09: A God For A Manager
19:25 October 4rd
She had to work tonight, though Laura wouldn't be there to make things any better. The new manager - who she was going to meet tonight - had let Laura take another week off to make sure she was ready to come back. Great first impression, Skye thought. She held her keys in her teeth as she threw her wallet and some other stuff into her purse, then grabbed her phone.
"Oh," she said to herself, realizing she had a text from Dick. Actually, a few texts. She sat in her car to answer them before she drove to work.
Dick Grayson
Be careful tonight at work. Is Laura back yet?
Dick Grayson
I'd like to see you again.
Dick Grayson
My ego is taking a hit here.
Yes, I have insecurities.
Skye Lovett
Sorry! I was getting ready for work and then got distracted by the internet.
Yes, i do work tonight and no, Laura is not back yet. In a week.
What shall we do the next time you see me?
Dick Grayson
Now I feel silly.
Actually, I have an engagement party to attend in four days.
Skye Lovett
Wow, after two dates! If you're inviting me, I'd love to go.
Wait, is it family or friends? That's important.
Dick Grayson
A mixture of both, but technically friends turned family.
If it's too soon, I understand.
But I am inviting you. You'll like the crew.
Skye Lovett
Sounds good. I have to head to work.
We can talk later?
Dick Grayson
Definitely
Skye entered the back area with a grin on her face. Mike, the usual DJ for the dance nights, grinned back at her. He was only a few inches taller than her with a beard and a lean, tough body.
"And what put a smile like that one your face?"
"You, my dear," she teased, kissing him on the cheek. He rolled his eyes.
"Have you met Daniel?" Skye shook her head. Mike kept talking as he followed her into the dance area. "Daniel Masters, new manager. Paperwork is still in limbo about owning, though."
At that moment, a tall, blonde god-like man appeared at the end of the bar. Skye blinked a few times, taking in the handsome looks. Wow, was he even real? She snorted at herself, thinking about Dick. Yeah, Dick could take this guy. He was in his thirties, she thought, dressed in the latest fashion of khakis and polo shirts.
"You must be Skye Lovett," the god said, holding out his hand. Skye took his hand and shook, letting go quickly. He was too perfect, and it made her uneasy. "It's nice to meet you. I'm glad you were there for Laura - how is she doing?"
"Alright, considering," Skye replied, going back to setting up glasses.
"Good to hear. I won't get in your way tonight, I just want to watch from the security room, see how things work. Alright?"
"Alright," Skye answered, glancing at Mike. Mike was eyeing Daniel, enjoying the view. Skye smiled at that and Daniel walked away. "Where's the other guys?"
"Jesse and Frank will be here any moment." Frank was another bartender and Jesse was security.
22:00 October 4th
The music was thumping - tonight it was ladies night with music by women - and people were enjoying themselves. It was crowded and the bar area was filled as well. Skye smiled and handed a large blue alcoholic drink to a cute blonde who was with her friends. She bounced a bit to the music - Jessie J - and called over to Frank that she was taking a long break.
Frank waved at her, saying he had it. And he did - his hands were flying. Skye sang along with the song, dancing through the crowd. A few people dancing with her as she passed - two woman and a man - but she ignored it and finally made it to the bathroom. After that was finished, she took a seat on the wall where she could relax for a moment with a glass of water. She was sipping it through a straw when someone sat across from her.
"Dick, what are you doing here?" She had to yell to be heard over the noise. Dick leaned forward, grinning to talk.
"I wanted to see you. Plus, the club." He took her hand and squeezed. Skye was happy he was around tonight. The new owner was in the back of her mind and it was making her anxious. She looked out into the crowd as a new song came on. She had some time before she had to head back to the bar.
"Come on," she said loudly, taking Dick's hand. He followed her obediently with a curious look on his face. Skye led him around the edges of the crowd and then pulled him into the backroom. It wasn't quiet by any means, but the music was muffled enough so they didn't have to yell back and forth.
"What's up?" Dick kept ahold of her hand.
"It was too loud," she explained.
"You work here," he reminded her with a laugh.
Not with him around before now, she thought to herself. She shivered and Dick frowned. Without thinking, she wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her face against his chest. He seemed surprised, taking a moment to return the embrace. He was warm and solid.
"Nothing's wrong," she assured him. It was a question she knew he was going to ask. This was the first time she had made the first move to get close. She was lying, but he didn't need to know that. He tightened his arms around her, then gently pushed her away.
"You're lying." He moved his forehead to press against hers. His face was close, and she had to catch her breath. The temptation to kiss him was more than she'd had before with anyone else. As soon as she had that thought, panic pulled at her mind. She stepped back, giving them space.
"How do you know?" she said flirtatiously, trying to change the tone. He just smiled gently at her and shook his head. Skye sighed and glanced back at the closed door that led to the main area. "The new owner creeps me out, but I don't know why."
"Oh?" Dick asked evenly. Sky turned around to look at him.
"Are you going to do the protective boyfriend thing and go see what's wrong with him?"
"I don't know, we haven't talked about the boyfriend thing yet," he replied. Dick said it to try to make her smile, but it didn't work. She pressed her lips together and looked toward the door once more. "Seriously, though, what is it?" Dick took her hand.
"I don't know, but something is…" Skye sighed. "Nevermind, it may just be my nerves at someone new signing my checks."
"Are you sure?" Dick looked like he wasn't going to give this up. Skye took a moment to think. Maybe Dick could at least check the guy out for her - there was no harm in that, right? Dick could chat with Daniel and see what vibe he was reading.
"Do you think you can talk to him? Just to see if my nerves are freaking out for no reason?" Would he ask why she was letting him do this?
"Yeah, sure, if you want me to."
Skye felt relieved at that answer. She felt she could move forward with the conversation.
"Good. So, about that engagement party… casual or classy?"
06:00 October 5th
Dick rubbed his eyes, fresh from the shower and a few hours of following Daniel Masters, then pulled on some sweat pants before sitting at his desk. The man was just as Skye had said - odd. On the outside, he looked perfect. He had gone home and to bed after the club had closed. Dick had stayed outside for two hours, but nothing happened. He put a few bugs around to be notified of action, and then left to deal with a couple of muggers a few blocks away.
Now he stared at the computer, watching the tiny cameras he had put around Master's windows. Nothing was happening - the small house was still dark. Rolling his neck, Dick looked at his phone. Resisting the urge to text Skye, he yawned and flopped onto his bed for a few hours of sleep.
He woke a few hours later to the beeping of his laptop. He rolled out of bed and quickly sit in his desk chair. There was movement at the house of Daniel masters. Dick frowned as he watched, seeing a familiar blonde meet Daniel at the door, kissing him on both cheeks.
Carla Falcone.
Dick went to work researching everything he could about Daniel and Carla, looking for connections and anything else that would tell him why they were so chummy. It didn't take long to see that Daniel was Carla's adopted son. Pressing his lips together, Dick leaned back. He wasn't comfortable with Skye working at the club anymore, but he knew better than to tell her that. What could he tell her without making her anxiety worse?
This was a job for Nightwing to handle.