“I swear, Bori, you should do stand-up,” Tamara groaned, clutching her side, sore from laughter.
“I always tell her the same,” chimed in Era, her other best friend. “I don’t know anyone else with humor like hers.”
Bori, though used to such compliments, blushed. She pulled the blanket tighter around herself and tucked her socked feet under her thighs. It was past midnight, and the air had grown significantly cooler since the three friends had settled onto the terrace with its breathtaking view.
The idea for the trip to Italy had come from Era, as most exciting plans did. Among the three women in their early forties, she was the best and most creative organizer. As an entrepreneur managing large-scale events for hundreds of people, it was second nature to her, and she gladly took on the task. Tamara was too preoccupied with her accounting firm, where an entirely different kind of ingenuity was required.
Bori, on the other hand, had trouble coordinating even her own life, let alone others’. A former model trapped in the corporate rat race—constantly battling her scatterbrained nature and a never-ending series of personal crises—she often struggled just to make it to work on time. Her direct manner, kindness, sense of humor, and not least, her beauty helped her navigate life’s obstacles with ease. Still, unlike her friends, she had never dared to start her own business. She was the only one among them who still rented an apartment and, for the most part, lived alone.
At the same time, it was Bori who brought color to their everyday lives with her unwavering zest for life, witty remarks, and hilarious stories. Wherever Bori went, laughter and good spirits were guaranteed. That’s why, from time to time, Tamara and Era encouraged her to change careers and give herself a shot in the entertainment industry.
“Why don’t you give it a try?” Tamara urged that night. “The audience would love you.”
“What an incredible show it would be,” Era mused. “We’d all sit in the front row—I’d even bring my mother. We’d scream with laughter at every joke and give you a standing ovation…”
“No, wait,” Tamara interrupted. “We should sit scattered throughout the audience so that there’s laughter from every corner,” she enthused.
“You know what?” Bori suddenly spoke with determination. “I think I will try.”
“Good! At least you should dare to do what you truly want,” Era nodded. “Don’t become a slave to your job like I did.”
“I thought you liked it.”
“I inherited my mother’s company. Let’s be honest, I didn’t have much of a choice.”
“I’m exhausted from accounting too. I wish I had an exciting hobby,” Tamara sighed.
“Alright. When we get home, I’ll do whatever it takes to get myself a gig.”
“So be it!”
“Bori, you’re a goddess! They loved you!”
“Are you sure?” Bori asked, trembling after her first performance.
The adrenaline was still coursing through her, making it impossible to calm down.
“Are you kidding? They were rolling with laughter! And the thunderous applause at the end? That says it all.”
“Well, but let’s not forget—it was a senior citizens’ club, with twenty-five elderly people.”
“So what? An audience is an audience. And you swept them off their feet.”
“I have big news, girls!” Bori blurted out excitedly, not even waiting for her friends to step inside.
She watched impatiently as Tamara and Era hung their coats on the hallway rack. With a hurried wave, she ushered them into the living room, where she had set the table for dinner. However, she couldn’t even wait for them to sit down.
“I quit my job! Ta-da!” she announced triumphantly.
“You did what?”
Tamara’s voice had an unusually sharp, almost stern tone.
“I quit. You know, for stand-up.”
“Just like that? Without a backup plan?”
“Not without a plan,” Bori swallowed nervously. “I have a few invitations.”
“A Christmas party and a birthday,” Era clarified.
“Yes, but if I want to be good, I need to practice a lot, and I can’t do that while working full-time.”
“Okay, but don’t you think you should have waited a bit before quitting?” Tamara asked.
Her fingers drummed impatiently on the silver tablecloth.
“You two were the ones encouraging me to quit and follow my dreams,” Bori said, bewildered.
“Yes, but not recklessly,” Era shook her head.
“I believe it will work out,” Bori whispered.
“I have gigs every night this week!” Bori cheered over the phone.
“That’s amazing, darling, congratulations,” Era replied in a flat tone.
“Can you make it to one of them? I’ll get you a ticket.”
“I don’t think so, Bori. Work is crazy right now. You know I’m stuck at the office until late.”
“The shows start at nine.”
“Yes, but I work all day.”
“So do I,” Bori chuckled nervously. “I start preparing first thing in the morning.”
“I know, but that’s different. You practice jokes in front of a mirror, while I coordinate seventy employees.”
“I see. I just would’ve loved for you to watch me at least once.”
“I already saw you at the senior club, I know you’re adorable.”
“That was four years ago…”
“I’ll try, but I can’t promise anything.”
“Have you watched my videos?”
“I don’t watch videos, sorry. I don’t have the patience for them. Live performances are better anyway.”
“Bori!”
“Tamara! I’m so happy you came! Come on, I saved you a seat in the front row,” the performer exclaimed, grabbing her friend’s wrist in excitement.
“Oh, no, sorry, I—” Tamara stammered. “I’m actually heading upstairs to a product showcase. One of my clients sells vitamins. She really wanted me to attend.”
“I really wanted you to watch me perform…”
“I know, and I promise I’ll make time for it—really—but you know how pushy some businesspeople can be.”
Seeing Bori’s pale face, she kept explaining.
“She’s one of those big-money clients. She spends a fortune with me. I can’t say no.”
“Did you watch my videos?” Bori asked in a dry tone.
“Not yet, but you know what? Send them again, and I’ll check them out one evening.”