Gia
My dad and Nora lived three hours away in a small town. As promised a taxi came to pick me up by six in the morning. I barely slept wondering what Nora wanted to talk about. It had to be serious if she called me herself. It made me scroll my sister’s I*******m, but I knew it wouldn’t give me any answers. She hadn’t posted any pictures in a while. Most of them were of her on vacation or simply spending money with her rich friends.
I hadn’t seen Sydney since Christmas two years ago. It wasn’t even a planned meeting. I really didn’t have a relationship with my half sister. It sucked too because when I looked at her I saw myself. Expect I was a little darker and had a thick head of curls. Otherwise we had the same brown eyes, same pointed nose, height and weight. We could be twins, but we lived totally different lives.
I wasn’t sure I could help them though. They weren’t the type of people to ask me to lend them money. If they asked, then I definitely couldn’t help.
I fell asleep on the ride there because of my frantic night. I sent Lilly a text letting her know where I was going, but I told her not to tell mom. I didn’t want to worry her. I woke up when we made it to the little town. It was a little town with deep pockets, dad wasn’t the only billionaire that found solace in the tucked away town.
It took the taxi driver about fifteen minutes to the mansion. The sky above us was grey. I hoped it wasn’t setting the tone for this meeting. Though, it simply told us that it might rain. I only wore a light fleece because of how chilly it gets in the morning. I didn’t expect to have it on the rest of the day.
“Here we go ma’am.” The taxi driver said.
I swallowed. I didn’t remember the mansion being this imposing. Or it could be because the bricks had gone darker with time and the weather. The garden was welcoming and pampered. I paid the driver and carried my tiny handbag and dragged my feet to the front door.
I was only going to my dad’s house my heart shouldn’t be beating so fast. Did he even know I was coming? I got to the front door. I should turn around, nothing could be so urgent that Nora needed me here. Still I found it in me to ring the doorbell. I wasn’t good at waiting so the thirty seconds I stood swaying in front of the door were mini agony.
“Yes… Miss… it can’t be.” The elderly house keeper blinked a few times then looked back into the house.
She must feel like she’s seeing double. Though, there were obvious difference that made one question which girl was who.
“Yeah, I’m Gia.” I waved, not knowing what else to do.
I didn’t know how long this lady had worked here for, I knew my step mother never kept the house help long.
“Forgive me, I didn’t know you were coming.” She smiled, the gesture reaching her eyes.
She opened the door for me and I held my bag to my chest before I stepped through the door. It was just dad’s house no need to freak out. Once through to the foyer I couldn’t keep my eyes off the place. They had done some serious redecorating. Brand new diamond chandeliers, dark wooden floors replaced the light wood flooring. The open staircase was still the same.
“Would you like some tea Miss?” The elderly lady asked. Her uniform reminded me of mom’s pink waitress outfit even though the lady wore a black uniform that went down to her ankles.
“Yes, I think I could do with tea.”
“Oh, you’re here.”
I looked up to the top of the staircase. Nora pushed her brown hair back and strolled down the stairs. I wasn’t sure if she was glad to see me or distressed.
“Helen, bring us tea to the library.” Nora said, strolling ahead of me.
Where was dad? I wanted to ask instead I followed Nora into a library lacking a burst of color. The whole room was painted white. The furniture was white too, the bookshelf behind the desk was painted pearl white, but carried dull titles with grey or black covers. Nora opened tall grey curtains revealing clear double doors that led to a tiny patio.
“I’m really glad you could make it.” Nora’s tone was low as if we were having a secret conversation.
She opened the door and stepped out into the patio. The sky was lighting up one bit. At least I would have tea to keep me from freezing.
“What’s this about? I could barely sleep last night. Are you sure dad’s okay, where is he?”
“Yes, yes he’s fine. The problem does involve him though. It involves all of us.” She bit her lip.
How did it involve me I was barely part of this family and I didn’t remember getting into any trouble lately. Helen walked into the library with a tray of tea and mini sandwiches. She set the down before vanishing.
I stared at Nora, expecting her to continue. She swallowed before picking her teacup. “You know your father has many business and many associates whom he does many deal with.”
“Okay…” Where was she going with this?
“Yes and one of these deals is in danger. We made an agreement and we can’t live up to our end of the bargain. His partner will be very upset if we don’t honor our part of the deal.”
I set the cup down before I could even drink. “How do I help?”
“Darling, I can’t seem to find— Gianna?” Dad chuckled.
“Dad…” It was like seeing a superstar for the first time that’s how I felt.
I stood and stepped into his embrace. He kissed the top of my head and stroked my hair that was quickly frizzing. I was mad at him more than not but it felt good to be around him.
“Hello sweetheart, what a surprise.” He laughed and pulled back.
His blue eyes had aged as did all of him. He almost looked fragile.
“Nora, did you know Gia was coming?” He took a seat next to his wife.
“Of course, I called her.” Nora sipped her tea as she said it.
Dad stared at me then back at his wife.
I shrugged, “She still hasn’t told me what’s wrong.”
“Nora… this isn’t any of Gia’s concern.”
Well that hurt like a bee sting to the face. I brought my bag to my lap. Moment of joy over.
“She’s your daughter too Ronald.” Nora blasted.
“I don’t want her involved that’s final.” Dad stood up before I did and stormed into the library. Nora followed him.
“You had no problem letting Sydney do it!”
“Sydney and Bradley already knew each other and were comfortable with arrangement.” Dad waved her away.
“Listen,” I cleared my throat, prompting them both to look at me.
“Dad clearly doesn’t want me here. I shouldn’t have come. I’m going to go.”
“No, Gia. I want you here. I don’t want you involved in this deal. It’s just business with a partner who needs money.”
Nora frowned at him.
“Then what does Sydney have to do with this?”
Nora and dad shared a look. Nora sulked and folded her arms.
“You might as well tell her Ronald.”
Dad motioned her us to go outside. Once seated he explained the situation. I gripped my bag the entire time.
“Sydney was supposed to marry the son of an associate of mine. Wolfe, we call him. It was strictly business. Though, Sydney and Bradley knew each other, went out so they were comfortable with the arrangement.”
“Okay, what’s the big deal?”
“Your sister vanished! Ran away and the engagement party is tomorrow night! Right here.”
“Tomorrow night?” I gasped. Oh, Sydney what a scandal. Maybe she got cold feet.
“Everything will be fine Nora. I’ll handle this.” Dad insisted.
“You’re being ridiculous. Wolfe isn’t a man to double cross. What will we do when a thousand high society people show up here tomorrow for an engagement ball and there isn’t even a bride to be?!”
“I’ll ask for a postponement.” Dad waved her away, but I saw the worry on his face.
What kind of shit had my dad gotten himself into? Who was Wolfe? I couldn’t just g****e a man named Wolfe and find out.
“Ronald, Gia is almost identical to Sydney we could do this.”
“You want me to pretend to be Sydney? No one’s going to fall for that.” I rolled my eyes.
“Hair can be fixed and skin ton can be explained. All we need to do is fool a few people for one night. A lot of twins do it already.”
“Bradley will see right through this stupid plot.” Dad spat. Did he really have that many options?
“I’d rather deal with Brad than his ruthless father. Gia, name your price.”
I bit my lower lip. Did they even know where Sydney ran off to? What if she magically showed up at the party?
“What do you want me to do exactly?”
Nora and dad shared a long knowing look finally dad hung his head in defeat. He really was out of options.
“Marry Bradley Wolfe in place of your sister.”
I stood and shook my head. Why was marriage suddenly on every table? I was still waiting for actual butterflies and fireworks before I thought about spending the rest of my life with someone.“You don’t have to do it.” Dad sighed.“What happens if I don’t? What happens to you?”Nora stood, avoiding dad’s gaze. She wanted to grab my hands, yet pulled back at the last second.“You can think of this as a deal too. What do you want Gia?”There were a lot of things I wanted, but none so important I would marry a total stranger. Then the terms of the contract I signed hit me. I had no more than seven weeks to pay back the debt I now owned and with each day five hundred dollars was added to that debt. If I failed to pay the debt went back to mom and surely she would lose everything and I might end up as a high end prostitute.“Nothing, nothing I’m not bribing my daughter into doing t
If dad hadn’t communicated the change of plans, then it really put me in an awkward position.“Um, you really don’t know why I’m here?’Brad eyed me up and down. I didn’t know how that made me feel. Exposed?“Of course I do. What I don’t understand it why the sudden change of plans. I also wonder why Sydney never mentioned she had a sister.”“You can imagine we’re not close.” I said, through clenched teeth.“A little sibling rivalry? No one else mentioned you existed either.” Brad shoved his hands in his pockets.“Why am I not surprised?”The party bellow us in the garden was getting loud. Nora would be here any second. It was time for the show. Put on the mask and get on stage. I picked up my dress and walked passed Brad into the room or at least I tried to.“Gianna,” he said.My name sounded so foreign coming fro
“Boundaries?” I lifted my head. His eyes were enchanting. “Yes, come with me.” He released me, but captured my hand. I lifted my dress so I wouldn’t step on it as I followed Brad into the house. All eyes were on us. Some people eyed us and smiled while others commented on how lovely we were as a couple. “Are you going to tell me there are certain places I can’t go? I don’t even live here.” I asked when we were alone in the dark foyer. “No, but there are a few things you can’t do.” “Like what?” I folded my arms. “Like, whatever you have with Rocco, I won’t tolerate it.” I nearly burst out laughing. Thanks to him there wouldn’t be anything between Rocco and I. “There isn’t anything going on between us.” “It didn’t look like it when you too were dancing. Look, I won’t be made a fool of. If you’re going to marry me you’re not going, bring your men into it.” I gasped, “I am not sleeping with Rocco!” I s
“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” I asked as I climbed into Brad’s silver convertible.“Don’t worry I’ll feed you.”“I’m not worried about food.” Please don’t growl stomach.“You’re not dressed for what we’re about to do.” Brad glanced at the leather dress screaming for relief.I hoped Sydney didn’t like this dress because I might have to cut it out when I get home.“I dressed for fancy brunch.”Brad turned to the left down a spiraling road from the gate of his house. A few minutes into the drive sparling blue water materialized with an array of boats on the dock.“I didn’t take you for a fishing guy.” I said when the car parked.“Actually, I am. Have you ever been on a boat?”“Does a canoe count?”Brad shook his head and climbed out of the car.
“I’ll see you naked eventually.”“It’s not going to be like that remember?” My voice cracked.“I didn’t agree to that.” He frowned.“You… you want to have sex with me?”“You’ll want to have sex with me.” Brad smirked.“That doesn’t answer my question!”He barked out a laugh. He moved around me and through himself backwards on the bed.“Don’t you have a boat to drive?” I asked.He shook his head. “I’d rather help you dress.”“I can’t wear this Brad. It’s ruined.”“You can wear my clothes I don’t mind.” He shrugged.I frowned, “What will it look like?”“Like you had a wardrobe malfunction or you went swimming and your clothes got wet.”I could only imagine my dad’s reaction then again maybe he wouldn’t care so wearing Brad’s clothes wasn’t so bad.“Gives me an accuse to take you out again. This time I’ll tell you where we’re going.” He grinned.I exhaled. “I guess it isn’t so bad.”***I stood in front of my dad and step mother wearing Brad’s massive shorts and t-shirt. My father’s jaw
The phone buzzed in my hands. This was about payment or his stupid deal. Brad was in the car waiting for me to join him. I couldn’t take this call now. I turned the screen off and the buzzing ceased. I put my phone on silent because I knew he was going to call again. I eased into the leather seats and the scent of pine and masculine perfume instantly captivated me. I could spend hours in here breathing in the aroma. “So where are we going?” I asked. “My favorite restaurant. I have a private table outdoors.” “Why? Don’t like people looking at you while you eat.” He grunted, shifting gears. There was always something that turned me on about watching a man drive. “No, it’s usually for business and other ventures.” He grinned at me. I sucked in a breath. “Other ventures? Like dates? Why didn’t you just say?” How many dates had he been on? Wait was he even supposed to be dating when he was engaged to my sister! I was about to open my mouth in protest when he hit the gas, thrusting m
Lilly held me in her arms as I cried on her couch. Rocco wasn’t giving me time. All I needed was until next week when my wedding was.“Don’t cry, you’ve come so far.” Lilly said.“It doesn’t feel like I’ve accomplished anything other than other people’s debts.” I sniffled.She bobbed her head from side to side, “All this will be over next week. Oh, am I your maid of honor?”I laughed softly, “I wouldn’t want anyone else.”I was back at Lilly’s apartment after a failed attempt to speak to Rocco. I took a bus all the way to his nightclub, in high heels and my date’s jacket only to be told the bastard couldn’t see me. They didn’t even let me into his office.Brad hadn’t texted or called. I thought I pissed him off. I know I would be mad if my date ran out on me without explanation. I just didn’t feel comfortable telling him about the debt I took on. I was already marrying him to help my dad with some agreement that would help me pay mom’s debt. He’d think I was a gold-digger or something
“No, we have a deal remember? I’m telling you this will all be fine.” She smiled, but it looked like she was going to break down and cry.She and I both.“I’m in serious debt too. Expect no one’s paying for it and I’m running out of time.”“Brad… you’ll be his wife I’m sure he’ll pay it.”I frowned. I’m not going to beg him. Would I rather marry Rocco and be subjected to his fantasies or become a prostitute? Brad wasn’t going to make it easy for me. Especially after I ran out on him.“I doubt that.” I pouted.“Okay, how much debt are you in?”I bit my lip. I’m sure she spent more on shoes which gave me to confidence to tell her.“Eight hundred and fifty thousand dollars.”Her eyes went wide she even stumbled back. “Gianna Amelia Glass! What in the world?!”“Haven’t you spent more on shoes?”“Why would I do that?!”I’m dead.She paced the length of my room, taking in deep breaths.“See! I needed this. Now they guy’s pressuring me to pay him and I don’t have a dime.”“I… I don’t even wa