Chapter 6 Amora Roberts Persephone, are you crazy

I look at Persephone wide-eyed, and she's grinning like the Joker, then I turn my attention back to Eliza.

"You opened the door just in your bra and panties?"

"Yes, but that's nothing. I almost set my apartment on fire, and the best part I haven't told yet," she says, smiling.

"What?" Persephone asks, and Eliza continues, "He looked me up and down and said, 'My God, what a sin, you're so beautiful, you're really hot.'" She covers her cheeks with her hands. "He grabbed me and kissed me; we only stopped because we smelled something burning and rushed to my kitchen. My popcorn was on fire; he grabbed the pot and threw it in the sink, telling me I had to throw everything away. Then he grabbed me again and kissed me, and we made love on the kitchen table. Wow, that man is something, girls!" She fans herself while rolling her eyes.

Eliza says it all in one breath, and we look at her astonished. Eliza is the more innocent of us both; she only had one boyfriend, who died in a car accident, and she never got involved with anyone else. But now, as she tells this, her eyes are sparkling.

"Wow, what a night, woman! I forgive you for lying; it was for a good cause," Persephone smiles.

"I didn't want to tell because I thought you'd judge me because of Johnny."

"Sweetie, it's been two and a half years; it's more than time for you to move on, and I'm glad you enjoyed yourself."

"He left just this morning and told me he hopes I always answer the door for him in just my panties and bra." We burst out laughing.

"Oh, girls, stop it," her cheeks blush again.

"How do you feel?"

"I feel alive again!" she sighs.

Persephone and I reach out and take her hand, a gesture of support and solidarity that conveyed our unity and determination to face whatever came our way. She grips our hands firmly, confidence shining in her eyes.

"We're happy for you, Eliza, and rest assured we support you, and if there's a repeat, we want to know."

"Okay, you can count on that, girls, I'll tell you with great pleasure."

"Now can I tell you what happened to me? Mr. Trevis will only invest $25 million if I get a boyfriend, get engaged, and marry him, and he'll add another $15 million if I stay married for six months."

"What?" Persephone shouts, and everyone looks at her.

"Persephone, lower your voice. Do you want this to hit the papers? Imagine: Businesswoman Amora Roberts will only get a millionaire's investment if she gets married. Can't she handle a company on her own? Does this investor not trust her? Persephone, I don't want more scandals like the one five months ago."

"I'm sorry, Amora, but I was shocked by what this man said. Do you really need this investment?"

"Yes, it will help a lot with our new project, and it's been on paper since I was 18. This project is very expensive, and I can't implement it alone, so I need this investor. I'm going to launch an app that runs on solar energy, and that's damn expensive."

"Okay, Amora, let's think." I look at Eliza, who shrugs, and then back at Persephone.

"Oh, I know! A friend of mine knows a guy who owns a luxury escort agency; you can go there and take a look."

"Persephone, are you crazy? I'm not going to a luxury escort agency. Do you think I'll get involved with someone I don't know? Besides, he could be a psychopath, and I wouldn't even know."

"Amora, what Persephone said isn't a bad idea," Eliza says, and I give her a dirty look.

"What? Eliza, do you agree with Persephone?"

"Of course, Amora, there's no other option. Either you go to the agency and get a rent-a-boyfriend/husband, or your project is over," Persephone said with a serious tone, while I put both hands on my face, shaking my head in denial.

The idea of resorting to an agency to find a temporary partner seemed increasingly absurd, but at the same time, I couldn't think of another viable solution to the problem I was facing. I sighed, feeling trapped in a dead end.

Persephone put a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I know it sounds crazy, but maybe it's the only way we can overcome this situation," she suggested, her voice soft and reassuring.

I nodded slowly, trying to accept the reality of my situation. "I guess you're right," I admitted, resigned. "But it doesn't mean I have to like it."

"Okay, I'll check it out today, and you'll come with me."

"Girls, get ready, because today we'll be looking with our eyes wide open and soaking our panties, making our little bald heads wink," Persephone said excitedly, and we couldn't help but laugh at the joke, attracting the attention of some customers.

"Ew, Persephone, what a ridiculous name," Eliza looked disgusted, and I already feared what was coming next.

Persephone laughed, ignoring Eliza's reaction. "Oh, you know you love my spicy jokes," she teased, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

I shook my head, still laughing. "You never disappoint," I agreed, knowing that Persephone's jokes always managed to lift our spirits, even in the tensest situations.

Eliza huffed, arms crossed over her chest. "I just hope all this excitement doesn't get us into trouble," she muttered, casting a meaningful glance towards the door.

I felt a twinge of concern forming at the back of my mind. Eliza had always been the most cautious in our group, and her serious expression now made me wonder if we were about to dive into dangerous waters.

Persephone rolled her eyes, but I could detect a shadow of doubt in her gaze. "Don't worry so much, Eliza. We'll be fine," she tried to reassure, although her voice didn't sound entirely convinced.

I forced a smile, trying to dispel the tension hanging over us. "Yeah, there's nothing to worry about," I agreed, although a sense of apprehension persisted within me.

Eliza let out a resigned sigh, seeming not entirely convinced, but she silently agreed.