Someone Else

Chapter 3

I wake the next morning to the loud ping of my phone, groaning as I bury my head beneath the pillow. An attempt to drown out the ringing in my head that fails miserably when another ping from my phone echoes in the room. I throw the pillow off of my face dramatically, the light shining through the window immediately causing me to squint.

Fuck, how much did I drink last night?

I look over to my nightstand, fumbling for my phone and snatch it up, looking at the screen. Two messages from Daisy.
Morning beautiful!
Just checking that you're still alive!

I glance at the time displayed at the top of my phone, reading 10:45AM. Fuck I haven't drank in forever, the hangover I'm feeling at the moment proves that. I type a quick reply back to her: In need of Advil, a greasy burger and a Gatorade.

I lie in bed, staring at the ceiling trying to recall the events from last night. I remember meeting Adam, the feeling of my heartbeat quickening under his gaze and the sound of his deep voice. And then after that, everything becomes a blur. Vague memories of John hading you drink after drink. Laughing as Daisy and Oscar dance drunk, tripping over one another. It was fun. But I'm happy today is Sunday, I have the day to rest and recoup before by first day of work tomorrow.

I sill couldn't believe I had gotten this job, this was a huge breakthrough in my career.

I eventually crawl out of bed, getting into the shower, feeling my body reawakening. Immediately after, I pop some aspirin and fix myself something to eat. I spend the day relaxing, watching some tv, and deciding on an outfit for tomorrow. Eventually the sun sets and I yawn, my body needing more sleep after my alcohol consumption last night. Getting enough rest was probably a good idea for my big day anyways.

***

I wake the next morning with an extra pep in my step. I feel well rested and in a cheerful mood. I make my way into my bathroom, beginning my makeup and tying my hair into a sleek ponytail. Once finished, I walk back into my bedroom, opening my closet and pulling out the outfit I decided on last night. Black dress pants, a simple royal blue blouse with a black blazer.I scan myself in the mirror.

Was this too professional? I wanted to make a good first impression. Glancing at my phone, I decide that there isn't any time to change anyways, and gather my belongings. My heels clacking on the hard floor as I walk out of my apartment and downstairs to hail a cab.

Upon arriving to the studios address given to me in email by JJ's assistant, I look around, trying to figure which direction I'm supposed to go.

"Madelyn Ridley?" A voice startles me from behind and I turn around to face a young man, looking similar to my age. He had light brown eyes, and matching brown hair. He smiles kindly at me.

"I didn't mean to scare you, I'm Ryan, JJ's assistant. We've been in contact via email." He smiles and extends his hand.

"That's okay, it's nice to meet you. Is it normal this empty?" I smile graciously, taking his hand and shaking it before looking around, examining the studio.

"No, not all," He laughs, "That's part of the reason you're here. Mr. Abrahams has things to discuss with you and a little bit of paperwork for you to sign."

My eyebrows furrow together in confusion but I stay silent, following Ryan to the office he leads me to. Entering, I see JJ sitting at a mall desk, he stands at the sight of us.

"Ah, Maddy! Welcome." He smile, motioning me to sit at the chair across from him.

"So today is simple really, I just have some paperwork to go over with you and have you sign, and explain the job a little to you." He begins, sitting down and picking through a stack of papers.