I stood outside the dimly lit bar, its neon sign flickering with a playful glow that read The Velvet Rose. It had a warm, inviting feel, but I couldn't shake the apprehension knotting my stomach. This was where Lena worked?

She had disappeared inside, and I fought against the urge to turn back. Instead, I leaned against the wall, watching the ebb and flow of patrons. The women who entered and exited seemed lively and confident, laughing as they moved past me. I felt a mixture of intrigue and confusion; I had never been to a place like this.

Curiosity gnawed at me. What exactly did they do here? I pulled out my phone and, heart racing, typed the small words below the bar's name, "escort bar" into the search engine. A flood of information filled the screen, and I couldn't help but gulp at some of the descriptions.

"An escort bar offers companionship for a price?!" I whispered to myself, eyes wide as I scrolled through the wild definitions. The innocent part of me couldn't fathom the reality behind it all. I felt a pang of guilt mixed with a strange thrill.

"What does that even mean?" I muttered, biting my lip. I kept reading, my eyebrows knitting together with each line. "Is it like... like a dating service? But more... intimate?"

I recalled the laughter I had seen on Lena's face, and suddenly my mind swirled with wild scenarios. What if she was one of the escorts? The thought was exhilarating and terrifying. I imagined Lena in the bar, charming customers with her quiet confidence, her tattoos peeking out from under her clothing, making her look mysterious and alluring.

"Or maybe she's a customer!" I giggled at the absurdity of it, envisioning her in her hoodie, slipping into the bar at night, in need of companionship.

I continued to brainstorm, wondering if she ever had to deal with crazy clients or dramatic breakups. "What if she has wild stories?" I chuckled to myself, picturing her rolling her eyes at a particularly ridiculous date. My heart raced with each thought, excitement bubbling within me.

"Okay, Harper, focus," I murmured, trying to ground myself. "You're just here to watch. No big deal."

But the truth was, I was losing my grip on reality. I couldn't deny that I was fascinated by the idea of Lena in this world. She had always seemed so shy and reserved; it was hard to reconcile that image with the vivacious atmosphere of The Velvet Rose.