Reaching the bar, for some reasons it seemed different. There were more people on black Tuxedos outside and inside the bar was a bit quieter than usual.

Something seemed different.

"Over here, Regee"

The bar owner beckoned on Regee, who signalled Sally to return soon.

"Now, the head of the Ashford companies is here and first impression matters"

The bar owner said while signally his workers to a certain table.

"Now you would perform greatly today, so he could return after today"

He said tapping Regee's shoulder.

For some reasons Regee was nervous, and she just heaved and walked down to the piano.

It was a cool evening afterall, she just needed to stay calm.

Just as she punched the last key, there was a loud clap.

She could hear Sally scream from the corner of the bar

"That's my homie y'all"

Regee just smiled.

But there was something about today's performance.

The ovation was just too loud.

The bar owner beckoned her.

"I think he enjoyed your performance"

He said grinding widely, too wide that Regee could notice his brown-white dentals.

"You see I never imagined someone of his class would come around"

Wait! Who?

Regee asked moving closer to him.

"Don't worry, he is someone who's position we would just think about,and not be there"

He said handing Regee her tip.

She collected it putting it in her dress.

"Nah! Go ahead count it"

He said restricting her hands from her pocket.

"Uhhhhhhh, I see it's an increase"

Regee said smiling.

" Ah girl, you earned it"

Mr Jack the bar owner said, leaving to attend to his workers.

He is gruff but kind-hearted man, he is mostly standing behind the counters, his eyes always surveying the room with a watchful gaze.

His weathered face, creased by years of laughter and late nights, seemed chiseled from the same wood as the bar itself.

Mr Jack's thick beard, flecked with grey, framed his mouth, which curled into a perpetual smile, as if he held a secret joke that only the regulars knew.

His arms, thick and strong from years of lifting kegs and shaking hands, rested on the bar, a gesture of welcome and invitation.

A silver ring, shaped like a beer mug, glinted on his finger, a symbol of his dedication to the craft.

That Ring was the first thing Regee saw on their first meeting.

His voice, a warm rumble, boomed through the room, calling out greetings and jokes to the patrons, who responded with laughter and banter.

Despite the late hour and the rowdy Drunkards, teenagers and lousy married men.his eyes sparkled with a warmth and a kindness, a sense that he was always happy to see you, and that your presence was a gift.

He moved with a slow, deliberate pace, as if savoring every moment, every conversation, every pour of the perfect pint.

He was the master of his domain, a king of the night, and his bar was his kingdom, where everyone was welcome, and everyone was not family.

Unfortunately, Mr Jack is single and not searching, according to Rumors.

Well, the night Regee met him, she visited the bar to drink out her frustration after a failed audition and then she saw a piano and played it.

Mr Jack was impressed and tipped her.

And just like that she kept coming.

"Hey, you"

Sally said giving Regee a hug

" You did amazing tonight"

She said with a peck.

"Now let's grab a drink"

Regee said draging Sally to the counter.

"2 glass of cocktail, please"

Sally called out to the bar tender.

He was a young tall light skinned guy, who seemed to be happy with what he does.

He just stood poised behind the counter, his movements swift and precise as he took time and crafted each drink with the finesse of a surgeon.

His eyes could not betray that he knew a secret recipe that could make the night unforgettable for the ladies.

Sally just keep winking at him and he just smiled, he looked shy.

A silver stud glinted in his left eyebrow, adding a touch of edginess to his not so chiselled features.

His dark hair was slicked back, revealing a prominent widow's peak, which seemed to point to his expertise like an arrow.

He didn't look like a new York citizen and Sally had to ask which confirmed it.

"New York? "

Sally asked the bartender.

"Nah, chaio"

He said smiling.

Ohhhhhh, Italy

Sally said winking.

There was white apron, stained with the remnants of countless cocktails, wrapped around his waist, a badge of honor testifying to his dedication to his boss,Mr Jack.

His hands moved with a fluid grace, juggling bottles and shakers with the ease of a juggler, as he conjured up concoctions that would tantalize the taste buds.

A warm smile, quick and genuine, flashed across his face as he presented each drink with a flourish.

'Enjoy, my friend, and let the good times roll!'"

He said giving us our drinks.

" Life is good"

Regee muttered

As the girls leave the counter, Regee's focus momentarily wavered, and as she turned her hand slipped, sending a glass of whiskey with cranberry cocktail tumbling towards the man who was behind her, without their knowledge,as they were so engrossed with the bar tender's craft.

Time seemed to slow as the drink arced through the air, its trajectory destined to intersect with the unsuspecting man,who didn't stand a chance.

The glass shattered upon impact, releasing a miniature flood of liquid that cascaded down his arm, soaking his sleeve and dripping on his wrist watch.

drenching his tailored suit and soaking his crisp white shirt.

The pungent aroma of whiskey and cranberry filled the air as he angrily looked up, startled, his eyes locking on Regee's mortified expression.

'Oh no, I'm so sorry!' she exclaimed, as she rushed to his side, snatching a handful of napkins to stem the tide of the spill.

The man's face turned beet red with rage as he leapt to the stool at the counter, his eyes blazing with indignation. 'You clumsy fool!' he bellowed, his voice echoing through the bar. 'This suit cost more than you make in a month!'

Regee apologized profusely, but the arrogant fellow would have none of it. He shook his head, sending droplets flying in all directions, and sneered, 'You'll be paying for this, I assure you.'

As he stormed out of the bar, leaving a trail of whiskey and wounded pride in his wake, the patrons couldn't help but stifle a snicker.

"Mr Jack"

The angry fellow called

"Let it be known that I'm gone from this low bar and would be never be seen here especially with that clumsy Rif RAF"

He said pointing angrily at Regee who was just hoping there could be an explanation.

"Ain't no friend of mine a rif raf"

Sally said looking intensely at the arrogant fellow.

"Ngggggggg"

He groaned.

The fellow pulled his suite and threw it at the girls, leaving the bar.

Chapter 4 The very beginning 2

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