“Funny.” Kade walked to the back of the car, and Bastien took the passenger seat.
“I figured this would give me time to give you a rundown on your dates. They’re all really nice. I’ve been dating C.J. for awhile, and Ursula and Beckey are two of her best friends.”
“Kade, Ursula is your date. She’s the perfect balance: outspoken, bubbly and highly intelligent. She’s a brunette too, your favorite.”
“Do you think we’ll suit?” Kade said.
“She was excited to meet you one on one. Said you always seemed nice and studious, which she appreciates because she loves to read and learn new things. Bastien, I set you up with Beckey, a lovely blonde librarian with killer blue eyes, a wicked sense of humor and instructions to take it easy on you because you’re very rusty at the dating game.”
Kade burst out laughing.
“Please tell me you’re kidding,” Bastien said.
“Okay, those weren’t my exact words, but I hinted that it’d been awhile since you were out. Had to err on the side of caution.”
Bastien rolled his eyes. “Thanks, Bro.”
“Any time,” Mars said, a slight smirk on his face. Bastard’s enjoying this way too much.
They pulled up in front of a two-story building with Valet parking. Mars swapped out his keys for a ticket and they piled out, entering the club. They worked their way through the crowded space. “Is that the General?” someone said.
“I don’t know, it looks like him, but I’ve never seen him out. Wonder who he’s here with.” The whispers continued. Assumptions flew and rumors grew more lavish with each re-telling. Bastien squared his shoulders and ignored the ridiculous scenarios being tossed around. People loved to gossip. They stopped in front of bar where three women sat chatting. So this is the woman who’s held Mars’ attention lately. C.J. had dark brown skin, chin-length black hair, and cat-like yellow colored eyes common among their people who lived in the northern hemisphere of Tagget.
“Hello ladies, there are my brothers, Kade and Bastien. Guys, these are my friends, Beckey, Ursula, and my date, C.J.”
“Hi.” They exchanged awkward hellos. I feel like a fish out of water.
“What do you say we move this to a table?” C.J. asked.
Murmurs of agreement came from the group, and they walked over to a set of stairs sectioned off by a rope.
“Mars, good to see you, man,” said the broad-shouldered bouncer with close-shaven, emerald-colored hair and blue eyes.
“Good to see you too, Verx.”
Verx removed the rope. “Go on up.”
As they rounded the stairs, the vibe of the club changed. The V.I.P. area was sparse. There was space to move, and the music wasn’t as loud. Much better. Plush, round seats lined the area, and a swanky black bar was set up on the far side of the room. C.J. and Mars broke off to talk among themselves, and he and Kade followed the example, branching out to go their own way.
He glanced down at Beckey. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“Yes, that’s would be great. Thank you.”
“After you.” He gestured toward the bar with his hands.
A few minutes later they were seated at the bar with an Apple Martini and a Whiskey Sour.
“This is my first time at Shar Bar. It’s nice.” Lame, Bastien.
“It is. The girls and I come here about once a week for a girl’s night.”
“Aaah, we have a wings place like that. We go there a lot to watch games and unwind.”
“I’d imagine you’d need it given your jobs.”
He chuckled. “I can’t disagree with you there. Lots of weight on our shoulders, but we’re made of stern stuff.”
She smiled. “I believe you are. Shall we do the cliché conversation? I’ll ask what do you like to do in your spare time, and what your interests are. Then we’ll make small talk.”