Spurned but not broken

chapter 4

Jack had appeared behind the bar in the VIP area after a while. Summers' eyes suddenly lit up with a mischievous grin after she'd noticed him, and she turned to Patrick.

"Patrick, seeing as we're back, wouldn't it be fun to allow Amelie to do one of her tricks again! It'd definitely liven up some of the customers," slightly lowering her voice just for Patrick to hear "and it could gain you a bit more income." She winked at Patrick as his eyes lit up at her meaning.

"Yes yes! That would be a wonderful idea! How about it Amelie? It's been a while since we were able to witness your skills."

Realizing what they were both hinting at, Amelie couldn't help but chuckle at the two. "You're both incorrigible, but it has been awhile so I don't mind indulging you just this once." With a cheeky smile she slid herself from the booth and walked towards jack at the bar.

A knowing smirk playing on his lips as he politely made way for Amelie behind the bar. Clearing his throat to attract the attention of the others in the area.

"Esteemed patrons, it is an honor to introduce to you Club Vortex's princesses, Miss Amelie and Miss Summers."

Both girls wave little waves to the others in the area.

"Now, unless you're locals or regulars, I'm aware you wouldn't have heard of our beauties here, but these two are part of the Vortex family and stories of their beauty have long since spread across the city. They have both been absent from us for quite some time and have finally returned! So, our Amelie here has graciously accepted the opportunity to invite you all the witness her exceptional bar skills and treat you all to a drink."

A wave of pleased acceptances rang out from the small crowd as Amelie smiled and began her show, throwing bottles in the air, poring, shaking, stirring, leaving the onlookers mesmerized as she fluidly continued, showing no hesitation between each movement.

After a few minutes, the bar was lined up with drinks all varying in color, and with a final flourish, Amelie smiled as she took out a match, struck it and lifted it to the first glass. Just like dominoes, each glass lit up, one after the other, leaving the audience in awe.

Looking out at the crowd, Amelie addressed everyone as they began to applaud her. "Please everyone, help yourselves, I hope the drinks are to your liking."

Eager to partake in the drink that they had just been amazed at watching being prepared, the crowd were drawn to the bar, some hesitant, the flames still flickered across the row of drinks, the patrons nervously glancing between each other as if daring someone to go first.

Noticing the hesitation, Summer linked her arm with Patricks and led him towards the bar. Handing him a glass, followed by Jack, Amelie and herself, they all smiled at each other before clinking their glasses together, simultaneously blowing out the flames and throwing the drinks back like shots. Having watched the four, the others started to follow suit, each taking a glass, blowing out the flame and taking a sip. Pleased faces appearing one after the other among the crowd as words of delight and appreciation towards the drinks' flavor and creation began to flow amongst them.

Having sat back and watched the entire scene play out, a look of amusement and approval spread across Jaxon's otherwise stoic face. His friend, still oblivious, sat marveling in amazement at the woman behind the bar. Neither noticing the sly grin appearing on the face of the woman they had both snubbed earlier as she approached the pair, two glasses of the prepared drinks in hand.

"Here you go gentlemen. Don't want you missing out on the experience."

They both took the glasses, examining the contents with pure interest. Both glasses differing in colors, furthered their amazement as they couldn't figure out how the woman had managed such a feat without the use of multiple bar tools. Nodding at eachother the both followed suit and blew out the flames, taking tentative sips of the drinks. Eyebrows lifting in surprise and approval at the flavor.

"I'd thought it would be overly sweet and fruity, judging from the color, but it's actually a very mild sweetness. Just enough to offset the strength of the liqueurs used."

Jaxon had to agree, the drink was very pleasant, leaving a delicate sweetness afterwards, as opposed to the strong burning one usually associates with strong liqueurs, but without overpowering the flavors and quality of each individual one used. Without saying a word, he simply nodded his head in agreement and continued to savor the drink in front of him.

Both having seemingly forgotten about the presence of the woman, secretly fuming in front of them, she turned and walked back towards her seat at the bar, watching them with a smirk and sher tired a straw in her overly fruity cocktail, taking small sips as she eyed the two men in front of her.

Summer and Amelie, both oblivious to what was happening with those around them, continued drinking happily, reminiscing in their younger years, laughing and sharing stories with Jack and Patrick, as a tray of drinks was placed on the table before them. Slightly tipsy from the amount they had all already consumed, no one seemed to notice the forced smile on the lips of the woman before them.

"I wanted to treat you all to a round of drinks. That performance was truly amazing, and the drink was delicious. This is just a small thank you."

Everyone at the booth, seemingly pleased with the situation, thanked the woman for her generosity and invited them to join.

"Oh no, I don't want to interrupt you all, and I'm here with my friends, so I'd hate to leave them. Please just enjoy the drinks, and thank you again for an amazing experience." Then, turning around, the smile instantly dropping from her lips, as she sauntered off into the darkness at the other side of the room.

The four being pleasantly surprised by the round of drinks and, none the wiser, all gladly took a glass and continued to drink while chatting.

A short while later, feeling the dizzying effects of all the alcohol they'd consumed during the night, Amelie excused herself to get some fresh air. Working her way through the small crowd that had now formed in the VIP area as the evening had progressed towards the small corridor that led to an outside smoking patio.

Taking in a deep lungful of air as she closed her eyes, trying to steady to spinning head, Amelie reached into her purse and pulled out a small silver case containing her cigarettes. Taking one out and gently pressing it to her lips, she then searched for her lighter, slightly confused that it was no longer in her purse.

"It looks as if you may have misplaced your light," came a deep sultry voice from the corner of the patio. Slowly heading towards the direction the voice had come from, Amelie replied with a gentle smile, "It appears you may be correct. Would you be so kind as to help me?"

Looking towards the corner of the patio, Amelie was slightly surprised to see that pair of deep blue eyes from earlier staring back at. A subtle smile playing at the corner of his lips as he stood from his seat and approached her.

"My pleasure." as he slowly held out and flicked out a silver-cased lighter, leaning forward slightly to light the cigarette delicately placed between her lips, his eyes never leaving hers.