On a cold crisp November evening, Jasmine sat focused on her signature on the realtor papers. She had just closed the deal on Loft 22, her new townhouse & business. Lyza twitched in her chair anxiously looking at Jas.
"Is that it?" she whispered softly.
"Yes" Jasmine replied.
With an obnoxious yell, Lyza jumped up, "Whoo-Hoo" she wailed, and danced a little jig.
The realtor's mouth gaped. And all Jasmine could do was laugh.
"If that will be all, Mr Jameson?" Jasmine stealthy said, then turned to walk out.
Lyza was still dancing as they walked to the car. "Oh the moon is full Jas, let's go out.." she begged.
"Begging is so unbecoming of you, Lyza." Jasmine said with a giggle.
Getting into the car, Lyza tickled Jas, "You know you want to..come on!" she begged once more. She knew it wouldn't take much to twist her arm. They quickly ran to a techno bar, jumping unto the dancefloor. Writhing all over one another, they danced to the humm of the music, for hours. After they had enough, the slipped out for a late night feed, then they drove over to their new loft. Jas took out a bottle of wine from the trunk, two glasses and fumbled for the keys to Loft 22. Once inside, Lyza lit candles & started a nice fire in the fire place. This was going to work, she thought. It was perfect. Jasmine poured generous glasses of wine for them both. "To us," they chimed. They drank and looked about at their new endeavor. "We are going to be a success you know?" Lyza stated very matter of factly.
"I know." said Jasmine with a wicked grin. "Look out Philadelphia" they both slurred out, waving their glasses overlooking the view of the city. They both grinned knowing it was at their feet. The funny part was they both imagined a jam-packed, testosterone meat-market, like on Coyote Ugly...and they both giggled. They could do anything they wanted in this town. But this time they wanted to remain anonymous. Go about it in a legitimate way. Do things always go as planned?
As the autumn leaves fell about, the girls had almost completely moved in. Back & forth til most was inside, they took a break, sitting outside under a bright orange tree. Lighting up cigarettes they both eagerly discussed their plans. Decorators were coming in the morning, which they dreaded. But it had to be done, they had way too much to do and worry about that too. So everything was to be ready in two weeks. Jasmine hired a publicist to help with getting the word out about the cafe. Things were going fabulous. Lyza had written tons of songs, somewhat inspired assumingly by their good fortune.
Lyza had finally put the finishing touches on her bedroom and was satisfied with her results. Jasmine was still arguing with the deocrator & had not made much progress. She was better off doing it herself. She was fabulous at it. But she wanted it done fast, and that wasn't happening. She had went days without sleep. Lyza, however, found time to catch plenty..*L* The townhouse was basically done, and they could focus on the cafe now.
It was just before the place was to open and things were still going smoothly for the two. And they were excited. The atmosphere had been set within the cafe. Lyza had made the plans for the stage & all. Everything was looking fantastic. She had wanted dark purple velvet furniture, dark walls, a marble bar was installed, it was classic! Everything looked so renaissance. They were ready for this, and couldn't wait!
It was the eve of the the grand opening. The girls were so excited they could not sit still. They arranged & re-arranged. But the critics were coming as well, so they worked extra hard. A huge bouquet of roses came to Jasmine, the card read.."Good Luck, mate...love always --Devan". Jasmine was speechless for a moment, til Lyza ran over to investigate.
"Who's Devan, she asked."
"Well, he & I go way back. Jasmine saved his neck in a a thick forest in England several hundred years ago. They were close. She hadn't heard from him in years, now this." Jasmine rambled.
"Interesting.." said Lyza.
She felt a heavy thickness about her aura that night. Jas could not tell what it had to do with, only that it started after thinking about Devan. Something felt wrong, strange. She felt no honesty from Devan's card, as if he was up to something.
As evening broke the daylight sky, Jasmine could hear a soft melody playing. It was Lyza strumming away in the upstairs loft. It was a beautifully haunting tune. She had to tell her how much she loved it. The melody kept playing as she lit candles about the place. It was so cozy. They both felt so at home here. It was dark but warm, and most everyone felt very comfortable here.
Lyza stepped into the hallway dressed for the night. Man, she looked fantastic! Her long hair was crimped all over, she was in a slick pair of pants, platforms & a tiny sequined top. I complimented her outfit & aura. There was a such a positive vibe flowing from within her. She felt tonight would be a success! Lyza grabbed her guitar & headed downstairs to open the place while Jasmine jumped into the shower. Naturally I was running behind.
Lyza kicked on some mellow music while lighting candles & incense. The whole place looked fabulous. It was going to be a success she thought. The atmosphere was perfect for lots of types of people. Even her kind, she thought. She threw back a glass of red wine to take the edge off her nerves. A few people filtered in, finding tables & ordering drinks. Some of the guys she had lined up for the open mic part of the show, began to show up. She slid some shots down the bar to them, welcoming them.
She felt like her & jas were going to make a killing! Then she giggled to herself, pardon the pun she thought. The evening unfolded precisely as the two of them had planned. And this gave them alot to hope for in their future. Lyza watched the people conversate & drink, they were enjoying themselves. She liked that, knowing they would return.
Jas emerged from upstairs, looking ravishing as usual. She stepped behind the bar & made herself a bloody mary. She eyed the room, softly tuning into people's conversations, hoping to hear a compliment or approval of their new place. But the fact that people were socializing & smiling meant they enjoyed their atmosphere. That meant alot to Jasmine. With that in check, she felt a slight breath, and looked for her next order of business. She tapped Lyza gently on the shoulder, not to startle her. "Hugs, girl!" she sang. "I think we are a success, is it too early to say?" Jas giggled. Lyza wrapped her arms around her pal & business partner..."Yes, I believe we are." she whispered.
It seemed there was nothing they couldn't endure together. It showed great promise, their friendship & the Loft. Jasmine had high-hopes for their future. Little did she know the one person who was about to change all that had just walked into the bar.
Jasmine was wiping down the bar, when she suddenly felt faint. She thought maybe she needed a replentishing drink, but when that didn't improve things, she began to wonder. Lyza sat her down in a booth in the corner, and brought her a cup of bloodwyne. Sipping on it, she sat trying to focus, and pull herself around. Lyza sat down, and said, "Ya think its because we didn't burn that ceremonial joint?" She giggled as she said it. Jasmine managed a laugh, and felt slightly better. "We will after tonight, at dawn, before we sleep." Jasmine murmured.
The secretive conversation was abruptly interrupted when a large, stout man approached the table. He spoke in a deep & powerful voice, "Who do I talk to about this establishment?"
Lyza & Jasmine just looked at one another. "I suppose either of us." they chimed. As he sat down, he began speaking directly to Jasmine, which led Lyza to believe he was interested in talking to her about whatever it was, and so she faded back towards her reality. The conversation between the two continued for quite awhile. He told Jas his name was Kyle Valmont, and he was interested in buying stock in the Cafe. He thought they could possibly use the revenue to enhance the club to provide more of an atmosphere, drawing in more people. Jasmine actually liked the idea, we asked for a couple of days to discuss it with Lyza, of course. She knew she had to do her homework on this guy as well.
He ordered the finest champagne they had, and eventually called a few friends to join him there. Jas & Lyza secretly watched him, not letting him think they were interested in what business he conducted. But Jasmine knew he must have some substancial wealth to him, why else would he be interested in investing? Furthermore she thought, why is he interested in a little cafe, with nothing serious going on? What was his angle? She had to find out.
Jasmine told Lyza she was taking off just for a little bit, she was checking into Mr. Valmont. She wondered what his specific interest in their cafe actually was. Lyza complied, acting somewhat excited to feel even more in charge. Jas dashed into the night to find some answers to their mystery man. She was a master of slipping in & out of places unnoticed. So she headed directly to the courthouse, to check records of all sorts, property, vehicles, anything to help tell her more about Mr. Valmont. A smoky mist flows under the door, filling the room with a cool fog. She is inside the records room, a locked room to most, but not a problem to her. She riffels through them finding information all over about Mr. Valmont. He has a truck, a business, a corvette, a luxurious home and other various properties around the area. Jasmine rubbed her chin in thought. Seemed ligit to her she thought, but something still tugged at her. Something else was there, not visibly obvious, but she knew there was something else to him. Quite possibly something he kept a secret or hidden, just under the surface. She searched further to reveal him to me a member of prominant gentlemen's clubs as well. This puzzled her, so went on another search...disappearing into the night.
Back at the cafe, Lyza watched Kyle, and he noticed. He came to her, asking her to join him & his little party. She told him she was solo for the moment and could not, so he sat down at the bar. He asked her to at least join him in a glass of celebratory champagne. He spoke of the proposal of the impending partnership, that Jasmine was going to speak to her about it. She smiled, and agreed to share a glass with him. But she rambled on about getting back to work soon after. He impressed her with polite & intelligent conversation, pinpointing her passions, strengths, & some weaknesses. He analyzed her like he does all his clients. But this particular venture had a hidden agenda. He would share that with them when the time was right. Until then, he fancied getting to know the girls. And for now, that was Lyza.
They chatted for what seemed like hours. The night went smoothly & the cafe seemed to run itself. Lyza noticed a young lady standing at the bar. She was a cute petite girl, short firey auburn hair was swept up in a kercheif. Her bright green eyes peeked through her bangs at me. Reading her thoughts, Lyza knew she was to inquire about employment. A smile washed across Lyza's face, the young lady was a witch. She did not know of her strength in powers yet, but Lyza thought she would be a worthy asset to the cafe. Lyza excused herself from Kyle's table abruptly & approached her.
"Hello...can I help you?" Lyza inquired, smiling.
The girl drew a breath as if to muster up strength. "Yes, I'm looking for a job, anything, you could possibly let me do for a few bucks a night." softly she said. A look of desperation perched upon her face, as a weak & timid smile turned the corners of her mouth.
Lyza smiled warmly & said..."I think I can help you out."
Extending her hand to Lyza, she introduced herself.."Name's Jett..." she grinned, exposing pretty white teeth.
"I'm Lyza"...shaking her hand softly. "This is our Cafe. My partner's name is Jasmine. We opened tonight, as a fact of fact. I'll introduce you to her when she comes back. So how's your bartending skills?"
Jett grinned widely..."They are sharp, I've been told." She had a deep voice for her tiny size.
Lyza was pleased to hear she knew her way around a bar. They could always use an extra hand. Someone had to be there when the two of them wanted to prowl. It was to be a perfect set up. They would become close & dependant upon one another in the future.
Lyza kept an eye on Kyle the entire time. He was slowly getting drunk, she noticed. That meant he would be loose-lipped perhaps & they could find out even more about him. Deep in the back of her mind, Lyza thought he was harmless...mostly looking for a new direction, new friends or a new hang-out possibly, but nothing more than that. She wasn't worried any longer by his presence. She went back to mixing drinks & making idle conversation among the patrons.
