#ccsemberclub

The Emberclub is alive again. Half occupancy as a maximum, and the stage shows kaput. How CC feels about it ? She might be gratitified that some folks DID Come here for the show.

But at the same time, the club is not making the money it used to. Though everyone agrees the food is fantastic. Perhaps better than ever.

And, only about half the staff are back. That bothered William.

Yes. The freehold in the back means that most changelings at least do part time.

but the mortal staff? Greatly reduced

CC's fingers dance along the ivories of the piano. She's rather be singing on the stage but it's music.

William watches her from the wings, a little broken-hearted but showing a good face.

She rallies a smile for him. Hiding her own disappointment from everyone... except him. He knows her too well. She could lie to the devil and cell him a space heater, but William knows her too well to be completely fooled.

He sighs with a bit of a scowl and marches off to the bar.

He gets to work mixing.

"How goes, boss?" The bartender asks "And what will it be?"

"I'll take care of it, thank you. Therapy."

"Oh.." he steps aside "No problem. Slow crowd. I'll bus."

"Thank you."

He assembles a full shaker, two glasses, on a silver plate.

Now free to work, he soons has his drinks ready. No one is approaching the bar

He sets the tray on the bar and waits for her set to be finished.

Set? What set? She provides ambiance now, background music. At least, that's how she would word it

Nevertheless, he waits for her to be free.

She frees and turns, and smiles to a table that's applauding.

Good lord, William could kiss those folks..well, not kiss... but they made her smile geniune, for just a second

He takes up the tray and makes his way over to her.

"Superb, Dearest CC." He murmurs as he sets the tray down to pour her martini. "As always."

"At least one table thinks so" She concedes "I feel rusty with the instruments"

She watches him pour her martini "I see your skills at mixology are still amazing"

"One tries." He offers her the glass "There is not one speck of rust on your instrumental skills."

"You are so full of it, your eye is brown" But she toasts him "Sweet of you to say"

(His eye is, in fact, brown.) "I stand by my words." firmly "I think you are judging yourself rather harshly."

"I just said I felt rusty" She shrugs "don't worry. I'm all smiles" she smiles

He watches her closely; he knows the truth. "Yes. And beautiful."

She blushes "mmm.. you're a bit too perceptive"

"My apologies." He says in a contrite tone somewhat ruined by a wee twinkle.

"mmph" but this time the smile is more real.. as he amuses her with his non contrite contriteness "I'll be fine" she sips "Nothing lasts forever but it also comes back"

"To the Great Cycle." He offers the toast.

"May it upswing for us soon" She adds but toasts

"Not too soon, I'm not done with this body yet." Amused.

"Nor with yours." sip.

"Oooo" She laughs " I hope not. "

"Mmm. How long until your next performance?"

She raises a brow "I play softly every hour for 15 minutes. I just finished so.. well, I wouldn't call it a performance"

"Will you come and have something to eat?"

"For your food ? Of course"

"Mmm." He touches the back of her hand with a fingertip. "Meet me at the bar."

She rises "Will do"

He bustles off to the kitchen. Because they're serving, he must work slowly but things are organized and efficient.

Teensy the troll greets him "Good to be back" She makes thin slices

"Glad to hear it, my dear." He gathers ingredients "Just putting together a plate for Miss CC."

"I'll stay out of your way."

"Good. Though nice job on those pastries tonight. Some folks are ordering extra to go 'for a friend'" A snort at that

"Well, let them tell themselves whatever they need to." indulgently "After all, it's 2020."