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Felicia questioned, “Rightfully mine?”
“I’d better start from the beginning. After the divorce and that large sum of money landed in her account, Valerie was ready to start a new life. She finally had the financial freedom to do it, too.”
Felicia offered a knowing nod. “She always wanted that, to have the ability to afford to do and go wherever she wanted.”
“Growing up in the foster care system is hard on anyone, but for Valerie it just seems like it was especially rough on her, although she rarely talked about it with me,” John said, pushing the folder to the side.
“With me, either. She always said what happened, happened, and it’s best to let skeletons stay buried.” Felicia felt an overwhelming sense of sorrow for her friend, who’d died two months ago. While that was not unusual, she hated that the cancer Valerie had once beaten had taken her old friend. Felicia sat in silence while John continued.
“In spite of the divorce, Valerie wanted to become a mother. She wanted to have a child to share her new life with,” he said with a hint of sadness in his voice. “Her career was going well. She had her health, so she just knew this was the next logical step for herself, even if she had to do it alone.”
“She was always fearless like that,” Felicia offered.
“Do you remember when Valerie went to that reproductive clinic and had her eggs harvested and stored?”
“It was just before her first chemo and radiation treatments started.” Felicia’s remorse was mounting. “She wanted to make sure she could have her own children. Valerie spent every dime she’d earned that summer before, as well as the money she’d made from the two jobs she’d held, just to pay for the procedure. She refused any help I offered.”
John scratched his head. “Unfortunately, when Valerie went back to the clinic to have her eggs fertilized and implanted, she found out that only four were viable, which meant she only had two shots at having her own child.”
“Oh, no, I bet she was devastated. Valerie had been adamant about having a biological child. But transferring two good embryos into her uterus at her age would give a forty to fifty percent chance that at least one embryo would result in a live birth.” Felicia released a pained sigh. “She wanted a baby that looked like her, a connection that she herself never had.”
“That’s putting it mildly. The clinic went through a lot of changes after Dr. Dan Ambrose took over.”
“Dan Ambrose?” she asked, swiping at a piece of hair that had fallen into her eyes. “I don’t recognize the name, but I’ve been working out of the country these past couple of years.”
“He’s a fertility specialist that became the clinic’s administrator about four years ago. When Valerie found out she only had a couple of chances at making her dreams come true, she took matters into her own hands to ensure she had her perfect donor.”
“A perfect sperm donor?” she asked, her face tense.
John raised his right hand to halt any further query on her part. “Her words, not mine. Valerie asked...well, paid Ambrose a million dollars to help her make that happen. She had the money and that quack Ambrose was more than happy to take a lot of it off her hands.”
“I don’t understand what any of this has to do with me,” she said, more confused than ever.
John rose and went over to the bar and poured himself a drink. Felicia saw a slight tremor of John’s right hand as he poured the gold liquid into not one but two glasses. That certainly was an ominous sign. He returned to his desk, placed both in front of him and zeroed in on Felicia’s face.
“The donor sperm she used was that of a man she’d been secretly in love with since she was a medical student. The same man her best friend had been in love with—the man who had rejected her in favor of that best friend,” he said, never taking his eyes off Felicia.
Felicia felt as though someone had reached a hand into her chest and was squeezing her heart like it was a stress ball. She didn’t dare open her mouth to ask any questions. The mere idea that someone...that Valerie, could hurt her in such a way. Felicia still regretted that she’d never allowed her close friendship with Griffin to move beyond the friend zone. That she let fear stop her from pursuing something that she really wanted. Fear of both rejection and acceptance. Felicia knew either reaction would have changed the course she had set for her life. Yet, the idea that the one person who knew what she was prepared to do with and for a love she had yet to experience would betray her in such a way was hard to comprehend, so she remained silent and waited to hear the words.
“The same man, the medical school heartthrob with whom Valerie sabotaged any chance that her friend may have had, was her only option. She couldn’t let her friend have something else she couldn’t. Valerie made sure that if she couldn’t have him, her friend wouldn’t have him, either.”
Felicia slowly shook her head as a single tear began to fall.
“You were that friend. And I’m so sorry,” he said, swallowing hard before adding, “Griffin Kaile...was the donor.”
Felicia’s mouth fell open and closed just as quickly. The thought that Valerie had sabotaged any potential relationship she could’ve had with Griffin took root in her mind. She brushed away her tears and reached for the drink John was slowly sliding in her direction. Felicia picked up the glass and tossed the entire contents back in one swallow. She had never been much of a drinker but figured an exception was warranted. Felicia only hoped that the strong, smooth liquid would calm the storm that was building inside her head. She held the empty glass against her lip, feeling the liquor burn its way down her throat.
“Care for another one?” John asked.
“No. Thank you.” Felicia placed the glass on the desk. “What I would care for is an explanation.”
“You and Valerie may have been friends in medical school, but she was also very jealous of you,” he explained with a hurt look on his face.
“Wh-what?” Felicia stammered.
“Valerie thought everything came easy for you. She told me that you didn’t have to work for anything—friends, grades...a man’s interest. Valerie said your family’s money made you special. That you were only nice to her because you were roommates and you had to be.”
Felicia gasped but quickly pressed her lips together, shaking her head like a bobblehead. She was trying to keep the scream she wanted to release from escaping.
“I’m sure your feelings for Valerie were genuine and I have to believe she knew that, as well, at least before she got sick and started making such decisions.”
“Such as?” Felicia managed to spit out.
“Valerie paid Ambrose to steal Griffin’s sperm, fertilize her eggs and implant them in her uterus,” he said.
Anger and disbelief rose to the surface as she gripped the arm of her chair. “How could she do something so vile? To Griffin? To me?” she yelled.
“I’m sorry—”
Felicia held up her right hand, preventing yet another apology from coming forward, which was definitely too little too late and from the wrong person. “While all of this is so ugly, it’s also ancient history,” she snapped, rising to her feet. “I still don’t understand what any of it has to do with me.”
John came from around his desk and stood next to her. “Please calm down and let me finish. There’s so much more you need to know.”
Felicia’s hands flew up in surrender as she stepped two feet away from him, moving closer to the door. “I’m sure you do—and this is calm, so cut to the chase. Why am I here?”
“Valerie stole Griffin’s sperm and fertilized her egg—”
“Old news. Your point?” Felicia folded her arms, realizing she was channeling her sister Farrah’s sharp tongue and being terribly rude, but at this point she didn’t care.
“Last January—January fifteenth to be exact—Valerie had a beautiful six-pound baby girl. Griffin’s biological daughter. That she wants you to raise as your own.”
Chapter 3 (#u81f33526-4246-5f2f-8dee-d9c5c885ff53)
Felicia’s knees gave way but John caught her before she could hit the floor. He led her back to her seat. Her eyelashes fluttered and taking a breath was not as easy as it should be. Her heart pounded a river of blood through her veins. John reached for his desk phone and hit the call button for his assistant. “Mrs. Ray, get in here quick.”
Within seconds the door flew open. An older woman with sienna skin entered immediately and noticed Felicia sliding down in her chair. “Sir, what happened?”
“Help me move her over to the sofa.” They each placed an arm under each of her shoulders and walked her over to the sofa. They laid her down and Mrs. Ray placed a pillow under her head.
“Get the first aid kit. There should be some smelling salts in it.”
“I don’t need that.” Felicia waved off the offer as she tried to rise.
“Take your time, my dear,” Mrs. Ray warned, handing Felicia a glass of water she’d retrieved for her.
Felicia took several sips as her eyes scanned the two worried faces looking down at her. “My apologies. I think that drink, along with everything else, knocked me off my feet, so to speak.” The corners of her lips rose slightly.
“I’m sure it did,” John said, returning to the bar and pouring himself another drink.
“Can I get you anything else...should I call someone for you?” Mrs. Ray asked, her wrinkled brow deepening.
“Thank you, but I’ll be fine.”
“You sure? Because I really don’t think you should be driving,” she said, her concern clear.
Felicia beamed at the woman’s concern. “I have a car service.”
“Then, if you need me, I’ll be right outside,” she said before walking out the door.
“Sorry about all this. I guess whiskey wasn’t the best idea, after all,” Felicia offered as a form of explanation.
“You sure you’re okay?” John asked, leaning against the side of his desk.
“If you’re worried I’ll faint, I won’t. But as far as being okay? Let’s see.” Felicia tilted her head. “You’ve just informed me that Valerie, the only woman I’ve ever been close to other than my sisters, was never really my friend. She had a biological child with the man that she knew I had deep, valley-like feelings for, and now she wants me to raise that child as my own.” She squished her face and shook her head. “No, I’m far from okay.”
John held Felicia’s gaze. “You have to understand. After the divorce and finding out that she might not be able to conceive with her own eggs—that her chances were extremely limited—Valerie lost her way a little,” John said, tapping the side of his temple with his index finger.
“A little?”
“Okay, a lot,” he corrected. “Valerie became obsessed with having a perfect and healthy child by the perfect guy. Again, her words.”
“So she decided to steal one, so to speak—Griffin’s. Then just give it to me...like it’s some type of gift. And why me, especially if she didn’t like me as much as you say?” Felicia shook her head in disbelief.
“I think she felt guilty for what she did,” he said, breaking eye contact for a brief moment.
“How could she even get away with such a thing?”
“Money...the power it gives. You of all people should know that,” he said, and she wasn’t sure if that was censure she heard in his tone. “Money can move mountains.”
Felicia got to her feet fisting her hands at her sides before slowly pacing around the room. “I think everyone involved in this mess should be arrested and I want that place shut down.” Felicia recognized her righteous indignation toward the situation and that her reaction to what Valerie had done was laced with a bit of envy. It wasn’t right, but Valerie knew what she wanted and wouldn’t let anything or anyone stop her from having it. That was something Felicia only did when it came to her career. She’d never had the courage to go after Griffin and a possible future together when she had the opportunity, and now Valerie had done something she never would; she’d borne Griffin’s child.
A lengthy pause ensued, as though he was weighing his response carefully.
“I understand you want some type of retribution and that you’re angry—”
“Angry doesn’t even come close,” she snapped. “And I hope you don’t think this is about money. It most certainly won’t be once Griffin finds out about all this.”
John’s eyes grew wide as golf balls. “You’re going to tell him?”
“Of course,” she said, glaring at John. “He has more rights to Valerie’s child than I do.”
“He relinquished his rights when he donated his sperm, and notifying Griffin isn’t exactly what she wanted. Legally, she’s yours,” John said, scratching his temple.
Felicia stopped in her tracks. “I don’t give a damn what she wanted and I’m not sure any of this is legal,” she said with a heated glare and hands on her hips. “Valerie brought me into this mess and I’ll handle things the best way I see fit.”
“Of course, but think about the publicity this will bring if what happened gets out,” he replied smoothly. “Publicity for everyone involved, including the baby...your daughter.”
Felicia’s legs almost failed to hold her upon hearing those last two words again; only this time she reached for her chair and sat back down. “My daughter...”
“Yes, your daughter...she needs you.” John reached for the folder on his desk, removed a small photograph and handed it to her. “Valerie named her Alyia Blake Kaile Washington.”
Felicia accepted the picture without looking.
She took a deep breath and then lowered her gaze. The round face, a light brown color, complete with gray eyes and topped by a head full of black curls, offered a toothless grin that tugged at Felicia’s heart. She stared at the beautiful image staring back at her through the photo, a miniature version of her father. The eyes were very familiar. This was Griffin’s child.
“Why me?” Felicia asked, keeping her eyes on the photo. “I mean, Valerie had already ruined any opportunity I might have had with Griffin years ago. I still can’t believe I let her convince me to stay away from him.” And it didn’t take much to convince your scared behind, either. “Why bring me into this mess now?”
“She felt like she owed you something.” John took a seat behind his desk.
“What?” Felicia’s eyes widened.
“Let me explain,” he said, sounding anxious. “About three months into the pregnancy, Valerie started feeling tired. Actually, too tired. A doctor confirmed that the cancer had returned and this time it had spread.”
Felicia’s right hand flew to her chest. “Oh, how horrible. She got such news at a time when she should have been celebrating.” No matter how angry she might have been at Valerie’s betrayal, she knew what she had gone through before, coming to grips and fighting the cancer, and Felicia couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.
An injured look spread across John’s face. Obviously he’d cared deeply for Valerie. He stood and turned to stare out the window. “Everyone told her that her best option was to terminate the pregnancy. She needed to start fighting for her own life.”
“Everyone?”
“Yes. Her doctors...me,” he whispered. “But she wouldn’t hear of it.” The emotion in his voice was almost visible. “All she cared about was having that baby.” Each word was laced in sadness.
Felicia tilted her head slightly, peering at him through narrowed eyes. “John, just how close were you and Valerie?”
He remained silent so long that she thought he wasn’t going to answer. John’s back stayed to Felicia as he stood cracking his knuckles for several moments before his shoulders dropped and he turned to face her. “I loved her, but Valerie never knew it. Our relationship was friendly at best.”
“So you never told her how you felt?”
“No. After the divorce, Valerie was determined to start over...on her own. I figured she just needed time, but before I knew it she was pregnant and dying,” John explained, and it was clear that he was still grieving his loss.
Felicia’s heart sank and her feelings must’ve showed in her expression because John asked, “Are you okay? Do you need some water or anything?”
“No, I’m fine. Really.”
John took his seat behind the extra-wide desk. “Valerie decided she’d have the baby and fight the cancer after giving birth. She figured she’d beaten it before and she could do it again,” he said, shaking his head. “Unfortunately that wouldn’t be the case.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.” Felicia’s emotions were taking her on a crazy roller-coaster ride between disbelief, anger and sadness.
John offered a quick nod and continued. “After she gave birth to Alyia, she was told she had less than a year, so Valerie set out to do what she thought was right at the time.”
“Which was what exactly?” Felicia frowned and sat straighter in the chair.
John opened his file again, pulled out several documents and handed them to Felicia. She scanned the papers, then she speared John with a look that had him raising his hands in surrender.
“I knew nothing about that until later...much later,” he confessed. “I would’ve tried to convince her to go in another direction, the right direction, much earlier than she did.”
Felicia glanced at the paperwork again. “She actually tried to have Griffin’s baby adopted. Why?”
“Valerie thought about telling both you and Griffin, so she had you both checked out. But she thought your careers would always come first, that neither of you would ever want the responsibility of a child. She certainly didn’t want Alyia to end up alone and in the foster care system...without a family of her own.”
