48 Chapter Forty-Seven
(Gotham City - Grant Wood)
A week had passed since Jayden received the text from Lola about her bar's grand opening.
The anticipation had been building within him, and now the day had finally arrived. Jayden stood in his apartment, going over the final preparations before heading to Midtown, where Lola's bar was located.
It was already 8 o'clock in the evening, and the grand opening was scheduled for 5 o'clock.
Jayden knew that Lola would be busy during the initial hours, so he decided to go a bit later to give her some time to settle in and handle the opening rush. He wanted to show his support without adding to her already hectic schedule.
As he looked at himself in the mirror, Jayden couldn't help but feel a bit out of his element.
He was dressed in a custom-made suit, something he wasn't accustomed to wearing on a regular basis.
The suit was a symbol of the significance of the occasion—a special event that called for a more formal attire.
He adjusted his tie, ensuring it was perfectly aligned.
Seeking some reassurance, Jayden turned to his feline companion, Raven, who sat nearby wearing a cute pink bow.
He chuckled softly as he looked at her, finding comfort in her presence. "Well, Raven, do I look presentable?" he asked playfully as if expecting a response. Raven simply blinked and purred, her silent approval.
Satisfied, Jayden made his way downstairs and hailed a taxi.
Today, he decided to forgo his usual car or motorcycle and opt for the convenience of a taxi.
He wanted to arrive at Lola's bar feeling relaxed and focused, without the hassle of parking or navigating through traffic.
As the taxi pulled away from his apartment, Jayden gazed out of the window, taking in the sights of the city.
The bustling streets, the vibrant lights, and the energy of the night filled him with a sense of anticipation. He couldn't help but feel a surge of pride for Lola and her journey as an entrepreneur.
During the ride, Jayden's mind wandered to the moments he had shared with Lola, both in their personal and professional lives.
He admired her determination and passion for creating a space where people could come together and enjoy great drinks and company.
Arriving in Midtown, Jayden paid the taxi fare and stepped out onto the sidewalk.
The excitement in the air was palpable, as if the city itself was buzzing with anticipation for Lola's grand opening. He could almost hear the distant laughter and clinking of glasses.
With a confident stride, Jayden made his way towards Lola's bar. The neon sign above the entrance illuminated the night, drawing him closer. He could see people already gathering, eagerly awaiting the doors to open.
As he entered the bar, Jayden was greeted by the lively atmosphere. The interior was beautifully decorated, exuding Lola's unique style and flair.
The bar was bathed in warm lights, and the sound of music filled the air, setting the perfect ambience for the evening.
Stepping into Mixology Grove, Jayden was immediately captivated by the vibrant atmosphere and diverse crowd.
People from all walks of life had gathered to celebrate Lola's grand opening, creating an electric energy that permeated the air.
He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as he looked around, admiring the result of Lola's hard work and vision.
As he strolled through the bar, Jayden took in the intricate details of the decor.
The warm hues of the lighting, the carefully curated artwork adorning the walls, and the elegant arrangement of the seating—all came together to create an inviting and sophisticated ambience.
Lost in his thoughts, Jayden's attention was drawn to the sight of Lola at the back of the bar, busily instructing a staff member to fetch some additional spirits from the cellar. A mischievous grin formed on his lips as he decided to surprise her.
Quietly, Jayden approached Lola from behind and gently wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. His voice, filled with playful intrigue, whispered into her ear, "Guess who?"
Lola's initial instinct was to elbow the person who dared to touch her without warning, but as she heard Jayden's familiar voice, her surprise turned into pure delight.
She swiftly turned around, her eyes lighting up as she saw him standing there.
Without hesitation, Lola's lips met Jayden's in a passionate kiss, momentarily forgetting the bustling activity around them. It was a reunion filled with joy and longing.
Breaking the kiss, Lola couldn't help but apologize, her voice tinged with a hint of regret. "Jayden, I'm so happy you're here, but next time call out my name, I was this close to kneeing you in the balls." Jayden sweat dropped but nodded furiously, glad that didn't happen.
"I'm sorry Jayden im afraid I won't be able to give you my full attention tonight. The opening is keeping me quite busy."
Jayden smiled reassuringly, understanding the demands of the occasion. "Lola, it's your big night, and I couldn't be prouder. Don't worry about me. I'll find a table and enjoy the atmosphere. Take your time, and when you have a moment, join me for a drink."
" By the way how are those two homeless girls doing, are they okay now," Lola asked referring to Harley and Ivy, Jayden did his best to stifle his laugh and said yes.
" They were all good but left without saying goodbye, wherever they are I hope they're doing okay."
Lola's expression softened, gratitude shining in her eyes. She placed a tender kiss on Jayden's cheek before turning back to her responsibilities. "Thats good I im sure they're okay, and thank you for understanding, Jayden. I'll make it up to you, I promise."
Jayden found a table that had been reserved specifically for him, a subtle gesture of Lola's consideration even in the midst of her bustling bar.
Settling into his seat, he leaned back, taking in the sights and sounds of Mixology Grove.
The clinking of glasses, the laughter of patrons, and the rhythmic melodies of the music created a symphony of celebration.
A server approached his table, and Jayden ordered a few drinks, eager to explore the unique creations Lola had crafted and learned from Los Angeles.
He savoured each sip, his eyes periodically scanning the room, appreciating the diverse group of individuals who had come together to support Lola's vision.
Throughout the evening, Jayden relished in the lively conversations and friendly interactions with fellow guests.
He felt a sense of community in the air, a shared enthusiasm for Mixology Grove and the experience it offered.
As the night progressed, Jayden's heart swelled with pride, for Lola's accomplishment.
He knew that Mixology Grove would become a special place for them, a testament to their journey and the bonds they had formed.
Amidst the laughter, clinking glasses, and the joyous ambience, Jayden couldn't help but feel grateful for the path that had led him to this moment.
As Jayden immersed himself in the vibrant atmosphere of Mixology Grove, savouring the flavours of Lola's crafted drinks, his attention was momentarily diverted by a troubling sight.
He noticed one of the servers being harassed by a guest. Concern etched on his face, Jayden contemplated intervening, ready to step up and diffuse the situation.
Before he could make a move, however, the unexpected happened. The server, clearly fed up with the harassment, slapped the guest across the face, leaving the room momentarily in stunned silence.
The guest, seething with anger, raised his hand to retaliate, but he was swiftly intercepted by two vigilant security guards who promptly escorted him out.
The guest's futile protests and empty threats echoed through the bar, but they fell on deaf ears.
The patrons, unperturbed by the disturbance, resumed their revelry, content to let the night unfold in harmony once more.
Relieved that the situation had been defused, Jayden returned his focus to the celebration.
The incident, though unsettling, seemed to be an isolated incident. He trusted in the bar's security measures and the ability of the staff to handle such situations.
As the night wore on, the atmosphere remained festive and vibrant.
Laughter filled the air and the clinking of glasses punctuated conversations.
Jayden found solace in the camaraderie of the crowd, the shared sense of joy and celebration that permeated the bar.
' I haven't seen Selina all night, she said she would be here, it's technically her opening too since she's a shareholder for the bar.'
Jayden thought to himself blissfully unaware that a couple of female cougars were eying him like a piece of A5 Wagyu meat.
And tonight...he was on the menu.
