General Fiction posted August 1, 2022


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Part II of IV

The sperm donor, Leslie's story

by Terry Broxson


Leslie's head was spinning from the news about a sperm donor. She and her husband James had used a sperm donor in the second year of their marriage because James's sperm count was too low. It had worked, and daughter Tracey was born.

And then the wonderful surprise of two more daughters.      

How will I tell James that my old boyfriend, lawyer Sam Kenyon, has a client who was the sperm donor? How will we tell Tracey, her son Brandon, and the rest of the family?

***

"How was your lunch with Mr. Super Lawyer?"

"You may not believe it, but I think you may drop your sarcastic attitude about him." 

"Nothing would change my mind about that a..hole."

"Would twelve million dollars change your mind?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Sam knows we used a sperm donor for Tracey."

"That is not possible."

"Time Magazine and Texas Monthly put him on their covers and called him a Super Lawyer because he gets results. Sam said he had a wealthy client who was the donor. He hired Sam to find out if the donor's sperm was used and, if so, what happened. Apparently, Tracey happened."

"This is a lot to take in. Why did this donor hire Sam? What about twelve million dollars?" 

"Sam said he is a long-time client, and it is a remarkable coincidence Sam knew me. The donor is offering to set up a ten-million-dollar trust fund for Brandon and give Tracey a million dollars and you and me a million dollars. We would administer the trust fund." 

"Why would he do that?"

"I asked the same question. The donor is getting old, has no family, lots of money, and even though I think it is a bit far-fetched, he feels a connection to us." 

"I don't know, Leslie; what's the catch?"

"I don't think there is a catch. Sam said it would please the donor if we would accept. The one stipulation is the donor remains anonymous."

"Umm, do you suppose we could negotiate?"

"What for, more money?"

"No, probably couldn't do that. But maybe we could spread it around a little more for the other girls and kids."

"How?"

"Okay, I am just thinking, but maybe three million for Brandon, two million for each daughter, and three million for us, most of which would go to the granddaughters." 

"James, I don't know. The donor has no relation to our other girls or their kids. I thought he was being generous to Tracey, Brandon, and us." 

"But look at the position we are in, especially me. My daughters and their kids get nothing. I can see the resentment causing major family dysfunction."

"They are all your daughters and grandkids; don't be a jerk!"

"I didn't mean it that way. I just mean it's a difficult position for us."

"I think you are looking a gift horse in the mouth."

"Is there any harm in calling Sam and asking if there is a way the amounts could be structured to help the whole family? He is just the lawyer, not the sperm donor. What does he care? He is going to get paid either way."

"I don't know. Should we talk to Tracey and hear what she thinks?"

"Not until we know if there could be a different structure."

"I see your point. Okay, I'll call Sam."  

***

"Leslie, I assume you all discussed my client's offer."

"We have. We have a question. Is it possible to have a different structure for the twelve million dollars?"

"Like what?"

"We were thinking of a three million trust fund for Brandon, two million for Tracey, and two million each for our other two daughters. The last three million would be under James and my control to help the granddaughters with college and the family, as necessary."  

"Is this your idea or James's?"

"Sam, it is both of us. We don't want our family to have envious thoughts and problems over who got some money and who didn't. I told you they are all good people. Your client's offer is very generous, but hopefully, he could see our dilemma." 

"Leslie, I'll put you on hold and connect you to my secretary. Her name is Betty. Give her all the information she requests. I'll have the papers drawn up the way you suggest. Betty will arrange to have the documents signed and the funds turned over. Hold on."


***

"It was a little weird. Sam didn't argue. He didn't say he would have to check with his client. He just said yes, and had his secretary draw up the papers."

"I told you, he is just an a..hole lawyer getting paid. He's got no
 dog in this hunt. How do you feel about a Tesla?"

"That is fine for you but make my Tesla a big Porsche SUV?"

"What color do you want?"

***

"Sam, what do you think now that the first one is done?"

"Betty, it doesn't seem possible. Linda, a girl I dated in college, Susan, who I knew in law school, and then Leslie after law school are all mothers from my sperm bank donation. It was a good thing I finally got married."

"I see you have not lost your sense of humor. But I am curious, why didn't you tell Leslie you were the donor?"

"If I told her it was me, I am sure it would have caused a world of problems for her. For Leslie, a well-constructed lie is a better truth."

"What are you going to tell the next two?"

"I am not sure. We will see what works for Linda and Susan, but we have to do more research. I almost made a mistake with the money. I intend to help if I can, not create difficulty. Set up a meeting with Chet."

To be continued...



Recognized

#28
August
2022


My thanks to Gary Maclean for his editing contribution.
Pays one point and 2 member cents.

Artwork by Susan F. M. T. at FanArtReview.com

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