FALLON
"What car is this?" After entering the black car, Erica asks.
"Aston Martin," Gabriel arrogantly announces. My friends wow at his words. I let out no sigh as I couldn't care less, as long as it takes us from point A to point B. The car is comfy but too comfy for my taste. It makes me uncomfortable.
"Where are you taking us?" I hear Wendy asking next.
"The Fabric nightclub, right behind St. Paul's. My sister will join us, so you'll finally meet her. You look a lot like her, Fallon!" Gabriel answers, looking at me intensely over the rearview mirror. That kind of was strange.
"I like it there," Wendy adds, putting her hand on Gab's knee, drawing her fingers over to his crotch. I blush and cringe, feeling Sebastian's hand touching my knee too. My hand lands on his, stopping it from moving further. He gets a hint, moving it away right after. At least Seb isn't an aggressive type. Erica only smirks at me and shakes her head like showing her disapproval of my action.
I don't understand my friends as I told them I don't like the guy. If they fancy him, they can entertain him themselves.
I liked the Fabric myself, being there a couple of times. All I wanted was to dance with my friends and get wasted. But now, Wendy doesn't let Gab slip from her hands, and Seb turned to Erica, seeing me not interested. I feel awkward as he still gazes at me while making out with my friend.
And then, Gab's sister arrives.
The girl is single, and she looks like me for real, only a better-dressed version of me, or I look like her, a lot. Gabriel was so right about us, resembling one another.
"Wow, if I would ever need a doppelganger, I sure will call you!" Approaching me with a smile, Hope makes a joke.
"Sure, why not? Especially if the pay is ok," I continue with jokes, and we both burst into laughter.
We spoke very little after her brother introduced her to everyone. But at least I'm not alone on the dance floor. And by alone, I mean surrounded by my two friends having those two guys' tongues shoved down their throats. Plus, the guys' hands are all over their bodies. I never judge my roommates, but it is my birthday.
I expected another way of having fun tonight.
So, Hope Douglas represents my best birthday gift for this evening, keeping me company as I close my eyes, dancing like crazy. I sway my hips, wave my hands through the air, twist, and turn around. I even jump a little, forgetting everything burdening my life. Music is mostly techno, but I have no problem with that, though I prefer the old rock tunes.
I enjoy the night out, pretending to be someone else. I hate my real life.
"Hey, Fallon! Let's get some drinks." After dancing for an hour or so, Hope pulls my hand, dragging me toward the bar.
"Oh, ok. I'm buying it since it's my birthday," I say, following the posh girl like a shadow. We order three shots of tequila each. Hope allows me only to pay for the first round. The bartender flirts with us both, asking if we are twins. We look at each other, winking and accepting the game.
"Listen, I might have a job for you. You know, as my doppelganger character." Hope suddenly remarks, and by the look at her face, I realize this is no joke. But why would she need someone to imitate her?
"Oh!" I only manage to let out a sigh, confused and puzzled, while she bores deeply into my eyes.
"It's nothing serious or dangerous, don't worry!" Hope reassuringly smiles, "The pay would be more than generous, and it involves seven days and six nights in Rome, all costs paid, plus you'll get paid. You would be alone in our family villa, with tickets booked for all landmarks to see, all meals, and a private car with the chauffeur and all. Three thousand pounds as the pocket money and 25K as your fee. The only condition is you never use your name but mine.
And you'll have to visit a party, a special event on your last night there. It's a guy's birthday party, our family's friend, named Julius. I will provide you with a gift for him and an outfit for yourself, too. Plus, you can take all clothes you find in my closet there with you when going back." My head is spinning from these numbers tossed at my face.
"Oh, I see. It's a lot of money. But why?" The only question that bothers me is why. I mean, I would have accommodation, food, tickets, and transportation cleared. I could easily spend under 200 pounds and still have a great time.
And earn a ton of money. I could enroll in some art classes when back in London. I could bring home much more than 25K, as I sure wouldn't spend all 3K in Rome, especially with everything paid for there. I should stop asking why and go for it. Hope's offer is an opportunity of a lifetime for me.
"Oh, honey! I have a lover in Venice. I'll be with him there while you are in Rome, but my parents can't know about it. They need to think I am in Rome. So while you stay in our family villa, spending money, I will have a blast, experiencing great sex." She smiles naughtily at me, making me think she isn't much older than me.
...me days off since I never took a holiday and only called sick one day during twelve months of working there.
"In four days, Saturday. Oh, and tell your friends you are going somewhere else. Let's keep this between ourselves." Hope explains calmly, keeping a smile on her face all the time.
"No problem, I'll keep my mouth shut. It's a deal," I confirm, and we exchange our phone numbers.
Old Zhang gave me nine days off, not too glad about it, but Mei surprised me, yelling at him, telling him I'm the best employee he ever had.
On Saturday, I board the plane to Rome after telling Erica and Wendy I received an invitation to visit my cousin in Manchester, the one I just found about a few days ago.
I am happy, sitting in the first class, waiting for the take-off to begin. Hope's flight to Venice was just a few hours before mine.
At least, that was what I naively thought.