Hello again lovelies! I am back with a nod to my old days. Yes, this is a re-write but if you are expecting the same old fic, then guess again! You will be seeing a lot of parts rehashed but you will also be getting a deeper look at my characters and a lot of new scenes. This bad boy is 249 pgs as of now and it is not 100% finished, but it is close! As this is one of my most popular fics, I had to go back and fix it, for my pride if for no other reason.
It will be broken up into three parts. Parts 1-2 will cover the original storyline while part 3 will be all new, or the sequel. Sorry, I know many of you are waiting for the sequel but after reading Customer for inspiration, I couldn't even go on without a rewrite. It was just too shallow. But, I will be posting all of this pretty quickly so...yeah!
Big shout out to my two betas (that's right, I'm lucky enough to have two!) Ninjette Twitch and Beej88. If you haven't checked out their work yet, then clearly you have been skipping my ANs and are bad, naughtly little readers! Also, check out Ninjette Twitch's "The Hot and Heavy Chronicles" as I make a guest appearance as a writer in them. So far there are only two chapters but it is an epic series and a must read! It has a plethora of writers all varying in styles including yours truly, Ninjette Twitch, Revy679, Tori-Lee, Astraearose-silvermoon and more! So if you love lemons, it is straight up lemonade!
Alright, that's enough from me! See you guys on the other side!
CH. 1
So it begins...
WAH WAH WAH WAH!
The 22 year sat up quickly, her hand punching the alarm clock next to her until it was finally silenced. The horrific sound was the worst option by far when it came to waking, but it did the trick as she was now fully conscious, having been punched in the gut with it. With her morning habits, waking up via heart attack was the only way to assure she didn't accidentally sleep till noon.
After her pulse slowed to a more natural rhythm, the young woman rose, her long blonde hair falling to the middle of her back in a mess. She stumbled ungracefully to the bathroom and the sound of streaming water could be heard inside the tiny apartment.
Nude, the woman stopped in front of her mirror and slowly inspected her body. It was something all women did. Her reflection held pale skin, which rivaled the moon when it was full, and full curves. Even with most finding her a flawless beauty, one that made men salivate and woman envious, all she saw were her flaws, her 'thin lips' and 'childish face'. She also cursed her height, being 5'3", she was a bit on the short side but those sorts of things were unavoidable and easily fixed with a tall pair of heels….if she wore heels.
"Well Serena Sparrow...this is as good as it's going to get."
Dressing into a pair of tight, light denim capris shorts and a tight tank top, she poured herself a bowl of cereal and stepped out onto her 'balcony', which was really a small landing on her fire escape. Watching the city below, the sun had yet to rise over the tall skyscrapers in the distance and still the city was a buzz of action and life. It was one of the things she loved about New York, it was truly a city that never sleeps. She'd missed that while she was gone.
She stepped back inside and placed her now empty bowl into the sink, glancing at the small clock on her stove.
"Shit, I'm going to be late!"
She threw on a loose t-shirt that was tie-dyed and cut so that it fell off one of her shoulders. It had a picture of a steaming coffee cup and a beer mug side by side on the front and a name printed at the top in big black letters that read, "Sweet Nectar of Life". She hopped towards the door, pulling on a pair of bright pink converse shoes and slipped her purse over her body. She locked the door before racing down the 8 flights of stairs.
Serena tried to read her book as she swayed back and forth on the subway but she found herself secretly people watching. The current cargo varied from over privileged, high society kids on their way to school to tired, third shift workers catching some sleep on their way home.
It angered her how little two particular girls seemed to care that the poor woman near them was trying to sleep as they gossiped loudly about their disappointments in life. The current blow to their egos was the lack of understanding one of their parent's had towards the girl's need for another nose job.
"See, look at this hack job?! I wish my parents cared more. They didn't even take the guy to court, they just settled for a million. A MILLION, can you believe that crap! I look like a monster and that wack job gets to keep ruining faces!"
Serena looked closely at her nose. She couldn't see anything wrong with it. Clearly the girl had no clue that at her age her nose would look completely different by the time she turned 18. She giggled at the thought of telling the girl this, but she did nothing. She'd seen way too many videos on Youtube of "subway confrontations". Serena put her book away and began the task of french braiding all of her, still damp, hair. What she would do with a million dollars...she would produce her music, that's for sure. Barista by trade with a bit of a music habit.
She pushed through the masses of people and rushed to "The Nectar", cursing the subway's inability to ever have a stop that wasn't closer than three blocks from her destinations. Breathless, she put her key in the door and pushed her way in. The air conditioned, dimly lit room reeked of coffee and sweets, instantly calming her already frayed nerves. She could tell today was going to be a long day. It was a good thing she loved her job.
Her lifelong friends Mina, who was part owner, and her brother Andrew, the full owner, were like the brother and sister she had never had. Both of them were used to her strange eccentricities since they had all grown up together, along with the pastry chef, Lita, who did things to cupcakes that would make the Gods cry. The four of them made the full time staff which meant they were always there. It was hard not to become friends when you see one another every day.
Her favorite part about the whole arrangement was that Andrew let her play her music there once a week. She had even developed a small but faithful fan club. Smooth jazz played softly over the speakers now as Mina was setting the place up, sliding delectable pastries into the display. Mina had golden, tanned skin and long strawberry blonde hair that stopped mid-back. When her summer tan faded, she could be Serena's sister.
"Serena! Right on time!"
With a frown on her face, she glared at the blonde. "I'm ten minutes late, Mina."
"I know, but for you that's on time!" Mina gave her a sheepish grin.
To which she glared back. "Oh, har, har, har!"
Serena pinned her name tag on and began setting up the gigantic espresso machine and drip coffee. Lita stuck her head out from the kitchen in the back. Lita was a good foot taller than her with light olive skin and long honey-brown hair that fell just past her shoulders.
"Good morning, Serena!"
The bright smile on her face was automatic. "Good morning! Any new creations today?"
"Oh my gosh, I had a dream last night about a cake. It was a rum cake that I covered in a chocolate ganache..."
"Lita, Lita please. You're making me hungry, stop talking and start making!" Mina begged.
Her stomach was already growling at the thought.
"Yeah, tell us what it is while we are eating it!" Serena added.
Lita disappeared back into the kitchen as she spoke, "Okay, okay."
"I'm pretty sure I've gained weight since moving back here and taking this job!" Serena whined.
Mina gave her a small wink. "I gained at least five pounds when I first started but I'm glad you came back!"
After four years away for college in California, she had missed the rain, practically running back to NYC as soon as the diploma hit her hand. The people in Cali were even more superficial than the ones in NYC. At least here, people told you what they truly thought right to your face. In Cali, they would say the exact same thing, but they would say it behind your back while spilling diamonds from their lips to your face.
Like magic, the clock hit 8am and Serena unlocked the door. The caffeine addicts, deprived of their daily dose, streamed in. The place was soon filled with suits as they shouted out their orders. This was the part of the day that Serena thrived on. It was high adrenaline as she slung out one perfectly prepared order after another. It always lasted at least an hour but it was total chaos the entire time. Most of them were regulars and Serena didn't even need to hear their orders. Many just simply said "Hello" to her and gave their money to Mina.
Even in the sea of suits, it wasn't hard to spot Amy, one of their regulars, with her short, dark blue head poking out in the crowd. Amy worked for some big corporation but Serena didn't know the name of the place. All she knew was it was some business that bloomed to life while she was away. In the four years it had managed to get its fingers in almost every big business in New York but had gotten its start overseas. It sounded like an evil corporation to her as most corporations did. I guess it can't be too bad if they let Amy dye her hair that color.
Once she had caught sight of her, Serena had began her usual order, leaving a few orders ahead of Amy's unfilled. Two large cappuccinos and a large Americano with two extra shots of espresso settled into the cup holder just as the bluenette reached the counter. Amy was sweet but a bit on the quiet side, never one to fight for her place in line.
"Running a bit late today?"
The poor girl was already out of breath, the crowd not being very forgiving today. "Yeah, afraid I'm going to have to be quick today."
This meant their usual morning conversation was going to be cut very short. "Aw no! I'm sorry!"
Amy was a sweet, soft spoken woman; beautiful inside and out. Serena had taken an instant liking to her.
She handed over the cups, all suggly set in a cup tray. "You are all set!"
"Fast as usual! Thanks! You saved my butt! See you tomorrow."
Amy made it to the door with her heavy order only to have it pushed into her by an over zealous guest entering.
"Dammit!" Coffee scorched her chest and stomach leaving a brown stain down the front of her dress. Amy had started to cry, as anyone would. "This is just perfect! Now I'm going to be late for sure. My boss is going to kill me!"
She cringed, knowing full well she would never make it in a world like Amy's, being habitually tardy to a fault.
"Just calm down, Amy. I'll redo your order now and have it ready by the time you get yourself cleaned up and breathing normally." Serena came around the counter, pulling the young woman gently towards the back. "Here, you can use the staff bathroom. No wait and the sink is much bigger!"
Amy stepped inside and she shut the door behind her. The reaction was very out of character for Amy, who was always quiet and smiling. It must be more than a tardy mark on, what she assumed, was a perfect record. Serena quickly assembled another batch of coffee for Amy. The morning rush had died down by now, the only ones left were the writers and those who had nothing better to do on a Friday morning than sit in a coffee house all day.
Her order was finished when she returned, but she still looked upset. Serena put a gentle hand on hers. "Amy. What's up? I've never seen you upset, not even when it's raining cats and dogs, cause you know how handsie people get on those days…."
"We can't all be happy all the time like you, Serena."
She was silent, shocked by her friends words. Even though it was technically a compliment, her harsh tone still stung. Again, very out of character for Amy.
"I'm sorry Serena, that was uncalled for. It's just...my boyfriend has been acting weird lately. I think he is going to break up with me."
Her eyes filled with tears again. Serena pulled her into the best hug she could with the counter between them.
Serena hardly knew what to say. She'd never really had a guy make her feel that way before, to make her whole personality change from worry and sadness. "I'm sorry."
"Yeah, we've all been there girl!" Mina added.
Speak for yourself.
Frowning guiltily, Amy glanced around the now relatively quiet coffee house. "I'm sorry to bother you guys with it, especially when you're both so busy at work."
She looked around as well, wondering just what Amy saw when she looked around. "If it is really bothering you, then why don't you come back after you get off today? I'll buy you a beer and we can have some real girl talk for once?"
Her face brightened. "Really?!...Okay...I'll see you later then."
Andrew had arrived just as Amy was collecting her order for the second time and walked past him.
"Tell me, Serena, is there anyone who doesn't fall madly in love you?"
"Is that a marriage proposal?" She smirked.
"You caught me. What do you say?!"
"I think...a June wedding would be nice."
Scrunching up his nose, he gave her a look. "This June? That's only a month away. Is there something you're not telling me?"
"Andrew….I'm pregnant."
He feigned a shocked look that reminded her of a soap opera. "Oh no! What will I tell my wife?"
She chuckled, resigning herself to letting him win this round. "Guess I will just be on my own, then!"
"Seriously though, Serena, you are too nice, especially for New York. You have to be one of the nicest people I know!" Andrew turned to see four offended eyes on him. "I said ONE of the nicest. I'm looking at the other two!"
Mina smirked. "Well that's not saying much. You don't know that many people!"
Andrew smirked right back. "Well luckily, a strong social life doesn't affect business!"
"Does this mean...?"
"Yep, expecting a call this afternoon!"
They both jumped around, acting like complete fools, holding onto one another.
"Um….did I miss something here?" Lita stood behind her, her hands on her hips. "Is there something special about this call? Or is Andrew's social life that bad?"
He scowled at her. "Yes, it's special. It's a call from the Mr. Shields himself!"
"That's great, Andrew!" Lita offered.
Serena waved her hand like an overeager child in class, gaining their attention. "Still lost here."
"Mr. Shields, as in the Mr. Shields of Strom Corp?"
"That name, Strom, sounds really familiar to me…."
Mina grinned. "That's because you see that name on almost everything here and around the country!"
Serena frowned. "So...you are going to become a company man now?"
He shook his head. "Don't worry, Serena, nothing is going to change. We may just open a few more stores. That's all." She was pretty sure that's what all businesses said before they sold their souls. "Now, we need to make sure we all stay sharp. Strom is notorious for checking in on all future investments...personally."
Serena tried to imagine a high up corporate man trying to blend into their usual crowd. Sure, they catered to a LOT of businessmen but they were all lower level, none of them a CEO or anything. Surely Mr. Shields himself wouldn't be checking on them. It would be another middle man, someone that none of them would really notice, other than being a new face. Which was common, being in the big city of New York. Would any of them notice? They could have already come by and no one would have caught on! She wasn't going to stress. She'd never had a complaint for her coffee or anything else. They would be fine.
No one, not even Serena, realized that the quickly made americano with two MISSING shots of espresso was on it's way now to the Strom Corp.
His eyes opened to the soft swishing of his timed, automatic blinds. The small motor rolling them up and exposing his room to the grey light of day.
Pulling on some sweats, he headed out for his morning run, cutting across the street to Central Park. Earbuds in, he let the news podcast cut out most of the other sounds as he made his way from one side to the other, passing other joggers with a nod.
After a quick shower, he sat down to his breakfast; grapefruit, toast, and a cup of coffee, with his paper in his hand. Most people just watched the news these days but he enjoyed the feeling of the paper in his hands.
It was foggy and gray outside, but the streets were already busy with people and cars visible even out of his high rise apartment. It's one of the things he loved about this city. It never seemed to sleep.
The 29 year old dressed in his three piece, gray Armani suit, taking his time to make sure everything was straight and in order. Checking himself in the mirror, he pulled a hand through his slightly unruly black hair, his tan skin standing out against the white collar of his shirt. He liked this suit. It fit well, which was hard to find with his broad shoulders and chest. It was as if the men in his line of business, those who wore suits, didn't take good enough care of themselves, needing more room in the waist than in the shoulders.
An older man, who was steeped in wisdom, appeared in the doorway of his bedroom. "Mr. Shield's? Your car is ready."
"Thank you Richard."
Richard handed him his briefcase, the young man reciprocating with a thankful pat on his shoulder, and they walked together to the door. "Will you be dining in or out tonight, sir?"
"Out. Michelle will be joining me so could you have the car pick us up around 6?"
"Of course, sir," a displeased look spread on his face, but he didn't voice a single objection.
"Thank you."
It wasn't long after he had settled into his office when his beautiful assistant walked in, her dark blue hair a stark contrast to her pale face. It was that hair that had caused him to hire her in the first place. So many had interviewed; even an assistant's position was highly sought after at Strom, but she really stood out. He was pleased to find that her hair wasn't the only thing that made her special. She was a quiet girl, good at her work, but honest with her opinions. He found he relied on it many times since he'd hired her.
However, the usually respectful girl only muttered, "Good morning, sir."
It took him by surprise even though she had been a bit off lately. "Good morning, Amy. Is everything alright? You look a little...frazzled today."
She opened up her blazer to reveal the coffee stain down the front of her dress. He sighed in slight agitation. The last thing he needed was her in a bad mood and distracted today.
"Take a car and a long lunch today. Go home and change."
She gave him a small smile, one victory for the day at least. "Thank you, sir."
"What does my day look like?"
His day was read out to him, something that happened everyday. It was much like being a robot with a list of commands and tasks he had to complete that day. Most of it was mundane; meetings with board members for some one on one time, a lunch with a few politicians to stay in good graces with them and two investment properties. The investments were his bread and butter; the only thing that he got up and went to work for everyday. He found it interesting seeing, most of the time, how the other half lived. However, one was a coffee shop and the other a club. Both completely different in their own rights, but also the same in that they were small and wanting.
The club had come to him as they wanted Strom to invest, which was not uncommon, but he dreaded those types of meetings the most as they were usually either desperate to hold onto a dying company or greedy.
The coffee shop, Nectar, he was looking forward to. He got his coffee from them everyday, which was a difficult task since he was a picky man, especially about his coffee. He had sought them out, after Amy's not so subtle suggestion, and wanted to expand them nationally. The owner only wanted to do a few shops around the burrows. He was hoping to talk him into more, but they would have to see.
"Sir, Mr. Deemond is here."
"Show him in."
Club owners. They always seemed to be so slick and slithery. The man in front of him was no exception. Apparently, the man already owned a "successful" club and wanted to open a few more.
The guy sat across from him, legs crossed like he was on his own couch with a cocktail in his hand.
"Look, I know your company doesn't do clubs..."
"That's because clubs come and go."
"But my place is different! Come and check it out for yourself. I'll put you on the V.I.P. list. If you show up then I'll show you around. But if you don't, then no harm done."
"No pressure, huh?"
Mr. Deemond sneered. "Exactly."
He didn't tell him that, if he were to seriously consider investing, he would have stopped by anyways. "I'll think about it. Now, if you'll excuse me," he gestured towards the door.
"Sure," Mr. Deemond said as he rose and extended his hand. "Thank you for your time today."
"Yes."
After he had left, Mr. Shields turned to Amy who had been sitting taking notes the whole time. "Well, what do you think?"
Amy seemed to think about what she was going to say for a minute, maybe deciding if it was appropriate.
He sighed, knowing she needed a little encouragement. "Just give me your honest opinion."
"He reminded me of a snake. A slimy, disrespectful, cocky snake. The kind that hide in the grass and bite your ankles when you walk by."
"He did seem a bit full of himself, didn't he? Ever been to his club?"
She gave him a sheepish look. "I….I don't really do that. Do you mind if I go to lunch?"
"Fine, I can handle the next meeting."
"You're sure you don't need me?"
He waved off her concern. "It's just a short conference call. Besides, I'm not afraid of him."
"You would be if he held your livelihood in his hands..." She tensed, already regretting her honesty.
He gave her a small smile. "I'm the one with your livelihood in his hands. You should stop fearing him." With that he walked to his father's office.
He knocked but entered without an answer. His father was on the phone barking at someone, not paying attention to him anyways. Typical.
"Why don't you just put hundred dollar bills on the walls, it would be cheaper!" Then he slammed the phone down, turning his attention to him at last.
"This "decorator" your mother hired is going to end up decorating my coffin if she continues to bleed me dry."
"Denise is hardly my mother. She isn't even close to being old enough," he sneered. His father bristled under his not so veiled disapproval. "That is what you get for giving her the okay to redecorate in the first place. I would think by now, what with all your marriages, you would have learned not to fall for that trick."
He sighed. "You're right, Darien. What is this place we are looking into again?"
"It's called "Sweet Nectar of Life", "Nectar" for short. You've gotten your coffee from there for over a year now, father."
"Oh yes, yes that's right. Great cappuccinos."
"Well, they sell wine and beer too. They have live music every night as well."
"Have you checked it out yet?"
"No, but Amy really likes it and I believe they are a strong investment."
He looked over at him, a blank look on his face. "Who's Amy?"
"My assistant? She brings you your coffee every morning? She has blue hair!?"
"AH, yes, her," he nodded his head in silent approval. "What about that club?"
"No, not yet. I've been put on the V.I.P. list tonight..."
"Great! A young single man such as yourself should enjoy something like that."
He had the thought to fight him on it but it died in his chest. He hated clubs but he had been looking for an excuse to get out of his "date" with Michelle, a spoiled beauty he met years ago, thanks to his father's pushing, hoping to make a business merger out of the two of them. Michelle was a gorgeous woman with a rockin' bod but she lacked a deeper personality that he required to keep up even the simplest of conversations. Their on again, off again, relationship was starting to bore him, which was when he usually turned them back to 'off'. It was clear Michelle wanted more, always claiming that the two of them were compatible, which was why she kept coming back. He just came back because they were compatible in bed.
"I'm ready for lunch, so let's get this call over with," his father stated, uninterested. Looks like I'm going to have to do some convincing on this one.
Andrew emerged from the office well after the lunch rush. Serena, Mina, and Lita were stuffing themselves with the lunch Lita whipped up for them.
"Oh my god, Andrew. You have to try this!" Mina exclaimed.
Lita had made a Pane Ripieno, or stuffed bread for us non-gourmets, with sun ripened tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil pesto and the new cake creation. Andrew did not have to be asked twice.
"So, how did the call go?" Serena asked.
"I think it went well. They are definitely interested. Apparently, they have been getting their coffee from us for a year now and they really like our stuff."
She stood, giving a mock bow. "You're welcome, you're welcome."
Mina poked her shoulder. "Maybe it was a good thing, you getting sacked by Starbucks after all?"
She shuddered. "Yeah, well I still hate corporate monster machines. I'd rather work here anyways. Sticking up for the little man!"
Andrew shook his head as he took his first bite. "Okay, okay. No need to go to war now, especially with us aligning with said Corporate Monster Machines." He turned, looking over at Lita, "and you! If you keep this up, we will all have gained five pounds like Mina!"
"Hey! You said you couldn't tell!"
"I can't but you still did."
"No one appreciates me," Mina said in mock sadness.
"I'm just kidding Mina! If you hadn't come in and helped fix up the place, I wouldn't have lasted another week."
"I'm surprised you lasted as long as you did, Bro, with the shape this place was in. Seriously, Serena, you should have seen it! Bright red walls and green booths!"
"Shit, really? Andrew you should be ashamed!"
"Yes…..and I was. Now get back to work," he said as he made a whip sound and gesture, ducking back into his office with a large helping of Lita's work.
As it hit five, the night crowd began to come in. People who had late shifts got coffee and people just getting off work got beer or wine. Some got both if it had been a rough day. Serena was busy sweeping when Mina stopped her.
"Serena, what are you doing? It's 5:30!"
"Oh crap, really?" She said and glanced at her watch.
"Hurry up and get in the back before he..."
But it was too late. Mr. Deemond walked up to the counter. His pale pink collared shirt had too many buttons unbuttoned at the top and revealed his chest hair and gold chain around his neck. His long platinum blonde hair was pulled into a low ponytail at the nape of his neck, making him look like a romance novel cover gone horribly wrong and so sleazy. He stopped by every Friday at the same time, trying to get into her pants no matter how many times she told him no.
"Hey, beautiful."
She was pretty sure he called all of the "women" that so that he didn't have to keep track of names.
"Hello, Mr. Deemond."
"Serena, we go through this every day. Just call me Travis," he leaned heavily against the counter. "So, you free tonight?"
"Actually I have plans…..with my friends." The look on his face made her instantly regret mentioning who she would be with.
"On a Friday night? So, no date then?"
"No, not tonight." She hoped that was a good enough cover, even though she was pretty sure he would act the same even if she was seeing someone.
"Well if you get lonely, you know your name is always on the list. You can bring your friends if you want!"
"Maybe," she replied, handing him his usual.
He made sure to touch her hand as she handed it to him. Without taking his eyes off of Serena, he handed a twenty over to Mina.
"Keep the change. Hope to see you tonight. Later, beautiful."
As soon as the door closed behind him, Serena began to fidget and shake like she had touched something slimy or rotten. A few of the other customers watched her and laughed.
"Ug, I feel like I need a shower every time I have to talk to him."
"Serena, don't you think you're just a bit too picky? He's not that bad," Mina defended.
"Yeah, I guess. But something about him bugs me. Maybe it's all his money."
"So, now you're against rich people?" Lita asked.
"No, just rich people who act rich. You know, like they're better than other people. Did you see how he shoved his money in Mina's face? No thank you!"
The girls laughed and shook their heads, but they wouldn't find it so amusing if it was bugging them like he did her.
"I'm off, Amy. Have a good weekend, see you on Monday."
"Alright, thank you, Mr. Shields."
"Oh, and the coffee today was not good, too weak or something. You should tell them that they should pay more attention and get an order right. Especially one that hasn't changed in a year or they might lose my business."
The elevators doors shut before Amy could say anything.
Serena had just clocked out when Amy walked in, looking a little less for wear. She was glad she came, but also a bit surprised. A sweet girl like Amy had to have other friends to talk to, didn't she? Something was clearly up with the girl and even if she didn't talk about it, she was determined to brighten the girl's spirit.
"Hey, Lita? You gonna take a break from your hubby tonight and join us?"
"Oh, I can't. Nick is going out of town on Tuesday so we are going to...pack."
Mina emerged from the bathroom. "Yeah right. Keep that up and you guys are going to have three hearts beating under the same roof!"
Lita blushed while she gave us all hugs and kisses goodbye before rushing out the door.
"Well, guess it's just us three tonight." Mina said as they looked to Amy.
She looked their new companion over. "Amy, you look better already."
"Yeah my boss let me go home and change."
"Well...that was nice." Serena said, surprised.
"Yeah. He's a nice guy, he's just...so serious."
Amy and Mina grabbed a table while Serena grabbed beers and took it over to the waiting ladies. She loved working at a place she actually wanted to spend time at, even after she was off the clock. The employee discount didn't hurt either.
It took a beer and a half to get Amy to relax and open up. "He has been distant. I tried to get him to talk to me about it but he says it's nothing. He's seeing someone else isn't he?"
"No, there could be plenty of reasons." Mina said with uncertainty, a terrible liar. Turning, ever the love guru, she gave Serena the 'do something quick' look.
"Why don't we go out? That should get your mind off things."
"Yeah, we could go dancing!" Mina squealed.
Amy sadly replied, "But it's a Friday night. What club is going to let us in?"
Mina shot her a devilish look. "I know of one."
Serena's palms began to sweat at the thought, "No! No no no no no. Absolutely not!"
"What? Where do you want to go?" Poor Amy was clueless, her eyes dancing back and forth between them.
"How would you like to go to Club Diamond?" Mina purred.
Amy perked up a bit. "Really? My work is looking into that place. It wouldn't be bad for me to check it out."
"You hear that Serena? Amy wants to go."
"Mina, we aren't even dressed for it!" Serena was trying to find a way out of this.
"My place is right around the corner. You guys can borrow some of my clothes!"
"We don't have to go, Serena, if you don't want to." Sweet Amy. She was so considerate, unlike her "best" friend right now. But Mina was right. Amy needed this and it would be the only club they could get into tonight.
Darien called Michelle, canceling their evening. He told her it was work, which was true, but he also knew if he had told his father about the date he could have gotten out of it. But he didn't want to. She fussed and gave him a hard time of course, making him even more satisfied with his decision.
Richard was surprised to hear the change of plans but barely hid his happiness at another Michelle-less night. He ignored it and went to get dressed for this club. He exchanged his very nice suit for a pair of dark jeans and a dark green polo shirt. He had no clue what people wore to these kinds of places but he didn't want to go in one of his suits. The thought of some sticky drink getting sloshed onto him by some drunken fool was more than enough to have him hiding them.
Besides, the goal on these sorts of trips was to go unnoticed to get a true perspective of the establishment and punching a drunk in the face for ruining his clothes would definitely ruin that plan. He ran a wet hand through his hair to give it a messy look and set off to 'work'.
Okay so maybe coming to Mina's for clothes was a bad idea. As a frequent clubber, Mina had a large array of "club" clothes and all of them were tight-fitting and skimpy.
Somehow, Mina had talked her into a white dress that was more like a towel. It was made of a silky material that stretched tightly across her body. If it's tightness didn't reveal enough, the length of the dress did. It stopped mid thigh and the neckline left little to the imagination as it scooped low and showed a lot of cleavage. Two tiny straps held it up and she hoped it would be enough, though it would take some serious tugging to get the dress to come completely off. It looked more like a slip than a dress and Serena was starting to get suspicious that it was. Emerging from the bathroom, she received a chorus of whoops and hollers.
"Come on, guys. I look ridiculous."
"No, you don't. You look hot!" Mina yelled while she frowned. "Look Serena, I know your into the whole "bohemian" look, but seriously you look stunning."
Amy had managed to talk Mina into letting her wear what she had on but Mina made her lose the blazer so she just had on a dark blue business dress that came to her knees. With it's thick straps, square neckline, and tight fit, she still looked ready to party. Mina had on a pale yellow, t-shirt dress with a thick brown belt around her tiny waist. The "dress" stopped right under her butt. If she bent over there would be trouble but Serena seriously doubted she could in the high heels she was wearing.
"Now take that braid out of your hair!"
"Bossy much?"
"Just do it and sit," she pushed Serena down on the bed and began applying lipstick.
After some back and forth, Serena convinced Mina to let her wear flats. Her winning argument was that she would never be able to walk, let alone dance, in such torture devices as the stilettos Mina shoved at her. After that, they were on their way. Serena sent up a silent wish that Deemond wouldn't find her so she didn't get groped too much tonight. But the look on Amy's face told her it would be worth it, even if he did.
Well? What do you think? Improvement? Well I think it is and that's what matters most right lol! Hope to hear from you guys and I hope you enjoyed it! Be back soon!