Thread: Indecent Proposal [Traveler et dearestdarling]

Just as soon as it had been offered, the potential car was taken away from her. It was for the best, but a part of Sadie kicked herself for rejecting it. What position was she in to reject any gift? She hated the way that Madison looked at her, as though she wasn't quite human, but instead a fun project she'd been given to work on. She could feel the cat-like eyes picking her every feature apart, assessing it, referring to whatever notes that Mr. Amir had given her. She spent the entire day on edge, trying on clothes that seemed better suited for a whimsical day at the park than an office, and that was bad enough. But the worst offense, the one that nearly drew the protest that rested on her lips, was when they touched her hair. A few highlights, Madison had called it, but it ended up being much more than a few. Her virgin hair was foiled, and when the awful-smelling gunk had been washed out, the tips of her hair were lightened to nearly white. It was subtle, 'peek-a-boo' highlights according to Madison, and it was true that they hadn't done her whole head, but... Sadie touched the ends as though they belonged to somebody else. She hadn't been allowed to color her hair when she lived at home, but she had never really wanted to. It felt like some kind of violation. What was the point of this? Sadie asked, as the stylist rolled her hair into a brush and slowly blow dried it smooth. Madison didn't bother to glance up from her screen. The point, the entire point, is to entice Mr. Giovanni. Her voice was slow, deliberate, as though Sadie couldn't possibly understand anything else. Sadie, dear, try not to worry yourself with the particulars of the job. Your focus should be the big picture. If coloring your hair and wearing a few outfits is all you have to do to gain financial security, what does it matter, the color or the style? Leave those decisions to the professionals. If Mr. Giovanni surrounds himself with women like... you, then why are you making me look like this? Madison laughed, the sound like tinkling glass. Mr. Giovanni is easily... bored. He thinks he likes a certain type, but what he really enjoys is the chase. The thrill of the hunt. Barrel curls, I think, Rubio, she said as an aside to the stylist, and muss them a little. Sexy and fun, that's what we're aiming for. Sexy and fun. She could do that. Mr. Amir will give you further instruction of how to conduct yourself, so save those questions for him. I'm here purely to work on... the exterior. A quiet smile, and her attention returned to the tablet. Can I ask you one? Madison nodded, still not giving her full attention to the girl in front of her. Have you ever slept with Giovanni? Madison's eyes flashed to Sadie's, the cool smile faltering for a split moment. Mr. Amir will handle all of your questions that are relevant to your job description, Ms. Sadie. Don't trouble yourself over anything more. She tsked to herself, swiping her screen with a delicate finger. We're going to be late for your waxing, hm. It was difficult to leave Evie the next morning. Sundays were always their days to spend together. But Sadie reminded herself that it was for the best, that if everything went well, she would be providing a wonderful new life for the both of them. She had to believe that, so that her daughter would. After a quick breakfast, Evie was left with Danielle and the boys, and Sadie hailed a cab. It was strange to be able to afford it, instead of needing to walk to wherever she had to go. HAVAS ADVERTISING , the card she had been given read, and somehow the place wasn't like what she had been expecting. Everything was white, modern, casual. Her pink heels clicked as she found her way down the hall, peeking into the double doors that fed into the cavernous office space. She felt a bit ridiculous in what they had dressed her in-- a light pink blouse that tied at the throat in a loose bow, the black pencil skirt, and of course the matching shoes. It felt like a costume, and in some ways, she guessed it was. She stopped at the receptionist's desk, nerves buzzing. Though it was Sunday, a few people were in the office, working and not paying her much attention. I'm here to see Mr. Amir, she offered, and the man at the desk nodded curtly. Is he expecting you? What's your name? Sadie. He looked up from his computer. And your last name? How many Sadies could he possibly be expecting? It's just Sadie. She needed to think of a false last name, and soon. He gave her a strange look, then picked up his phone. Mr. Amir, your... Sadie has arrived.