handed me a box of tissues. I pulled some out and wiped my tears. In normal situations, I would feel embarrassed about crying in front of a stranger. This man's presence warms my heart though, and unlike other people, he doesn't seem to be judging me or looking down on me for being poor enough to want to go through this experience just for the money.

He kept his eyes on me as I kept wiping off my tears. Afterwards, he picked up his desk phone and made a call.

Ram: “Erica, can you get us some water please? Thank you.”

I smiled as I wiped the rest of my tears off. He smiled back. Damn, his smile is really something. It makes him more attractive especially when he looks at me with his beautiful eyes. I can't help but look at his lips. They look so soft. I wonder what it would be like to kiss them.

I was taken out of my inappropriate thoughts when the door opened and Erica stepped in holding a tray with two glasses and two bottles of water. Both Ram and I thanked her, and she smiled before she stepped out of the office.

Ram opened one of the bottles and poured water on it then offered it to me. I took it and drank from it after thanking him. It tasted so good and I felt better as my thirst had been parched. Ram kept looking at me and as soon as I put the glass down, he spoke again.

Ram: “You said you are 23 years old. You look much younger than that. Do you mind showing me an ID with your birthday? I just need to be sure.”

Denise: “Of course. Here.”

I handed Ram my ID which shows my birthday.

Ram: “Would you mind if I make a copy of this?”

Denise: “No, not at all.”

Ram took a picture of my ID with his cellphone. He took a picture of the back as well. When he seemed satisfied, he gave me my ID back.

Ram: “Do you have any questions for me?”

Denise: “I guess I’m just wondering what I will need to do exactly and how it will work.”

Ram: “We’ll explain that to you in due time. We mentioned in the ad that we are looking for someone who’s healthy and is willing to undergo a medical exam to confirm. Are you amenable to that?”

Denise: “Yes, of course. I understand.”

Ram opened a folder on his desk and took a piece of paper then put it in front of me.

Ram: “In that case, I will need you to read this and sign it if you agree to what’s in it. It basically says that you agree to go through the medical exam and that you will keep the details of our transaction confidential. Also, if you fail the medical exam, we are compensating you 10 thousand pesos for your time.”

My eyes opened wide. Ten thousand just to go through a medical exam? This again sounds too good to be true! 

I picked up the paper and read through it. It does say exactly what Ram just mentioned. I signed it right away. It’s comforting to know that regardless of what happens, I will at least get some money out of this. It won’t be a waste of my time. But then again, I’m hoping to pass the medical exam because I need more than the 10 thousand pesos for my dad’s operation. I am praying that I am healthy enough to pass the medical exam that needs to be done. I've always been a healthy kid, and I don't even get cough or flu as easily as other people.

Ram: “Okay. Can you excuse me for a second? I just need to make a call.”

Denise: “Yes, of course.”

Ram stood up and walked towards his full glass window. This was the first time that I noticed that the view from his office is amazing. It must be nice to see this view everyday.

I couldn’t help but look at Ram’s full figure as he stood against the view. His body is actually a better view than what’s outside. Aside from being tall, he also looks buff. He’s wearing a button down shirt with long sleeves, but I can see his shirt it hugging his muscular body. His shoulder is wide, and it’s more prominent since he had one hand up holding the phone, while the other is on his waist. I had to take another drink of water since I seem to be getting dehydrated from drooling.