CH2
As I stare up above, I see silk fabrics of red and black fall to the ring floor. While still looking over the main ring, I can see acrobats getting ready to start the show. Then, music starts to play, and a type of light show of lasers start to dance across the crowd. It's a mix of techno and dupstep, yet no lyrics were being sung. Then, a man with an exaggerated black top hat, and a beautiful red tails jacket is standing center ring.
"Lady and Gentlemen I am your ring master Ziggy and I would like to welcome you..." he took a bow and when he came back up "To your freak show!"
And with that all these people started coming out from behind him, and all through the crowd. Fire breathers, contortionists, clowns, even a few animals. A few women and men start climbing down the silk fabrics doing all kinds of tricks and stunts. Other aerialists climb into hoops and start spinning around and around. People wearing stilts in Carnival costumes come walking out. I started to notice that most of the entertainers were all dressed in Italian Carnival costumes. Some with full faced masks, others had half masks. Which for me, is awesome, because I love the Italian Renaissance. Though, the women were wearing skirts, but they had slits up the skirts special they are able to move. I could see the women had on either pants, or shorts under their skirts. So they could still do their tricks and stunts without flashing the crowd. Everyone except for the ring master wore masks. It reminded me of Mardi Gras down in New Orleans, LA. Which is one of my favorite holidays. All in all, I had to give Mary props this was turning out to be pretty cool. I still wasn't sure about Anthony though so I just shrugged and kept watching the show.
Three hours later the show ended and I was completely thrilled- with what Mary had decided to do. It was a great show and I enjoyed myself. Antony and I actually talked a good bit, and found that we had many things in common. I actually enjoyed his company during the show. I had to give John and Mary credit. They did a good job picking this one. I went to go tell Mary bye and hug her. I knew I had a short time before I had to leave to make it to the bar on time.
"Ok Mary I have to say, it was pretty good. I did enjoy the show, but I have to get to work now. You know the boss will be pissed if I don't show up on time." I said hugging her
"I know I know." She said hugging me back. "You know, you will have to tell me all about Mr. hot to trot over there once you get up tomorrow. I want to know everything you two discussed" She said as we walked back to where my bike was parked. Mary was really sweet and a good friend. We gave each other one last hug and I climbed on my bike. Proceeding to put my earbuds in, started my music, put my helmet on, and zipped up my jacket. I started backing my bike out when Anthony came up beside me. I paused my music and lifted my shield.
"Hey, I had a good night. Maybe we could go out on our own one night. We could get a cup of coffee, catch a movie, go have a few drinks. What do you say?" Anthony asked me as he zipped up his own jacket. I sat there for a moment thinking about this. We had had a good time and did talk a good bit. We did have a few things in common and he did seem nice after a while. I took my sweet time waiting to answer him. Because honestly, I really didn't know what I wanted in a boyfriend at the time. Finally, I shrugged my shoulders and nodded my head deciding to take a chance . He handed over his cell phone after I motioned for him to hand it to me. I punched in my cell phone number and smiled. I pulled my gloves on and just continued to smile as I looked around backing up my bike.
"Send me a text tomorrow ok?" I said muffled from my helmet. He nodded and I started my music again dropping my shield. I revved up my bike and got on the road. Heading down the road towards the warehouse district where the club was at. I loved being at club, because after a long hard shift I could step outside, go sit on the seawall, and enjoy the sun rise over the water. It's the best therapy money can't buy. I pull my bike into the alley next to the club and climb off. I pull my helmet off and then my earbuds. I wrap the earbuds around my phone and shove them into my jacket. I walk up the alley and to the front of the club. Jack, the bouncer, smiled as he let me in. Though, before I went inside I saw that we had a line already forming. It looks like the night was gonna continue with more lasers and techno music.
I shed my jacket and gloves as I walk behind my downstairs bar. Hmmm I do love being here. I think to myself placing my jacket and gloves in the cabinet, along with my helmet and the rest of my things. I check my register for my cash money and as always boss man has me set up. You see, my bar is two stories. An old warehouse building that Eirik had converted into a beautiful bar. As I turn around to go get a few bar towels I bump into my bar back Henry.
"Oh my gosh Henry I'm so sorry" I say backing up a bit making sure I didn't make him drop the beer he is carrying.
"No no you're fine Lil, it's all good. Hey I thought Trish was working tonight?" he says setting the beer down and stocking my coolers.
"No darlin I switched with her tonight." I say grinning as I didn't reveal the entire truth as to why I switched. I was hoping and praying Henry wouldn't press the matter further.
"Hmm grape vine says there's a bit more to that. However, I know how you feel about talking about your blind dates." He says as he finishes stocking my coolers. He stands back up grabbing the empty boxes and walking back into the back to grab more beer. A big cheshire cat grin plastered on his face.
I stand at the bar my hand on my hip as I stare after Henry shaking my head. I turn back to my bar and admire the building. Eirik has really done a great job with this place. As you walk in you will come through a hallway illuminated by imitation candle light. Then, you come through a set of French doors with frosted glass. As you come through those doors the space opens into a very large area with a large dance floor in the center that is slightly lower into the foundation. If you turn to the right you'll find a spiral staircase that leads upstairs to a large catwalk with a bar and a decent size area with tables for people to talk and mingle. If you turn left on the bottom floor, you would come to my lovely bar. Surrounding the dance floor is a number for VIP booths that people can reserve for bottle service. Around those is an elevated area of tables and booths for patrons. So they can relax with friends and have drinks. The DJ is opposite the top floor bar so that he or she can see the dance floor and keep people dancing and having a good time.
Man I love this bar. My bar, is the best in the building. I have taps, coolers, and an array of liquor to make any drink you can think of. Eirik had the bottom bar (my bar) made out of Sydney Blue Gum. I loved this wood on my bar. Its color is beautiful and exotic.
Henry comes back out with more beer in his hands and places them down on my bar. "Lili, why do you deal with Mary putting you up on these dates when you don't want to go on them?" He asks as he starts stocking up the rest of my beer coolers. "If you don't like going on these blind dates, and have to come into work to make up for whatever; then why don't you just tell her to stop?" He asks.
"Henry you know she's my best friend. I love Mary like the sister that I never had. She's really the only family I have here. And who said I didn't enjoy doing this." I say getting the bar top wiped down. He gives me an exaggerated sad, pouty face. "You know that y'all are like my family too." I say giving him a hug.
"Even me?" A deep rich voice says from behind.
I turn around to see Eirik standing at the base of the stairs. "Yes Eirik even you I consider family. You've helped me through a lot." I say standing back, then walking over to my register. Eirik was a handsome man. He, to me, was the epitome of beauty. His eyes are the color of amethyst gemstones, with what looked like a gold ring just around his pupil. He stands at 6'2", with the body of a god. The color of his beautiful locks is like beautiful golden wheat. His hair had some length to it, though it's only long enough to just cover his ears; if he wears it down. You see, Eirik owns this beautiful bar and is my boss. Henry disappears back into the back as Eirik and I talk for bit before we open.
"Lilianna, you know I stay out of your business when it comes to matters of your heart, but you should really tell Mary to quit setting you up like this if it displeases you so." He says, almost sounding like my father.
"Eirik you know the situation. I do this to make her happy. It's not a bother to me that I go on these dates, and you get to see more of me when the date is over. Plus, I think tonight she may have gotten it right." I say with almost a dream like tone to my voice. I hear something almost none audible as I look back up at Eirik. His eyes almost seem to have a glow behind them. But I dismiss it as the lighting the bar. "Anyway come on we are opening and I have patrons to serve and money to make for you. Go I'll be fine." I say as the first patron comes up to the bar.
After the last patron left I was already half through with my cleaning duties for the night. Ever since our talk Eirik had all but ignored me throughout the night. Not unusual but it was a bit strange. Normally after I come into work from a blind date everyone wants details, but not tonight. I just shrugged it off and started making a pot of coffee. My drawer was counted down, locked up, and I already counted out my tips. Not too bad of a night in tips either. I made a cup of coffee, let my Jack know I was just going out to the seawall and I'd be right back. I walk out letting the morning air slam into me. Walking out to the wall I find my spot and just sit down. Dangling my legs over the water I watch as the sun comes up slowly. Casting an array of yellows, reds , and oranges. In front of me, I can hear the hustle and bustle of the city life. To me I guess this is harmony. I turn around and I see the GT-40 still here. *Hmmm if his car is here then where is he?* I ask myself as I turn back around and watch my beautiful sunrise.
Finishing off my coffee I get up and walk back inside. By this time everyone else has already left and it's usually just me and Henry left. However, this morning it seems a bit colder and a little emptier inside. I go back behind my bar and see a light on in Eirik's office. "Why is he still here?" I say to myself as I gather up the drawer from my register. Walking up the staircase is always a bit dizzying. What else could you expect from a spiral staircase? I walked up to the mahogany door that opened to Eirik office. Hesitating for a just a moment, I take a deep breath and knock on the door. "Eirik I have my drawer and receipts for you." I say walking in on something I probably wasn't supposed to see.
"Halena, get up one moment please." He coos to trashy woman that was seated on his lap. "I need to just take care of this real quick" He says with what seems like an edge to it. She uncoils herself from around him. Looking me up and down as if sizing me up. He turns his head to look at me. His eyes must be glowing with something from within, because there's no mistaking it now. Man, what the hell did I do? He was pissed, and he was making sure I knew it.
I take a seat in the large arm chair waiting patiently as he counts down everything writing in a ledger. Little Miss Halena is sitting on his desk and the only word I can seem to find to describe her is HO. I start to get a strange feeling but I squash it down before it can develop any further.
"Ok everything looks good. Have a good night Miss Rose." Eirik says as he turns his attention back to the ho on his desk.
I roll my eyes getting up, and walking out the door. I shake my head as I quickly get down the stairs. Grab all my gear throwing on my jacket, helmet, and back pack. Walking outside I go straight to my bike. Music is already blasting in my ears as I crank up my baby. I get on and head straight for my apartment. Morning traffic is already gathering on the roads. I weave in and out dangerously, just wanting to be home.
As I arrive at home I go straight up stairs still jamming out to Haunted by Beyoncé. Walking inside my humble apartment; I drop my keys into the bowl next to the door, throw my back pack on the couch and go straight for the shower. Unplugging my headphone I listen to my music while I'm washing away all the grim of the bar. The warm water cascading down around me, I can't help but to think how nice this feels.
I get out wrapping a plush soft robe around me and towel drying my hair real quick. I grab my phone and see that apparently I have a text message. Inside, for some odd reason, I am hoping to see it's Eirik, but when I open it I get a much better surprise.
Good morning Miss Lilianna, I'm off to work and thought I would send you message. I had a great time last night and would really like to go on a "real" date. Just the two of us. What do you say? Anyway gotta get to work. Antony.
I jump up and down slightly acting like I just got asked to prom by the quarterback of the football team. I grin from ear to ear and type a reply back. Good morning yourself. I had fun last night as well for once. We seem to be on the same page about a lot of things. I have to work again tonight, but if you want you can come by. I work at Enigma in the warehouse district. I'm the bartender for the down stairs bar. Come by tonight. I hit send and just can't seem to wipe this grin off my face. Antony does seem like a great guy and the more and more I think about last night; the more and more I want to see him again. *DING DING* My phone beeps with another message.
Enigma huh? I'll swing by. Go get some rest I'm sure you are exhausted.
Yes, I am very tired. I thought you were at work get off your phone mister. Don't want the boss man yelling at you.
Boss man…You're right. I should probably put my phone up while on the job sit. Wait...I am the boss man but you are right. It sets a bad example for the others. I'll see you tonight. Sweet dreams.
Locking my phone I plug it into its charger and laying it on my night stand. I pull on an over sized t-shirt and climb into bed. My last thoughts are of amber eyes staring into my soul, and a wolf's howl.