#ccsemberclub

He nods agreement with her.

THe day picks back up, and while some folks who come in have heard rumors, to most of the diners, it's just another wonderful meal and show at the club

After giving the staff instructions on how to downplay any rumors, Stodgepole spends his time on the phone, working his civic and journalist contacts. Any rumors he can pick out are dealt with. The Ember Club is just dandy, thanks.

Much sadness among the newshounds!

Hopefully those friendly to Stodgepole and his occasional lead are not devestated the Club fares well.

Indeed, no. One journalist actually is quite happy to hear it and Emerson, being a boggan, gets some gossip/news out of the guy

"OH I hear you, Emerson, I admit it, we're all hungry for 'clicks and hits' these days. I miss it when folks would actually read an article because they wanted to learn the facts, rather than finding something that would give them their outrage fix. Can you believe folks are pushing to close a burlesque theatre? Been here for years... and boom, suddenly we're in an old Simpsons cartoon"

"What??" Sounding baffled and outraged.

"Scarlet Velvet, you know that old place? YEah, it's under pressure . Got NIMBYS that are actually NEWER than the business, acting like they don't want it in their back yard"

"Preposterous." he snorts.

"I know, I did some digging... some of it is linked to that anti drag queen song and dance some folks use. That's why I was wondering if your place was okay. I knew you guys hosted one or two. Scarlet Velvet actually supported them openly , though mostly it's ladies there... and I think that brought them heat. Too much heat. I 'm gonna miss that place. I met my wife there you know?"

"Did you really? What a charming story.... very much 'meet cute."

"More like meet Garter" A grin "I caught it, and she caught me"

"Congratulations to you both; you must come to the Club for an evening out."

"OH I don't want to give the impression my articles are biased"

"Your ethics are beyond reproach."

"I know, that's why I had to marry the girl with the garter" wryly

A chuckle.

"Now I might buy some dinner there just like anybody else. I think that would pass the sniff test. Either way, thanks for the news on your end. Glad all is in hand"

"And the same from us to you. Come by anytime."

The phone call ends, one of the more pleasant ones with the press, and certainly more informative

Indeed. William files the information away.

Lunch crowds are coming in...

and business picking up

Off to the Front of House to lend a guiding hand.

A guiding hand is given and apprecited. Some of the staff is getting VERY good. So good, he almost understand when he sees a headhunter for another club talking up one of their best bartenders

He observes this for a time.

The fellow makes a good pitch, but CC's and his earlier 'inspiration' event before things opened is too fresh for the bartender to turn his back on CC's Emberclub, and he passes despite some perks

He makes a note to include a little extra in the pay check this week.

The headhunter then moves on a waitress, eprhaps not wanting to come to his bosses empty handed. She looks tempted.

Stodgepole shifts position, moving so he is within her line of sight although not OBVIOUS.

Social dynamics shows she's flattered to the point of forgetting to ask for some practical regards beyond a pay raise. She forgot to ask about health insurance.

He tsks inwardly.

She looks tempted, and takes a card.

Which is fine; it's only a card. He's not some tight-fisted elf to keep a stranglehold on people.

NOpe. Besides, if she asks her coworkers, one of them will soon point out a slight pay raise won't mean squat without the many protections she has here. Emberclub treats its people very warmly

And for now, the show must go on

(End Scene )