Jonathan Roy
I enter the office quietly, taking my time, watching Baby from behind as she stands by the window. I walk up to her, standing by her side. Jon walks slowly, laughing at something whispered in his ear by his companion. They stop near the car, and before he can get in, the curious Ginger pulls him into a hug, catching him by surprise. Baby's breathing grows louder with each passing second as she watches them.
"Feeling nostalgic, Baby?" I whisper calmly, attuned to every subtle movement of the distracted woman beside me.
Her yellow dress accentuates her waist, gracefully emphasizing her wide hips and the generous curves of her backside. Her freshly washed hair, loose down her back, makes her look youthful, just as she did in the recruitment video she sent in.
"I just got caught up in the moment," Baby says, lifting her fingers to adjust her hair and smiling at me.
I turn away, walking towards my desk. I pull out the leather chair and sit down slowly. The sound of Baby's high heels clicks slowly against the floor as she moves away from the window, pacing around the office.
"Will you let me take her?" My fingers drum softly on the desk, mulling over her request.
"Once you're in this world, there's no way out, Baby. You know that as well as anyone. What makes you think curious little Ginger is ready for it?"
"She's ready, Roy. She was born ready. She just needs a little push. She's itching to break free from that pathetic relationship with that loser, Tom."
"Some people prefer pathetic things, Baby."
"Oh, for heaven's sake, Roy! You saw the dossier. The guy’s a complete scumbag who's been lying to Ginger for years, making her feel guilty and abnormal!"
"Loser Tom," as Baby had dubbed him after reading his pathetic life dossier, had been cheating on curious Ginger for seven years while she studied and worked odd jobs, saving money to pay for the apartment they bought together. It’s fascinating how much you can learn about a person with just their name, social media, and the help of a no-questions-asked hacker who reveals all the dirt hidden behind perfect photos for the right price. Tom's life is as scummy as the cheap motels where he screws his mistress.
I keep drumming my fingers slowly on the desk, calculating the odds of Baby being right about Miss Fox.
"I'll decide by tomorrow. You'll know when I give the go-ahead."
Baby smiles, nodding her head, and walks towards the office door to leave.
"And Baby," I call out, making her stop and turn her face towards me. "Stay away until I've made my decision. You'll get my answer tomorrow."
She understands the order and leaves the room silently. My fingers stretch, hovering over the mouse, and I turn on the computer screen. Once again, I find myself clicking on the folder on the left side of the screen.
"Hi, my name is Ginger... Ginger Fox."
Her slender fingers run through her hair, pushing it back. Her mouth presses together, thoughtful, as if searching for the right words but without success. She remains silent for the next two minutes. Her body leans back in the chair, breathing calmly.
"I'm from Columbia, graduated in Business Administration. I'm twenty-three years old. I like kids. Actually, I love them. I think it's so much easier to deal with them than with adults, who are complicated and full of problems, riddled with communication issues. I guess I shouldn't say that, right."
Her knees pull up as she wraps her arms around her legs. I know exactly what comes next: a forced smile, her dark eyes closing, wanting to retreat within herself.
“Children, they are genuine. If they're happy, they show it; if they're upset, they show it. And that makes everything so uncomplicated. I'm almost certain I won't be called, let alone that this video will be seen, but if by chance someone does watch it, know that I intend to give my best to enjoy the summer with him. I'm sure he must be a good boy. After all, the greatest adventure awaits us out there, doesn't it?”
The short video cuts off as she turns off the camera, leaving a frozen image of her face. It was precisely this image that captured my attention. Her black eyes, lost as if secretly yearning for something, shone like stars. Her curly black hair framed her face, illuminating her skin. I found myself intrigued by what might be hidden behind those dark eyes. When I decided to choose someone different this year, instead of the older, ill-tempered companions that Lorane brought, it was for one simple reason: it was time for Jon to return home, and I needed someone who could connect with him. And the strange woman with the lost gaze could be the bridge Jon needed.
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