"Hello, this is Shelby Corcoran. Who would I be speaking to?" She had a calming, sweet voice. It carried a tone that commanded respect, but wasn't overbearing.

"This is Leroy Berry."

"Yes, I'm calling about your add, in the paper, I thought we could meet. Maybe I could help remedy your problem."

••••

Wanted: a young, bright woman to serve as a surrogate, to two men. Leroy and Hiram Berry, Lima, OH.

••••

"Oh, really? Is there somewhere you could meet my Husband and I, maybe over dinner? We can discuss things." Leroy Berry was a gay man from Lima, OH. He and his husband, Hiram Berry, had been together for years and were finally ready to start a family. They knew that this wouldn't be easy. Especially this way. They wanted a child that was biologically one of theirs. They didn't consider adoption an option.

"That sound lovely, where and when should we meet?" Shelby Corcoran was an aspiring Broadway actress. She knew that she could earn enough money here to support herself for a while, until she landed a part on Broadway.

"Um, let's see, how about tomorrow night at 6:00, at the Milano Café?"

"Sounds great. Um, I'll wear a coffee brown leather coat, I'm 5' 4", and I have long brown hair."

"We'll wear navy blue sports coats, and striped ties. Well try to secure a window booth."

"Alright, see you there!" She seemed to be genuinely excited.

"Good-bye." Leroy was excited but not as much, his excitement was reserved. Leroy and Hiram had already gone through this with three other women, and none of them stood up to their scrutinization. Hopefully this one would go better.

••••

Shelby pulled open the door, the restaurant wasn't very busy, just a few couples and few families. The place was dimly lit and there was soft music playing. Hiram and Leroy were about half way back. Shelby walked slowly up the aisle, her palms were sweaty.

"Hello, I'm Shelby Corcoran." She said with a small wave. Hiram stood up first, sticking his hand out.

"Leroy and I are glad you could meet us." Hiram was considerably taller than Leroy. They both looked Jewish, same as Shelby.

"Yes, we are glad you could stop by. Here, have a seat." Hiram gestured to the seat next to Leroy and Shelby slid in.

"So, tell us about why you would want to help us." Leroy seemed to have more people skills than Hiram.

"Well, I'm an aspiring Broadway actress. I was in an off-Broadway show a few years ago, that didn't go so well. If I were to do this, I could go live in New York, and hopefully make it this time."

"Hiram and I love Broadway theatre."

"Oh, really! What's your favorite show?"

"Oh we couldn't possibly choose. Could we, Leroy? But we love Carousel... Funny Girl. So many to choose from."

"I had always hoped to play in Funny Girl." Now Hiram spoke up.

"Ms. Corcoran..."

"You can call me Shelby"

"Yes, Shelby, why should we choose you." Hiram wasted no time.

"Well, I don't know, I'm healthy. I have a good personality, ambitious, I can sing, I have a college degree. Here, why don't you ask me questions and I'll answer." She was a little nervous. Leroy started.

"What is your faith?"

"Jewish."

"What was your upbringing like?"

"Well, my parents and I lived here, in Lima, a small house in the suburbs. We attended synagogue weekly. I have a younger brother and sister. From a very young age I knew I could sing. Since, probably, the third grade I knew I wanted to be on Broadway."

"Well, sounds like you were right about the ambition part! Do you have an medical conditions?"

"I do have asthma, but it's mild, and rarely affects me."

"Are you, or have you ever been, married?"

"No."

"Have you ever been in a committed relationship?"

"I was with my high school boyfriend until I left for college."

"So, you are straight?"

"Yes."

"Where do you work."

"Well, right now I work at the local music library."

"Are you taking any medications?"

"Just vitamins."

"Alright Shelby, I think we should meet again so we can get to know the real you."

"That sounds great! I really hope I can help you guys." With that Shelby stood up and so did the Berry men.

"You both have my number, so just call when you're ready to meet up." Leroy hugged Shelby and Hiram shook her hand and they wished her well.

"Well, Leroy, how do you feel about this one?"

"I'm not sure but I think she could be the one."