Part 1. Floral Liquor

Jane automatically shifted her attention to the watch on her wrist, trying not to cry. Ten minutes to eleven. She still had two hours on her shift. Her were aching as she poured what feels like his hundredth glass of champagne for the night. Usually, she wouldn’t be complaining, but there was only two of them on the shift. It meant both of them to have to share the load. 

Her eyes moved towards Krista, who was batting her eyelashes and chatting up with the customer. She wouldn’t blame her because as the employees of the elite ‘Floral Liquor’ are supposed to be polite no matter what. Most of the clauses in the contract said the same thing over and over again. It should be concerning actually. 

Working at Floral Liquor felt like a dream because of how exclusive and posh it was. She had no idea that her application would be selected, but then again, Jane had a bit of liquor knowledge. All thanks to her alcoholic father and wine-loving mother. The interview procedure was smooth and easy for her to follow. They called her the very next day, probably impressed by the idea of the new drink she put forward. 

‘Floral Liquor’ was highly rated bar to let loose and have novelty, flower-based artful drinks. It’s a bar framed by artistic brick walls, high ceilings and piping dance floor. And it's nestled right in the city centre, making it an accessible attraction to the locals and tourists alike. Also, the fact that the setting inside was almost informal with high stools, a porch and sidewalk tables helped a lot. There was, of course, a VIP section with plush Versace couches and overpriced food menu. 

Jane eyes the crowd with a sceptic look on her face. They were particularly rowdy and seemed to have no inhibition or control over their moments. Also, they seem like the type to stay behind very late. The party started at six in the evening and was showing no signs of slowing down.

She let out a sigh as she set the full flute down on the bar where it stayed for only about ten seconds before someone picked it up. A VIP brat. They swipe their platinum membership cards at the end of the night and leave with a hefty tip. That’s their entire lifestyle. Sometimes Jane is envious of them. They don’t have to worry about their upcoming medical MCQs and to score above ninety to maintain the scores, make a study timetable, create notes to study for the entire night and about the classes missed in that week. 

“Jane” Her friend, Krista furiously whispered from the side, pointing at the bar. The twenty-four-year-old jolted at the sudden voice and immediately picked the cloth from the side. She almost forgot to wipe the two drops that person spilt earlier. 

“I think we have to stay back late tonight” Krista grumbled under her breath as she poured the tequila in the glass. 

Jane snorted, “Tell me about it!”

Another glass was taken. Jane was almost grateful that there was less spill than she expected from the careless hands. Her manager, Chuck, had insisted on tulips, but Jane managed to convince him that the stemless champagne flutes were the best option. They are less hassle to deal with, even though they are delicate.

“This one is going to be a disaster to clean tomorrow!” Krista mumbled under her breath as she slammed the drink on the bar. Jane winced at her frustration. How was she going to survive another two hours? 

Cleaning up was next days problem. They would also have extra help, so there’s that. Jane highly doubted if she would be able to get out of the bed. Her limbs were aching all over, and she had a throbbing headache from the loud music echoing in her ears. Not to mention her cheeks were hurting from smiling all evening. But that’s just everyday’s problem.

“What’s a Floral Mary?” The blonde squealed, her eyebrows raised and a pout on her lips. Krista stared at Jane as if asking for help, but she already had too much on her plate. Jane turned around, pouring champagne in the flute. 

Jane was so busy in her work that she didn’t realise the sound of bar stool being pulled back. A slow tap on the bar pulled her out of her thoughts. She tilted her head only to see a striking man with a lazy smile on his face. The bartender gawked at him for a while, suddenly realising that she hasn’t said anything yet. 

“Hi, sorry! Welcome to Floral Liquor. What can I get you?”

The guy just smiled at her warmly as he tugged at his blazer jacket before propping down on the stool. Jane’s eyes shifted at his navy blazer with a white button-down shirt and a thick, expensive watch around his wrist. Even though the lights were dim, she could still see all his features. 

“Eh don’t worry about it love, its packed tonight. I can understand. I’ll just take another glass of Champers. Besides, I can wait all day for you.” 

Jane giggled easily, a dark flush crawling on her cheeks. As soon as she started working, it made her realise how common the compliments were around the bar. The customers mostly were drunk, so they got extra affectionate and charming. Not that she ever accepted their advances, but it felt nice to hear good things from them. 

“You got it!” With that, Jane turned her back to him and started pouring the champagne, tipping the glass just right to make sure it’s not all fizz. Only then she heard a deep, gravelly voice that sent a sharp tingle down her spine. 

“Hey, Zee! Why is it taking you so long?!”

A laugh echoed, “Sorry Tristan but the bartender here is ridiculously cute, so I am not coming back anytime soon.” 

Jane inhaled sharply at that. Taking a deep breath  she turned around with the glass in her hand. For a second, she felt her breath caught in her throat at the man standing in front of her. Tristan was drop-dead gorgeous, almost making the bar lights shy away. He’s tall, and his muscles bulge deliciously under the tight black shirt complete with perfectly tailored caramel-coloured suit pants. His fingers are ridiculously long as he impatiently tapped against the bar. Jane tried hard not to focus on those gorgeous cheekbones framed by dark chestnut curls cut short enough to look effortlessly messy atop his head.

Her knees felt be a little weak. The guy should come with a warning. Jane nervously set the drink on the bar as she felt his eyes on him as if he was checking her out. Tristan leaned closer to his friend and whispered something in his ear, which was loud enough for Jane to hear. “Hmm, I would do the same”

Zee laughed, shaking his head, “Too bad you can't. All those ladies are waiting for you.” 

Tristan slumped on the stool in front of his friend, a frown on his face, “I don’t even know them!” 

“That’s the point! They are here for you.” 

“I don’t care. Send them away.” 

Zee mockingly gasped, “You, my Prince are very rude.”

“Thank you for the compliment. Now go!” Tristan pushed at his friend's arm. 

Jane felt like a sore thumb, watching the two handsome men bicker about something ridiculous. She did not make a sound, trying to fade in the background. 

“I’ll be right back for you!” Zee gave her a cheeky wink before slipping off into the crowd.

Tristan turned towards her, resting his elbows on the bar, using his hands to prop up his head. She tried hard not to stare at his massive arms. 

Tristan cleared his throat, blinking at her, “I have no idea what to order here. First time.”

It took Jane a few seconds to realise that he was talking to her. She bobbed her head. Most of them have the same problem. Floral Liquor has the most advanced and quirky menu with drinks like Cool Cucumber, Berry Problems, Single Tomato. And Jane’s personal favourite and sort of her creation, Red Affair. Most of their drinks have edible flowers and edible glitter in them, which is why Floral part stands out. 

“You should try Red Affair.” 

Tristan stared at her for a few seconds before shrugging, “Sure.” 

The bartender nodded, licking her lips before turning to grab the bottle off the top shelf. She picked a fresh cup, drying it with his bar towel, before filling it with ice. 

He cleared his throat, “Does it have any citrus juice? I am not a fan of them.” 

Jane shook her head. “Oh, its better than that. I’m about to turn your entire world .” 

Tristan watched her blankly, as her nimble fingers worked their magic. 

Jane picked a lime wedge and tore the flesh and the pith off. She pulled a lighter from the stand below before lighting his drink. As the red flames ignited, she smiled, feeling the same sense of pride she felt after making the Red Affair. 

“Wow...”

She grinned at his expressions, “I told you. I’ll change your world.” 

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