In the morning Opal took a shower. Bathroom was her most favorite place in this apartment. She enjoyed the warm water and all the toiletries as well as the big bathtub. She could be careless with water.
Today Arien was taking her to the city and they will talk about her job. Hopefully not only talk. Opal was thinking what to wear, she already had in mind a nice pale blue blouse and jeans. Going out of the bathroom she went straight to the wardrobe only to notice some clothes on her bed. It was a plain gray shirt and black pencil skirt that covered her knees. This wasn't here when she woke up so Arien must have put on this outfit while she was in the shower. OK. She felt the stab right in her heart. He didn't trust her taste. She gulped this offense and put his outfit on along with black high heels. She pulled her hair in a ponytail then used eyeliner and lip gloss. These clothes made her look more mature. That wasn't a real Opal but uncle wanted her to wear it. Well they're just clothes anyway. Maybe women here dress like that and in her old clothes she would only stand out, in a bad way.
Arien waited downstairs. He smiled as he saw her wearing his set.
"You look amazing. Let's go, I have so much to show you."
He wasn't driving this time, they had a chauffeur. Both were sitting in the back and Opal felt like some kind of famous celebrity.
"Right now we are in Barwick's high street. On the left you have the best boutiques if you want to go shopping. That pale gray building is a hospital with the best medical care in this city. Next is an art gallery with my favorite french restaurant. I'll take you there soon. - he smiled, patting her hand – That tall building behind this park is all offices and belong to the Harper's corporation. We cooperate together. That's the cinema with a nice park like surrounding and here we are. The tall building with the neon sign is my casino and hotel. Milo, stop the car in front of the main entrance." - the later information was for their driver.
They stopped and Milo opened the door for Opal to step out. Arien was standing next to her with his hand on her back and he escorted her inside.
The corridor was a full luxury. On the left there was a stone wall with water falling instantly dimly lit and that led to a wide open lobby with a fountain made of black granite, on the left there was a reception desk with two young ladies. Around the fountain there were small black couches and armchairs with tables. They were empty now.
"We open in the late afternoon, right now the staff is getting ready for the evening." - Arien explained. "Do you want to step into the gambling cave?" He whispered into her ear.
"Sure, I've never seen anything like that." Opal's eyes were sparkling with excitement.
"Than let me show you." Arien's hand never leaving her back pushed her a bit forward. This was an enormous hall with two bars and a few tables to play roulette or Black Jack and many gaming machines. Everything was decorated with dark gray granite, mirrors, crystal chandeliers and indirect light. Even in bright daylight this place was ruled by the night shadow. Opal could feel this atmosphere, fuck yeah she was thrilled.
'Arien, can I play here too?" she asked tugging at his sleeve.
Arien laughed at her childish behavior.
"Anytime you want. We will play together. Today however I want to show you the hotel part. I have a surprise for you. I hope you will like it." His lips curved a bit and he got all curious.
There was a passage from the casino to the hotel part, straight to the reception. The hotel was similar in interior design when it comes to chosen materials but far well brighter with more natural light.
"This is the reception desk and – Arien made a pause – This will be your working place for now."
Opal was speechless for a moment. She will be able to work at a reception desk. It's a nice job not physically demanding and she will learn something new. Opal barely managed not to scream from joy.
"Thank you uncle – she placed a small peck on his cheek. - This is so cool. But I don't know anything about working in a hotel." She admitted with a worried look.
"No worries, Melody will help you." He pointed in the direction of a woman in her thirties with curly brown hair, amber eyes and dimples. She was wearing a silver shirt with black jacket and skirt.
"Hi, I'm Melody."She greeted Opal and they shook hands.
"I'm Opal and I'll be in your care."
"Hi Arien, not wasting time I see. Nice to see you again Opal." Opal turned around only to meet Beta Simon.
"Hello." Opal instantly recalled the awkward evening in that restaurant.
"I understand Arien is showing you around but I need a word with him." he said apologetically.
"Sure, I need to go to the restroom anyway."
"Fine, Melody take care of Opal." Arien said leaving with his Beta.
"Sure thing boss." Melody confirmed. She had a nice voice and she pointed Opal directly to the toilet.
Opal was excited, she had so many questions. She was still inside the toilet when she heard two strange voices talking quietly. Still Opal could hear them.
"… and he brought that girl here. They look like siblings"
"Oh my good, that's creepy. I hope she won't end up like Jina ..." the sound of water hushed words and Opal could hear them leaving.
These two women were talking about her and uncle. But who is Jina? And what happened to her?