Twenty minutes later I'm dressed and ready to go for lunch.
"That was delicious and the margaritas have loosened my ball of nerves in my stomach." I say looking at Louisa. We've been laughing and chatting through dinner and now we are relaxed in our seats.
"What do you think you are going to do for work, Cora?" Louisa asks.
"I don't know. I need to try and find somewhere which isn't too far from wherever I get an apartment. The travel time was killing me. Why?"
"I'm just thinking if I know anyone who is hiring at the moment." She thinks and then her eyes open wide. "Did I ever tell you about my friend May?"
"I'm not sure. I don't think so. Who is she?"
"I've known May since she was a youngster. We hung around together for a while and then we both met men and fell in love. You know the usual. I might see her once a year now at a function. But that's irrelevant. Molly has her own business and I think it would be perfect for you."
"Oh, oh," I say as I sit up taller and lean into Louisa. "Tell me more."
Louisa looks around and catches the eye of the server. "Can we have two more margaritas please?"
"Certainly, ma'am." He leaves to fetch more for us.
"So," Louisa says, leaning in to me and looking out. That's a bit skeptical. "Miss May owns a Wife for Hire business."
"A what?"
"A Wife for Hire business. So, there are some rich men who need women to accompany them on dates..."
"You mean like escorts or prostitutes? I'm not pimping myself out, Louisa."
Louisa laughs. "Cora, I know that. Bear with me. So some rich men go to conferences or business events and when they are setting up deals, the buyer or seller would prefer them to be married rather than playboys. Are you with me so far?"
"I think so. Carry on. I'm intrigued." I take a sip of the new drink the server just put down.
"So, these men don't want to get married, it's not the right time for them or they've been burned. Remember when I met Neil, I didn't tell him I was rich. I wanted him to like me for me and not my money because I was sick of those losers trying to get me into bed with them. So her agency is a little like that. The business men are billionaires who need someone to act as their wife for a certain period of time. The money is great and the perks are even better. During the time of the 'fake marriage' you'll live in their house, and be treated like their wife. As long as you put on a good display when you're out with him, pretend that you are in love, then that's all you have to do. When it's over you get your money and you get to keep anything he bought you to make it seem real."
"Wow, okay. So I don't have to sleep with them?"
Louisa chuckles. "No, babe, you don't. But if you want to and they offer then I don't see a problem with that personally."
"Eww, Lou, they're probably all ugly men and I'm sure it will only be for a weekend or something like that."
"So, that should make it easier right, you won't have to stay too long and get your feelings hurt." She takes a sip of the margarita and smiles at me. "Apparently, the money is really good. And I mean, really really good."
I sit back in my chair and look at Louisa. This sounds like a great opportunity. Can I pretend to be someone's wife and then walk away after? If it's only a short gig then that shouldn't be a problem. No one would want anyone to pretend for longer than a week, surely?
"Okay, give me her details." I take out my phone to take down her number. "I'll call her tomorrow."
"Cora, you'll call her now."
"NOW?"
"Yes, go to the restroom and call her. I'll be waiting for you when you come back."
I stare at Louisa, knowing she won't let me back down. Standing I walk toward the back of the restaurant and find the restroom. Inside I check to see if there is anyone in the stalls, but they are empty. Thankfully. I'm not sure I could make this call with someone listening.
I press the button and listen to the dial tone. A part of me wants her not to answer and the other part of me is desperate because I need the money.
"Good afternoon, Wife for Hire, this is May, how can I help you?" I did not expect her to answer herself.
"Erm good afternoon. I was given your number from Louisa Bellington, she recommended I speak with you about being a wife for hire."