Episode 34

“What do you mean, my baby Jane?” Henry said to me, his eyes wide with disbelief. He looked at me like I was some kind of crazy woman, and I felt a pang of embarrassment. But I meant what I said. Unless my gym instructor had lied to me, but I was sure that he was telling the truth.

“They need children, Henry. They need children.” I repeated, lowering my voice. I knew about the childlessness of his wife, Bianca, and him. And I was offering myself as a surrogate to help them solve this problem. But I needed something in return. “Look, Henry, I know about your situation, and I’m willing to help you out. But I need a favor from you too.” I said, and he frowned at me, his expression hardening.

“How did you know that, Jane? Have you been spying on us? That’s not very nice.” Henry asked, his voice rising with every question. He was shocked and furious, but he tried to hide it by taking a sip of his beer. He was stuffing his fat belly with the drink, as if it could drown his troubles.

“Oh, don