3. Aurora - The Build Up

Chapter three

Aurora - The Build Up

In my room I carefully lay the dress on the bed. I love to apply my makeup before I dress up, it’s a me thing. Wearing clothes before putting on my makeup makes me feel weirdly incomplete, like I’m forgetting something. I go light on the makeup—nothing obvious, and nothing glamorous. Just a subtle sweep of mascara on my lashes and a dab of lip gloss. I run a brush through my naturally wavy curls a couple of times until they’re smooth and bouncy.

Grinning to myself, I remember what Brittney once told me about my hair. According to her, it’s the sort of hair girls “would spend a thousand dollars weekly just to get the same shade of gold, waves, curls, texture, and the ‘bounce of life’ that comes with it.” She cracks me up and I love her for it.

Satisfied with my look, I wiggle into the teal blue gown, almost the color of my green eyes. It’s truly breathtaking—the short length is obviously ‘designed to make a statement, while still maintaining an air of simplicity and elegance,’ and as the sales lady told me. It has a stylish halter neckline, delicately framing the shoulders.

The back plunges low, revealing plenty of skin and giving me a feeling of allure and confidence. The open back is complimented by thin, delicate rhinestone straps that elegantly crisscross. I run my hand over the luxurious silk fabric. It’s smooth to the touch and has a subtle shimmer that catches the light when I move sideways, checking myself out in the mirror.

OMG, I can’t believe I am actually thinking those words. Am I a walking advertisement for the designer or what?

Honestly, I feel a little bit self-conscious. I don’t want Ryan’s friend, the supposed ‘eye candy,’ feeling that I dressed to impress him. But what do I care anyway? Britt is probably trying to be polite when she describes him as eye candy. He’s probably not that great to look at. Maybe he’s a scrawny dude who slurps his drinks loudly.

And why am I still trying to figure out someone I haven’t even met yet? My hands shake a little, and I realize that I’m actually nervous. I shouldn’t be, but this is an unplanned blind date obviously, and me not bailing on my friends the moment Britt inadvertently made mention of Ryan’s friend shows my willingness to go along with their plan.

I don’t know why, but I don’t have the usual feeling of running for the hills when a plan like this is concocted by my friends.

Well, maybe I’m just curious enough to see what Ryan’s friend is like. Yeah . . . keep telling yourself that ‘til you believe it, my subconscious snorts at me, and I roll my eyes. Looking into the mirror one last time, I go to my closet to select a pair of sandals.

Grinning to myself when I see a pair of sneakers, I imagine the cardiac arrest I’d give my friends if I appear in this stunning gown with a pair of sneakers. That would teach them not to sneak a date in on me. I end up choosing my favorite pair of sandals. Not as comfortable as the sneakers and less of a ‘statement’ I laugh to myself.

But then again, I could truly blow my buddies away coming in with those sneaks on. Would it be worth my embarrassment to see that? I need to admit to myself that I am really torn up. It’s really my style to do it, but it’s probably not worth the chuckle if I embarrass Ryan in front of his friend.

The only accessories I have on are a pair of teardrop earrings and a silver bracelet. I decide against the black sequined clutch. I’m going to unwind with my friends, not going on a date as the Grim Reaper’s shiny human girlfriend.

Chuckling to myself, I go for a small silver purse instead. One last look in the mirror has me winking at myself. Where did that come from?

Swiping my car keys off the center table, I assure myself that I have my phone and my wallet. Locking my apartment door, I get myself seat belted and switch on the radio. A pop song comes on, and I find myself nodding my head to the beat. I wonder if the rest of the evening will be a hit or a miss.

** *

In no time, I reach my bar. It’s a ten-to-fifteen-minute walk from my place, and a five-minute drive. The bar is my pride and joy, alongside my pastry shop and my café that are just on the other side of the street. The lights are off in both shops, which means those working the evening shift have closed for the day.

It’s a rule I promote. Friday nights particularly are meant to be enjoyed. I don’t want any of my employees working when they could be out enjoying themselves and their families.

There are times when some feel the need to work late if a special need arises, and I have done it myself. Shaking my head, I close down that line of thought. The employees at my bar are the ones who work later. The official closing time is midnight, but I ensure they get their extra pay if any later, given that the occasional patron may linger over a conversation.

I check my dashboard, and the time reads 9:00 on the dot. Perfect , I think to myself. I open my car door to meet the smiling face of Richard, the valet on duty. Richard is twenty-five with an adorable little daughter.

That’s all I know about him concerning his family, since he never talks about little Maddie’s mother. And no one asks. He moved to the town a year ago, and he keeps pretty much to himself, his entire world revolving round Maddie.

“Good evening, boss.”

“And how many times have I told you to call me Aurora? Boss makes me feel older than I am,” I laughingly tell him.

Richard only smiles and takes my car keys as I step out. Thanking him, I go inside. Time to get the night on! I think to myself, trying to crank up the little excitement I feel. I don’t want to be a wet blanket, dousing everyone’ s night.

Pride flushes through me as it usually does whenever I step inside my bar. It’s the first business I opened in Birchwood, followed by my pastry shop, and finally the café. I designed the interior of the bar myself and I’m very proud of the result.

It’s not your usual bar. Nope! In my bar, pastel colors dominate, creating a warm, calming, and inviting atmosphere. Soft shades of blue and mint green adorn the walls. Twinkling fairy lights are strung across the ceiling, casting a soft glow that adds a magical touch.

The furniture is a mix of vintage and modern pieces, creating a unique and eclectic style. There are plush velvet couches and comfortable armchairs to relax in. The bar counter is made of reclaimed wood, adding a rustic and earthy element.

The walls sport beautiful artwork, showcasing my love for art and support of local artists. They all feature beautiful animals or breathtaking landscapes, each piece telling a story. The shelves behind the bar are filled with an impressive collection of spirits and colorful bottles, giving the space a lively and vibrant look. I worked hard to balance it for both feminine and masculine appeal.

My bar is known for its signature cocktails, and I have Anne, my head bartender, to be grateful to for that. Coupled with her pretty smile, the cocktails are usually a big hit. The drink menu features a variety of delicious offerings, from the local classics to innovative, on-the-spot concoctions.

Occasionally, the bar hosts live music nights, featuring talented local musicians and upcoming spoken-word artists. The goal I had in mind when I envisioned my bar was to create a lively and entertaining atmosphere where people can come to unwind and enjoy good company.

The upstairs is located above the bar. It is quite different from the jolly ambience below. The walls are adorned with textured wallpaper in shades of burgundy and dark charcoal, adding a touch of elegance. The ceiling features a constellation of twinkling lights, reminiscent of a starry night sky.

The upstairs is more dimly lit with a combination of soft, warm lighting and strategically placed spotlights that cast intriguing shadows on the walls.

The seating arrangements are plush and luxurious, with velvet couches and armchairs in deep jewel tones like emerald green and sapphire blue. The tables are mahogany, which I always think of as lavish. They remind me of the furniture I might see in an old castle.

I believe I gave as much consideration to the name of my first business as to the décor. Asking friends, new hires, and locals for advice, I finally decided on The Ember Bar, given the gorgeous large pink marble fireplace that’s a focal point in the main room. The pale pink stones are skillfully arranged to create a mosaic that dances in the soft lights. The quiet, rosy hues of the marble show refined taste and provides a focal point that beckons customers to gather around.

Another idea was to call it the Echo Bar so customers would come back again, and again, and again. Or we could have sued the Midnight Den where we release bear cubs just before closing—the ‘get out now’ message without us saying it in so many words, doncha’ know? OK Aurora, back to reality. I laugh.

I nod my head in greeting to the few who notice my entrance. There is a live band performing and the crowd is really immersed in their performance. They’re a really talented bunch, and I hope they have their big break soon.

I move to the bar to say hello to Anne. Ted Farmer, the owner of the big gardening supplies store, is harmlessly flirting with her, and she is playing along. Everyone in Birchwood knows Ted’s heart will forever be with his wife who died some years back. He reminds you of a warm, handsome grandfather.

“Am I interrupting something? You’re cheating on me now Ted?” I join in on the game with a serious face, trying to hold in my laughter when Ted turns to look at me in mock shock, playing along.

“I’m sorry, my love. But I am only trying to get a bottle of medicine for my cough from this pretty lady.”

Anne and I laugh at his antics as I say hello. She salutes me in return with a smile on her face, and I grin back at her. I trace my steps back to the stairs that lead to the VIP section. I’m suddenly nervous at the reminder that I’ll see Ryan’s friend soon. I try not to let it show as I put on a welcoming smile, hoping I’m not baring my teeth like a vampire.

I spot my friends at the corner of the bar. A man is with them, and while my friends have their backs turned to the entrance, the new man is facing it. I can’t see him very well under the dimly lit atmosphere, but he definitely doesn’t look like a scrawny dude, and with the way he elegantly holds his glass, I’m sure he also doesn’t slurp his drink loudly. In fact, he’s sipping his drink in a sophisticated manner I’ve never seen a man do before .

From what I can see where I stand, I notice he’s rocking a casual vibe but manages to look effortlessly classy. On his left wrist glints a wristwatch. Looking at him from this distance, my nervousness comes crashing down to my stomach.

I feel something I haven’t felt towards the opposite sex for a very long time—attraction. And I haven’t even seen his face up close!

Not wanting to look like an excited schoolgirl, or act as though I am literally eyeing a candy, as Britt had described, I school my expression into a welcoming but aloof face. I tentatively walk towards them, and my friends turn to look at me at the sound of my heels. Ryan’s friend looks up and I have to physically restrain my jaw from dropping. Words flood my mind— beautiful, mysterious, confident, sophisticated, playful, and beautiful.

That’s like a hundred words ma’am, and you mentioned beautiful twice. If you checked the dictionary, you’d see they mean just about the same thing and . . . I slam close the imaginary door on the annoying voice in my head to shut her up immediately. Britt was wrong. This dude is not eye candy. He is the whole candy factory!