"GIVE ME A MARTINI with Beefeater, make it dry and straight up!"
The bartender raised an eyebrow at the way Roxane ordered her drink. He hadn't been prepared for the rudeness in her tone, especially as he noticed her cheeks flushing. This was the first time he had seen her, and he immediately knew she was new—he didn't recognize her.
"Do you even hear me, pal? You understand me, right? You don't look foreign, and you wouldn't get hired here if you were deaf," she snapped.
The bartender smiled after a few moments. He scrutinized her long blonde hair, the shape of her nose, the arch of her brows, the curve of her eyelashes, and the shape of her lips. His gaze lingered on her smooth, slightly tanned skin. Her plaid shirt and denim shorts only highlighted the shape of her figure.
"Hey, did you hear me?" Roxane called out to him.
"Oh, sorry!" the bartender blinked and smiled sheepishly at her. "I heard you, miss. Sorry, I'm just new here."
"Not an excuse. Make my drink. Now!" Roxane ordered, only to be further annoyed when the bartender gave her a mischievous grin, staring at her reddening lips. She couldn't deny he was handsome, but now wasn't the time to flirt or play around. "What are you waiting for?" she demanded.
"Sorry, miss. I just couldn't help but stare… you shouldn't frown. Why not smile first, hmm?"
Roxane took a deep breath to calm herself. There were still many customers and the music hadn't even started yet. She just wanted a drink to soothe herself after witnessing her boyfriend's betrayal outside. She had no intention of talking to anyone with the kind of attitude her cheating ex had. In her mind, all men were the same—cheaters. And this fresh bartender in front of her wasn't any different. She might have considered hiring him, but his behavior only made her angrier.
"Will you serve me the drink I asked for? Just do it!"
For the last time, she wanted to give him a chance, but instead of complying, he rested his elbows on the counter and smiled at her. "Name first, miss?"
Okay, that was it.
Roxane didn't speak further and simply raised her hand to call another bartender at the adjacent counter. Benjamin, the burly barista who had served at her bar for years, recognized her immediately. Despite still serving customers, he excused himself to approach her.
"Boss Xane, what's wrong?" he asked.
"Who do you think hired this mongrel, Ben?" she asked, pointing at the new bartender standing right in front of her.
The newbie's eyes widened as he realized his mistake. He hadn't known he was addressing the bar owner, Boss Xane. "B-boss? You're a woman? I thought you were—"
Roxane's anger flared even more. Her gaze burned into him. "Do I look like a man, mongrel?"
"N-no, ma'am!"
"You. Are. Fired."
"Boss! S-sorry! I didn't know! I really didn't know it was you! I just started here!" the young bartender apologized, flustered.
"So you just started?" Roxane repeated, her calm voice laced with emphasis. "I've seen how you treated your customer—it's so unprofessional!"
"I'm really sorry, boss! I won't do it again!"
"Yes, you won't, because I just fired you!"
"Boss, please?"
"Get out. Now!"
Roxane signaled Benjamin to escort the young man out. The bartender did nothing but stare at her pleadingly. Now she was alone at the bar with no one serving. She thought for a moment, calmed herself, took a deep breath, and finally rolled her eyes in frustration, letting out a groan and muttered curse.
"Who else is going to serve me now that you've sent the other away?"
She turned her gaze to the barstool next to her, where a young woman was seated. Roxane first noticed her shoulder-length raven hair. Her makeup was minimal, almost natural. Her eyes were a rare gray compared to Roxane's brown ones.
A foreigner, maybe?
The woman had a straight, delicate nose and a heart-shaped face. Her skin was fair, and her lips were pink. She was undeniably beautiful, a rarity in Roxane's bar. Yet one thing was certain: she had likely overheard the argument that had just taken place.
"Excuse me, do I know you?"
"You don't," the woman replied, casting a bored look at her. "I'm just a customer wanting a drink in your bar."
Roxane's eyes widened as she studied the woman. Her short black dress revealed smooth, pale skin along her back, showcasing her curves more prominently than her own outfit.
"Are you done checking me out?" the woman asked, causing Roxane to blink.
"Can I have my drink now, boss?"
Roxane didn't expect the reaction, seeing the beautiful woman slightly irritated. She nodded apologetically. "I'm sorry. Please wait a moment. Our bartender will serve you shortly."
"I don't like waiting," the woman said. "I want my drink now."
"Don't you have patience?" Roxane asked.
The woman raised an eyebrow. "I don't want to hear that from a woman who doesn't have any."
"What?"
"I heard how you approached that poor bartender impatiently. Makes sense?"
They exchanged glances. Their staring contest was interrupted by a commotion nearby. "Damn it, Ben! Let go! Boss! Boss Xane! Sorry!"
Roxane ignored the other men, keeping her gaze on the gray-eyed woman.
"Looks like someone's in trouble. Guess your bartender isn't coming back soon, boss," the stranger teased.
Roxane blinked at the woman's confident smile. She raised her eyebrows in acknowledgment and turned her attention to another part of the bar.
The bar was large and lavishly designed, with mirror spheres, sophisticated lighting, sound systems, and a DJ mixing music. Despite the distance, Roxane noticed her missing bartender outside, and the bouncers managing the commotion. She let it be, trusting her staff to maintain order.
She sighed silently, took a step, and put on a red apron before facing the female customer.
"How would you like your drink, ma'am?" she asked, offering a small smile.
The woman blinked, surprised by Roxane's approach. Her gray eyes sparkled, and she smiled faintly. "Really? You're going to serve me?"
Roxane steadied herself. "We're understaffed right now, and I'm the most available crew to serve you."
The woman laughed softly. "Oh! So the owner herself will serve me, huh?"
"Is that a problem?"
"No. Not at all. Just surprising, you know? So why are you understaffed?"
Roxane swallowed. She wasn't proud of revealing that she had just fired three staff members for mistakes. Her motto: no room for clumsiness.
"Ah, don't answer that. I get it." The woman smiled. "Please proceed. Serve me my drink, boss?"
If not for the fact she was a customer, Roxane would have kicked her out. This woman's attitude rivaled her own. But now she swallowed her pride. "Alright. How would you like your drink, miss?"
The woman crossed her legs before replying, "I'd like a clean martini. Greylock instead of Beefeater. Make it wet with a twist of lemon peel, and straight up, not on the rocks."
Classy, intriguing, and demanding.
Roxane nodded. "Clean martini with Greylock, wet with a twist of lemon peel, straight up. Is that all, miss?"
"Yes, thank you!"
The music in the stereo grew slightly louder as Roxane prepared the drink, focused on each step. She didn't let the woman's gaze distract her.
"You really have a passion for bartending," the woman commented.
Roxane glanced up, intrigued. "What?"
"Most bar owners I've met don't know how to mix a martini, but you make it look easy."
"Well, some owners are just drinkers or businessmen. I studied enology."
"Ah, winemaking?" The woman's eyes lit up. "I studied viticulture, so I know that term."
"You grow vines?"
"Yup. Do you have the label now?"
"Not yet, but I have the first barrels in my cellar."
"Wow. That's impressive!"
"Is it?"
"You are."
Roxane smiled at the compliment. Finally, she returned the stranger's smile as she finished preparing the drink, garnishing it with lime and a lemon twist.
"Here's your martini, miss!"
"Oh, thank you!"
Roxane watched as the woman held the glass, inhaled the aroma, and sipped.
"Mmm," she murmured. "Perfectly blended. You're good at this."
"Of course. Made by the boss herself!" Roxane replied proudly.
They laughed together. Roxane hadn't expected to smile after the day's events, yet here she was, enjoying the company of a stranger—a beautiful woman.
"Call me Mystic," the woman said, offering her hand.
"Mystic?" Roxane repeated, intrigued. "I'm Bosiah Roxane."
"Oh? Now I know where the boss-name came from!"
"Well, nice to meet you, Mystic!"
"Me too, Roxane."
They shook hands. Roxane felt an unfamiliar flutter in her stomach.
"So, Mystic, is that your real name? No offense, but it sounds unusual," Roxane asked.
"You think so?"
"Perhaps it's a pseudonym? A writer?"
"I wish, but no."
Minutes passed, and Roxane forgot her irritation as they talked. Instead of social news, they discussed different types of alcohol. Their conversation was interrupted by two female customers ordering drinks, one calling for "Neat double whiskey and margarita on the rocks!"
Lesbians? Roxane thought, swallowing at the sight of the couples kissing.
"Hey," Mystic said, noticing her reaction. "What's wrong?"
Roxane blinked, unsure. Before she could answer, a rush of orders came in. "Tall rum, please!"
"Short gin with tonic!"
"Small vodka cran and whiskey!"
Where the hell was Benjamin?
Roxane forced a smile and prioritized the orders. Mystic noticed and got down from her barstool to help.
"What are you doing?" Roxane asked.
"You could use a little help, you know?"
Mystic replied, moving aside her drink. "May I?"
Roxane nodded. She couldn't refuse.
Mystic donned an apron and efficiently handled the orders. Roxane was impressed by her skill.
After a few minutes, Benjamin returned with two male part-timers, explaining he'd been handling the commotion outside. Roxane let them take over.
Mystic returned to her barstool, resuming her drink. Roxane joined her. "Thanks for helping me. You really have a talent for bartending."
"Is that a compliment?"
"Depends how you take it. So, where did you learn it?"
"I studied in Europe."
"Oh? What part of Europe?"
"Austria."
"So you're still hiring? Can I apply as your bartender?"
Roxane laughed. "Nope. I don't hire female bartenders."
"Why not?"
"I don't want them flirting with customers."
"Is that bad? Wouldn't it increase orders?"
"That's the point. We sell drinks, not human pleasure. If they want that, there are other nightclubs, you know?"
"Oh, shame. But I'm good at both."
Roxane cringed. "Really?"
"Just kidding. I'm not a hooker!"
"You better not be."
They laughed, both feeling an unusual connection.
The music grew louder, and Mystic leaned closer. Roxane inhaled her perfume and felt a strange flutter.
"You were having a bad time earlier? Care to explain?" Mystic asked.
Roxane sighed. "I just caught my ex with the woman he's been cheating with. I've had enough. I broke up with him."
"Ah, that explains the rage. I don't blame you."
"Right. And I can't blame you for your first impression when I fired that rude bartender."
"Fair enough. I approached you bitchily too."
They stared for a beat, then burst into laughter.
"What about you, Mystic? Why are you here tonight?"
She sipped her martini seriously. "I'm broken."
Roxane wasn't surprised but curious. "Not obvious. You seem fine, ready to mingle."
"Whoa! Guy, you say?"
"Flirty, then."
"Slow down with your terms, boss!"
"How do you know I'm broken-hearted?"
"I was guessing?"
"Judging, actually. I can tell by your stance, dress, and where you choose to sit. Watch this."
They observed a man.
"You see? He's alone, drinking vodka shots. More than five shots—he's broken. Want to bet?"
"Wow. Does mine count?"
"You only have a martini. Not broken tonight."
"Ugh! I really am broken!"
"I don't think so. You haven't finished your martini yet. Not convinced?"
Mystic downed her glass. "Then I'll take the hard stuff!"
"Oh? Now we're talking!"
"I was judged by the boss herself!" she said sarcastically, ordering Añejo tequila shots with lime and salt.
Roxane laughed. She hadn't expected Mystic's humor. "Cheers to that. Join me?"
"I didn't suggest it," Roxane grumbled.
They laughed and drank, trying to forget the heartbreak of their past relationships.
After a few shots, Roxane asked, "So, what made you broken, Mystic?"
"We're in the same boat. Cheated on too."
"Really?"
"Seven years."
"What? Seven years?!" Roxane's eyes widened. She had no idea.
Mystic's expression grew serious as she sipped her glass. "I was stupid. I forgave her again and again, thinking not to waste the years we had. But we ended. I had to let go."
Roxane didn't know what to say. She simply looked at her, feeling the sadness. She raised her hand to Benjamin.
"Six more shots, please."
"Coming up, boss!"
"Come on," Roxane said. "Let's cheer to moving on and letting go!"
"You serious?"
"Yes. We're both broken tonight. Cheers?"
"Yes, but—"
"Let's get wasted. Bottoms up!"
Mystic hesitated but nodded in the end.
The drinking contest between the two continued. Even other customers were drawn to them. They finished six shots, forced down, and were now drunk. Roxane's dizziness was obvious from the alcohol, but it didn't matter to the woman with her, who stood up and grabbed the curve of her waist. She inhaled sharply at the sensation of being touched, especially when whispered into her ear:
"Let's move to the dance floor, babe."
"No, I don't wanna dance," she refused.
"If you don't stand up in front of the counter now, people might think you're broken-hearted too," Mystic teased, laughing.
"So what? I am broken-hearted!"
"You dare me to get wasted and you still have the nerve to say that? Girl, man up!"
"But I'm drunk, Mystic!"
"Come on, let's dance!"
The young woman couldn't resist being pulled up by her companion. Though her steps were unsteady, Mystic held her by the side, guiding her. Roxane immediately regretted drinking so much. She hadn't anticipated how the night would turn out. Before she knew it, she was dancing with a woman she had just met.
"Are you okay?" Mystic asked.
She couldn't stand straight and covered her forehead. Her vision blurred with the mixture of red and blue lights overhead, but she laughed at herself. Mystic danced with her, their bodies slightly touching.
"Don't worry, I got you!"
The woman encouraged her to move, still holding her waist. She leaned in close to speak.
"So tell me, boss!" Mystic shouted over the loud stereo. "What do you think of the customers dancing on the floor? Are they broken-hearted too?"
"Depends," Roxane replied. "They might want to forget their loneliness for a while? They may be having a good time, enjoying, partying, and… flirting?"
Roxane swallowed hard as Mystic bit her lower lip while staring at her.
"Are we?"
She gasped as Mystic almost kissed her, squeezing her waist in a way that sent shivers up her body. She couldn't help but be drawn to the charisma of the beautiful woman. Mystic opened her mouth and danced joyfully in front of her. Roxane was helplessly captivated by her allure.
Roxane cursed as Mystic approached again. She gasped as Mystic shook her body, spun, and sensually held her stomach, keeping her gaze locked on Roxane. The woman wasn't just outpacing her—she was seducing her! But why? Why was her body heating up?
"Dance with me, babe!"
The beautiful woman placed both arms on Roxane's shoulders. She matched her movements, their bodies pressed closely. Mystic breathed in her ear and nibbled it slightly. Roxane couldn't tell if the heat she felt was from the alcohol or the closeness.
"Does this feel good?" Mystic asked. "Have you ever been attracted to girls, Rox?"
"Never," Roxane replied, dizzy from the movements behind her.
"I noticed your glance at the two kissing at the bar earlier," Mystic continued.
Even drunk, Roxane remembered the couple she saw earlier. Ah, those lesbians!
"You notice that?" she asked.
"Yeah. So what do you think of them?"
"I dunno. I just don't feel them."
"Do you hate them?"
"No, but I don't like them either. How about you?"
Mystic laughed at her question. "Actually, I'm one of them!"
Instead of being shocked, Roxane laughed at what she thought was a joke. She couldn't believe the sexy woman dancing in front of her was a lesbian.
"No, you're not!"
"I'm not kidding, Roxane. Why won't you believe me?"
"Oh, shut up! How could you be a lesbian, when you're broken-hearted about—" Roxane paused. She realized Mystic hadn't mentioned who she was broken-hearted over. Perhaps it was a woman? "Oh, shoot! No way?!"
"Wanna fuck me to prove it?"
Roxane gasped as Mystic suddenly grabbed her waist and turned her to face her. Their bodies pressed, their eyes locked. Mystic was serious. She pressed her soft face against Roxane, and she could feel her erect nipples through her thin clothing.
"Mystic..." Roxane clung to the woman's shoulders as she felt kisses along her neck. She cursed at the heat coursing through her body. "W-what are you doing?"
"What do you think I'm doing?"
"Stop retorting my question."
"And stop holding yourself. I feel you, Rox. I know you like this too."
"But I'm…" Mystic faced her, their eyes meeting again.
"I-I'm straight."
Instead of disappointment, Mystic smiled wider at her confession. Roxane was stunned as Mystic claimed her lips. No warning. No hesitation. She couldn't respond, couldn't think. The world spun around her with the sensation that exploded inside her. One touch, yet so different from anything she had felt before.
"Will you say that again?" Mystic teasingly asked after the kiss.
"I..."
Roxane couldn't speak. She felt bewitched by the first kiss and wanted more. She reached for Mystic's lips, and the woman responded immediately. She couldn't understand herself. The scent and allure of
Mystic enthralled her even more.
Their kiss deepened, Roxane clutching Mystic's arm as her lips traced her neck, nibbling her ear.
"Do you like it?"
She couldn't answer.
"Do you hate me?"
Roxane swallowed hard. "No."
Mystic loosened her embrace slightly to look into her eyes. Confused as she was, Roxane couldn't deny the intensity of the attraction she felt after just an hour of knowing Mystic.
The crowd's shouting grew louder. Roxane was exhilarated by the music, the blurry lights, and the noise. She wanted to enjoy, forget, just for tonight. She wanted… Mystic!
"What now, Rox?"
Roxane closed her eyes at the woman's whisper, smiling at the sensation of Mystic's kisses on her neck. She moaned as Mystic fondled her curves. "Fuck. This is crazy!"
She bit her lip as Mystic swayed her body again, caressing her intimate parts. Roxane could no longer resist the temptation, especially as Mystic faced her and kissed her again. Her intoxicated mind enjoyed every touch.
"Let's take this somewhere else," Roxane whispered, pulling Mystic along.
The noise of the bar rose even more as they held hands, heading toward a dark corner. Roxane pressed herself against the wall as Mystic's warm lips kissed her neck. She closed her eyes, biting her lip, smiling at the feeling.
They hurried upstairs to the second floor, where Roxane lived. Unlike the expected cramped corridor, the interior was spacious, clean, and organized, with only a single divider between the master's bed and the kitchen.
The two women entered, thirsty for each other. Before the door could lock, Mystic kissed her passionately. Roxane responded immediately, equally eager. Their kisses grew heated, tongues exploring.
Mystic held her cheeks, while Roxane held her waist. She could not believe she was touching such a slender, curvy body. The curves, the hips, even the soft seat sent heat through her being. She wanted to be jealous, but her desire to claim Mystic was stronger.
"Fuck," she moaned as Mystic grabbed her chest. Even with clothes on, the sensation was intense.
Roxane pulled back as Mystic guided her to the large bed. Their kisses never broke. Mystic undid her blouse, unhooked her white bra, and immediately took one breast into her mouth.
Roxane gasped as she felt Mystic's wet tongue playing with her nipple. Mystic briefly stood to remove her top; within a second, she revealed her goddess-like body. Even with her underwear on, Roxane could not resist standing and kissing her again.
"You're a goddess," she whispered between kisses. "Mm, so beautiful."
Mystic pushed her back onto the bed, straddling her lap.
Roxane's mind was in chaos as she massaged Mystic's softness, caressing her curves. Mystic moaned at her kisses along her neck, down to her chest. Every kiss emphasized pleasure.
Eventually, Roxane removed Mystic's bra. Her breasts bounced into her face, and she lost herself in devouring them.
"Damn… Rox!"
Though it was Roxane's first time, she knew what to do. Just like her ex had done. She realized how addictive the touch and massage of the breasts could be.
"Oh, god!" Mystic groaned. "It's hard to believe you're straight when you're so good at this, ugh!"
Mystic kissed her forehead, smiling. Roxane stopped, then kissed her again. Both smiled, enjoying the moment.
"Fuck."
Roxane gasped as Mystic pushed her down, pressing her body firmly, kissing her lips aggressively. She moaned as Mystic's hands explored her body.
"Mm, shit!"
Mystic briefly lifted to unzip her shorts, dropping them under the bed. She kissed her reddened lips again.
"Fuck!"
Their moans and movements synchronized as Roxane's breasts were taken into Mystic's mouth. She teased, kissed, and sucked them.
"Ah… yes!"
Roxane held Mystic's head, pressing it further. Both breasts were romanced, drawing moans of pleasure. When Mystic tired, she lifted her lips to Roxane's skin. Roxane clutched the bedsheet, legs stretched, unable to contain the overwhelming pleasure.
"God, Mystic!" she exclaimed, tilting back. She realized she was now completely exposed, thighs apart, Mystic's face at her intimate center. Her heart raced as Mystic licked her. "Mmm… fuck!"
Sensations exploded within Roxane. Mystic's warm tongue explored inside her. She also teased her most sensitive spot, driving her wild. Mystic inserted two fingers inside her.
"Ugh! Shit!"
Her hips moved with the rhythm, Roxane kissed Mystic's lips. Her moans were uncontrollable. As Mystic licked upward, she raised her head, breasts, and kissed her again. "You're so wet, Roxane. And you taste so fuckin' good."
Roxane nodded into the kiss, exploring Mystic with her tongue. She tasted herself on the woman. Though not her first time, it was different tasting herself on another woman.
Roxane gasped as Mystic's fingers moved in and out.
"F-fuck!"
She clutched the woman's head, nearly losing control. She climaxed, with Mystic licking upward, caressing her stomach, chest, and lips. "You're amazing."
The next morning, Roxane awoke to see the beautiful woman sleeping next to her. She recognized her and quickly recalled the events of the night. Headache, alcohol, heartbreak, and desire. She couldn't explain the feelings, but she didn't regret it.
"Babe?"
A crash startled her. She looked up to see a man standing in the doorway—awake, watching her. She recognized him: the man she broke up with last night.
"Keith!" she exclaimed.
Roxane grabbed the white blanket to cover herself, sitting up, her head throbbing. The woman beside her stirred.
"What the fuck is happening here?" Keith asked, shocked. "Seriously? You slept with a woman, Roxane?"
Roxane didn't know what to say, caught between hangover, headache, and shame.
"Rox?" The woman beside her stood, glaring at Keith. "Oh, hi! You're the ex-boyfriend, I assume?"
Roxane was about to speak when another woman entered the scene—the one she saw with her ex last night. Anger flared inside her.
"What the fuck is she doing here, Keith?! How dare you bring your woman here to my place!"
"You cheated on me, Rox! Just look at you! Who's that woman beside you, huh?"
"Don't twist this! You've been cheating on me first! And I broke up with you last night, and that bitch—"
"Sheila?"
Roxane froze as Mystic called the woman by name. "Wait. You knew her?"
Mystic's gaze at Sheila was intense. "So you're with him again?"
"Em," Sheila called to Mystic. She glanced at Roxane. "You slept with Keith's girlfriend? I—I can't believe this!"
The four stared at each other. Roxane's heart ached.
Finally, she looked at Mystic, the woman she slept with last night. Their eyes met, wide awake, understanding the weight of the situation.
Fate had played with all of them.
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