In no time, I reach my bar. It’s a ten-to-fifteen-minute walk from my place, and a five-minute drive. The bar is my pride and joy, alongside my pastry shop and my café that are just on the other side of the street. The lights are off in both shops, which means those working the evening shift have closed for the day.
It’s a rule I promote. Friday nights particularly are meant to be enjoyed. I don’t want any of my employees working when they could be out enjoying themselves and their families.
There are times when some feel the need to work late if a special need arises, and I have done it myself. Shaking my head, I close down that line of thought. The employees at my bar are the ones who work later. The official closing time is midnight, but I ensure they get their extra pay if any later, given that the occasional patron may linger over a conversation.
I check my dashboard, and the time reads 9:00 on the dot.Perfect, I think to myself. I open my car door to meet the smiling face of Richard, the valet on duty. Richard is twenty-five with an adorable little daughter.
That’s all I know about him concerning his family, since he never talks about little Maddie’s mother. And no one asks. He moved to the town a year ago, and he keeps pretty much to himself, his entire world revolving round Maddie.
“Good evening, boss.”
“And how many times have I told you to call me Aurora? Boss makes me feel older than I am,” I laughingly tell him.
Richard only smiles and takes my car keys as I step out. Thanking him, I go inside.Time to get the night on!I think to myself, trying to crank up the little excitement I feel.I don’t want to be a wet blanket, dousing everyone’s night.
Pride flushes through me as it usually does whenever I step inside my bar. It’s the first business I opened in Birchwood, followed by my pastry shop, and finally the café. I designed the interior of the bar myself and I’m very proud of the result.
It’s not your usual bar. Nope! In my bar, pastel colors dominate, creating a warm, calming, and inviting atmosphere. Soft shades of blue and mint green adorn the walls. Twinkling fairy lights are strung across the ceiling, casting a soft glow that adds a magical touch.
The furniture is a mix of vintage and modern pieces, creating a unique and eclectic style. There are plush velvet couches and comfortable armchairs to relax in. The bar counter is made of reclaimed wood, adding a rustic and earthy element.
The walls sport beautiful artwork, showcasing my love for art and support of local artists. They all feature beautiful animals or breathtaking landscapes, each piece telling a story. The shelves behind the bar are filled with an impressive collection of spirits and colorful bottles, giving the space a lively and vibrant look. I worked hard to balance it for both feminine and masculine appeal.
My bar is known for its signature cocktails, and I have Anne, my head bartender, to be grateful to for that. Coupled with her pretty smile, the cocktails are usually a big hit. The drink menu features a variety of delicious offerings, from the local classics to innovative, on-the-spot concoctions.
Occasionally, the bar hosts live music nights, featuring talented local musicians and upcoming spoken-word artists. The goal I had in mind when I envisioned my bar was to create alively and entertaining atmosphere where people can come to unwind and enjoy good company.
The upstairs is located above the bar. It is quite different from the jolly ambience below. The walls are adorned with textured wallpaper in shades of burgundy and dark charcoal, adding a touch of elegance. The ceiling features a constellation of twinkling lights, reminiscent of a starry night sky.
The upstairs is more dimly lit with a combination of soft, warm lighting and strategically placed spotlights that cast intriguing shadows on the walls.
The seating arrangements are plush and luxurious, with velvet couches and armchairs in deep jewel tones like emerald green and sapphire blue. The tables are mahogany, which I always think of as lavish. They remind me of the furniture I might see in an old castle.
I believe I gave as much consideration to the name of my first business as to the décor. Asking friends, new hires, and locals for advice, I finally decided on The Ember Bar, given the gorgeous large pink marble fireplace that’s a focal point in the main room. The pale pink stones are skillfully arranged to create a mosaic that dances in the soft lights. The quiet, rosy hues of the marble show refined taste and provides a focal point that beckons customers to gather around.
Another idea was to call it the Echo Bar so customers would come back again, and again, and again. Or we could have sued the Midnight Den where we release bear cubs just before closing—the ‘get out now’ message without us saying it in so many words, doncha’ know? OK Aurora, back to reality. I laugh.
I nodmy head in greeting to the few who notice my entrance. There is a live band performing and the crowd is really immersed in their performance. They’re a really talented bunch, and I hope they have their big break soon.
I move to the bar to say hello to Anne. Ted Farmer, the owner of the big gardening supplies store, is harmlessly flirting with her, and she is playing along. Everyone in Birchwood knows Ted’s heart will forever be with his wife who died some years back. He reminds you of a warm, handsome grandfather.
“Am I interrupting something? You’re cheating on me now Ted?” I join in on the game with a serious face, trying to hold in my laughter when Ted turns to look at me in mock shock, playing along.
“I’m sorry, my love. But I am only trying to get a bottle of medicine for my cough from this pretty lady.”
Anne and I laugh at his antics as I say hello. She salutes me in return with a smile on her face, and I grin back at her. I trace my steps back to the stairs that lead to the VIP section. I’m suddenly nervous at the reminder that I’ll see Ryan’s friend soon. I try not to let it show as I put on a welcoming smile, hoping I’m not baring my teeth like a vampire.
I spot my friends at the corner of the bar. A man is with them, and while my friends have their backs turned to the entrance, the new man is facing it. I can’t see him very well under the dimly lit atmosphere, but he definitely doesn’t look like a scrawny dude, and with the way he elegantly holds his glass, I’m sure he also doesn’t slurp his drink loudly. In fact, he’s sipping his drink in a sophisticated manner I’ve never seen a man do before.
From what I can see where I stand, I notice he’s rocking a casual vibe but manages to look effortlessly classy. On his left wrist glints a wristwatch. Looking at him from this distance, my nervousness comes crashing down to my stomach.
I feel something I haven’t felt towards the opposite sex for a very long time—attraction. And I haven’t even seen his face up close!
Not wanting to look like an excited schoolgirl, or act as though I am literally eyeing a candy, as Britt had described, I school my expression into a welcoming but aloof face. I tentatively walk towards them, and my friends turn to look at me at the sound of my heels. Ryan’s friend looks up and I have to physically restrain my jaw from dropping. Words flood my mind— beautiful, mysterious, confident, sophisticated, playful, and beautiful.
That’s like a hundred words ma’am, and you mentioned beautiful twice. If you checked the dictionary, you’d see they mean just about the same thing and . . .I slam close the imaginary door on the annoying voice in my head to shut her up immediately. Britt was wrong. This dude is not eye candy. He is the whole candy factory!
Chapter four