When Amelia woke up, her face was finally smeared, I'm not going to lie, I was really happy to see that after a good wine or a nice bottle of bad vodka, she was still human and woke up with her eyes black from too much makeup and mascara, which she forgot to take off in front of the dresser. I looked presentable, after all, someone was watching me the whole time. So I couldn't shut my fucking eye any time during the night, the fixed idea that that lunatic would definitely be watching me sleep, watching my every expression, letting none go unnoticed made me shiver.
- Good morning Lauren, our friend, why don't you buy something that doesn't give so much hangover? damn it, my head is exploding!
- I don't think it has to do with the brand, I think it has to do with the quantity. And sit there and drink a coffee that will get better. - I offered her a smile.
- So, have you decided what you're going to do about the job issue?! Because yesterday I sent some messages and if you want the job, it's yours... You can go to work with me.
I could decide my whole life there, I could take Amelia's job and feel secure about my life. I was competent, and it sure would be stable for me.
But I was Lauren, and I didn't settle for less. And despite being scared, I wanted to find out what this stranger wanted with me.
My cell phone vibrated in my pocket, Amelia didn't seem to face me, her hangover probably preventing her from trying to elicit some melodramatic response from me.
8:00 am Unknown: You're going to be late for work, and I can't wait for you to be there.
My body froze, he was watching me inside my house, he was reading my body language, and that was complete nonsense, so it surprised me, seeing that I was acting so calmly drinking my coffee, and despite my hand sweating , I imagined his face when he wrote that message to me. And what kind of grim expression would he have at that moment.
- Who is this Lauren? I uh, she's in a life and death situation and yet I can swear you're laughing. Oh my God.
- I'm not laughing, and I'll hurry, feel free. - When I was almost out the door, I finally remembered an important detail - Oh Amelia, no leaving my key in the toilet ok? Leave it at the concierge or take it with you. - Not that it would help, I doubt he needed keys to break into my apartment.
I left the apartment and this time took public transport, thinking along the way about what I would do next. Did I want that attention focused on me? would you accept that article? Anyway, something occurred to me and it hit me like a bullet!
He was a really good rule follower, and what he told me was that he was waiting for me to break some rule and then finally I would be at his mercy completely, going up the hill would be breaking the rule, but what if I thought of something a bit more cheeky for him to talk to me?
I think it could work!
It was risky, and I knew it, but I needed to buy time, at least until nightfall. I've always considered myself a brave woman, but all the courage in the world wasn't enough to prepare for my boss.
- So Lauren, did you move forward with the story? I thought I would interview some locals, collect some testimonials... Move forward in some way. - She charged me with those hawk eyes.
- Don't worry, I will, I'm just articulating the matter well, closing some gaps to later collect the testimonies.
- Okay, I want to read what you have so far. Take it to my office before you leave, and I'll leave a review for you on your desk. And I'll warn you right away, I don't take it easy.
- I sure hope not! - Embarrassed smile.
When she finally left I breathed a sigh of relief, I worked really hard, my problem wasn't writing about it, my problem was breaking the damn rule.
At lunchtime, I put my plan into action, I walked the halls with a high neckline, I needed to get the attention of some poor guy in the midst of those blonde skinny women, he needed to be in my apartment today, it would be part of my show.
Wow, it worked, what happiness! When I saw a more or less handsome man walking towards me, it was good, it would do. He sat across from me in the staff room.
- Hey how's it going? are you the new journalist?
- Yes, my name is Lauren and yours? - I smiled, it was the most I could offer knowing what I wanted.
- My name is Eduardo, I'm the magazine's photographer. Hey Lauren, are you enjoying it?
- Yes, I love the environment and how things work... So I feel at home.
The gossip wasn't even that bad, he smiled, said the right things, he looked at me like a dress code, asked me out for a drink and I said yes, said I didn't want to go to a bar and he gladly did , I invited him to my apartment full of cameras.
I hope I'm right, I wasn't used to analyzing a fact the wrong way.
- Let's go then Lauren?
I smile and follow.
The drive to my apartment was nice, he was a nice guy, and if I wasn't so hung up on the idea of seeing that man again I could really enjoy his company, he would be the type to take me to bed no problem.
But it would be easily forgotten, in the midst of my subjects and lack of emotion.
When we finally got to the apartment, I made him feel at ease, poured him a glass of wine and sat down next to him on the couch. I knew my favorite stranger couldn't hear anything at all, so I did my best to look like I was enjoying the whole thing. I even laughed at the unfunny jokes, I bet Eduardo thought I was the perfect type of girl, the one that watches Adam Sandler movies without complaining, the type that works out, and still looks hot, eats cold pizza on the couch watching a football game, have passionate sex in the middle of the afternoon and after that still find time to bake a cake.
But that wasn't Lauren, and it never would be.
My cell phone rang several times on the kitchen counter, and I knew who it was.
I let it play, I pretended I didn't care, I wanted him to go crazy, completely crazy, and mostly look like I was getting on with my life, since he couldn't do the same for some bizarre reason.
Exactly thirty minutes passed until he appeared knocking on my door, I got up with my heart beating so fast it could jump out of my chest, I asked Eduardo for permission and walked to the door...
And there he was,
Glorious as I remembered, the angry look, the slightly tousled hair and the usual icy posture.
- Hello Lauren, some kind of tease?
- Sorry, but I don't even know who you are...
- I'll give you a warning, and just one, go to your room and tell this guy to get out of here now, or I can do it myself. So what will it be?
I widened my eyes before turning back to my room. Eduardo looked comfortable and unconcerned.
- Edu, I'm sorry - Vicenzo entered the door uninvited - But you need to go.
- But is everything okay Lauren? - He said looking Vicenzo in the eyes.
- Yes it is... This is... - How could I introduce someone I didn't even know?
- I'm Vicenzo... I'm... Lauren's cousin.
- Oh a cousin... Okay then. I'll be off then, see you tomorrow Lauren.
He walked out the door, the only thing separating me from him was Edu, and as soon as he walked out the door, my heart raced again.
He remained silent, walked to my kitchen, looked at me, rubbed his hands over his face a few times, seemed to be angry. I couldn't speak, I stood in the middle of the room trying to understand what he would do next.
- So Lauren Bernessi, finally let's have a talk. And I have to admit, you're pretty smart... I didn't think you'd put on such an annoying show.
- I didn't set anything up.
- He did, I know he did. Bringing that unfortunate man here, knowing he had a camera... What did you intend? Fuck him on the couch? To get my fucking attention?
- This is my house, you are the one who is invading, understand? And as far as I know, I didn't break any rules.
- Oh you're smart, that's about it then. Maybe I should dictate new rules.
He moved closer, too close, the same scent, the same body temperature, the same look. I could have sworn I was getting hooked.
- Come on Vicenzo, what's the game, because I'm tired of not knowing the rules.
He smiled slightly, the evil smile on his lips approached my lips and said
- Are you sure you want to know Lauren? Really sure?
- If I say no, will you leave me alone?
- That's not a fucking option, as long as I can't get on with my life, without closing my eyes and only being able to see your face all night. And I'm so close now, I could take your clothes off here and now, I could stare at you until I'm tired and maybe I'd get sick, and I would, but I know none of it will work... There's something about you, and I'm obsessed as fuck. So until I find out what it is... You won't be bringing anyone here. Did I make myself clear?
He prepared to leave, he was going to leave me with half answers again. And I would not accept that!
- Vicenzo Calegari, come back! Fuck you gonna give me answers, I won't take it! No more! You don't know me, and maybe you think I'm some submissive imbecile.
He laughed even louder.
- Is that what you want Lauren?
He closed the door behind him, and suddenly anything was possible.
My heart was pounding so hard I thought it was going to explode inside my chest, I could almost hear it it was so loud, another bit of the Vicenzo effect on me.