Gravitation

It had been two months since her last interview, yet Davine still didn’t feel prepared. She had been accepted for the position on the spot. The contact she signed sealed her fate as the Ethan Ramosa’s fake girlfriend. Not much was known about him other than he was rich. Even his face was relatively unknown. A fake girlfriend seemed unnecessary in this day and age, but it was the opportunity of a life time. Not much had been explained to her before she signed the contract. She hadn’t even properly read it. In the weeks that followed she realized how naive she had been. She didn’t tell anyone before she signed because she expected to fail. When she shared her good news with her friends, they excitedly asked for details and she quickly realized she couldn’t answer any of them. After a couple days she sent an email to the address she used to apply for the position only to receive no explanation. “Everything will be explained on your first day. If you still have any questions you can ask them then.” She let out a long sigh as she finished applying her mascara. Thinking about that reply always made her anxiety spike. She stared into her own brown eyes, the make up light in her bathroom brought out the gold specks usually only visible in the sunlight. You still couldn’t see the warm honey color that joined them when it was bright out. As Davine finished curling her long brown hair with discreet rose gold highlights, she wondered if they were a mistake. She shook out her hair, shaking her head more than necessary to banish the thought. It was just her anxiety getting to her. Her plan was originally to do purple but when she got the job she figured something more subtle and fashion forward would be better. Her stylist mentioned it wasn’t quite the peak of fashion anymore but popular enough it would be fine. She looked down as she ran her fingers through her hair to gently comb out the curls a little more. She had been growing it out for some time and it had just past her breasts. She switched between looking down and looking back up at the mirror checking out her outfit as she pulled the tissues out of her collar that had been out there to prevent getting makeup on her white shirt. Her clothing stipend started two weeks before the job so she could show up in style. She had a lose fitting white button up shirt, top two buttons undone, with high waisted silky black pants, fitted but not tight. The outfit hinted at her figure with out drawing attention to it. She done a lot of research before picking this out fit. Passable as professional but casual enough to seem like something a girlfriend might wear to visit. Her phone buzzed bringing her back to reality. She put on some red stiletto, clasping the ankle strap before grabbing her bag and hurrying out the door. The car was already there and she didn’t want to keep them waiting. Sitting in the back seat, she greeted the driver, who nodded at her. She’d been in LA for a few years, just finished her masters in English. It was actually part of why she got the job, she would be doing some writing as Ramosa planned on releasing some books. To her surprise the car took her to an office building. As soon as the car had stopped someone was there to open the door and she slid out. “Davina! Welcome to the Ramosa home office.” She was greeted by a short white man who seemed to be all smiles. She smiled back. “Actually it’s Davine,” she corrected him. His mouth started the words for an apology but before he could get them out she continued, “happens all the time.” He motioned for her to follow him in the building, doing his best to not be thrown off by the correction. “Today is a big day, not just for us but for the company. We are announcing our next big project. I’m sure you’re anxious to meet him but it probably won’t happen until tonight. Lots to go over and we’ll be watching the press release.” He flashed another smile, I noticed how straight and white his teeth were as he talked. “So if I’m not meeting him until later, what are we doing now?” I tilted my head a bit and followed him into the elevator. I checked my appearance in the foggy reflection and fixed my necklaces, as I glanced back at him. I towered over him, but it hadn’t been as noticeable until we were in such close proximity. “You’re going to meet his social presence team. They were made six months ago when the company decided they needed a face, a relatable presence.” He continued as soon as we entered the elevator. “As we get bigger, anonymity is doing us less favors than it used to. Especially as we start this next phase and plan to become a house hold name.” She nodded as she listened. “The books are part of the plan. But I’ll let them explain more.” He motioned for me to follow him out of the elevator, engaging in some small talk before opening the door to a conference room down the hall. “I’ll let everyone introduce themselves.” He smiled as he motioned for me to take a seat at the table. She could hardly pay attention as everyone introduced themselves she was too anxious and overwhelmed. She nodded along and introduced herself when it was time. The man who had helped her this morning was James. Someone poured her some water and she sipped it slowly even though she was quite thirsty. They went on to explain what she was there for, their plans for the future. In addition to the girlfriend and books, she’d be doing some assistant work for him. Luckily she wouldn’t be paid like one. They went over her pay agreement even though it had been reviewed when she accepted the job. Before she knew it, it was lunch time. Everyone got up and James motioned for her to follow again. “We’re going out to lunch, but don’t worry, all meals on the job are on the company. We are celebrating so there’s likely to be some drinks, but since the press conference is next and then you’ll meet him, be careful.” I thanked him for his advice but it was hardly necessary. She rarely dank and today she certainly wasn’t going to risk anything. Everyone climbed into the company cars before heading over to a high end Asian restaurant. Looking over the menu it seemed to be primarily Chinese, but there were dishes from other eastern Asian countries as well. Sure enough about half way through the meal a toast was called, she had ordered a nice virgin drink so she didn’t seem rude by not participating. She chatted with the people on either side. They were excited to have her on the team. She struggled to remember their names as she told them she was excited too. When lunch wrapped up everyone stood up and continued their conversations to the cars. When they all got back it would be time for the press conference. Her insides squirmed with anxiety and excitement. She had only seen a couple of pictures of him, one before the job interview and one at the final interview. She would be seeing him for the first time in person for the first time.