Chapter 3 – First attempt

She doesn’t want to act so obviously the first time so she just went to check things out the first few times. She brought Alice and then she brought her other friends.

She was able to accomplish what she needed to do: gather information. He does serve at the bar for a couple of hours or so every night. Except during weekends, which he apparently spends with his kids. She finds that admirable. Unfortunately, she can’t find photos of his kids on the net.

There were also nights that he’s not present. Either he’s attending an event or having business overseas.

Three weeks later, she decided to approach the man. Not exactly going up to him and striking a conversation. She plans to sit at the bar and hope he’ll be serving that night. She did see him talking to his customers, so she’s hoping for the same.

Alice would be a terrible companion. She tends to tease. Coming alone would be best, but it’s suspicious. He might think she’s looking to hook up with another customer. That would be bad. After weighing the pros and cons, she decided to go alone.

She carefully chose her dress for tonight. Red and black are too common. She went for a printed one, kind of a summery vibe. Well, it’s yellow and black. The kind of yellow that’s easy and pleasant on the eyes.

She took a seat and ordered a glass of orange juice. Huh, she couldn’t drink much, even when she tried increasing her tolerance in the last few weeks. She simply got wasted and unproductive. Alice assumed Christan would have high tolerance since… you know. One time, they were discussing how she’s going to seduce him, if it comes down to it… the matter of his alcohol tolerance was brought up and they concluded it would be difficult. They’ve seen plenty of women in skimpy outfits parading in front of him these last few weeks. None of them caught his eye. He’s a difficult customer.

She checked herself again. No cleavage on display. Her make-up is natural. Her hair flows down her back. Her skin is fair and she only wore a faint scent of perfume. Nothing over the top. Classy and elegant.

She was essentially too absorbed in her thoughts when Christan came and started serving. He was chatting to some of his frequent customers. He started from one side and worked his way down the bar. He was methodical that way. Yes, she didn’t catch his attention but he did think she looked somewhat familiar.

“Can I get you anything?” He asked as he stared at her drink.

Alena blinked as she looked up, then she blushed. How could she not notice he’s already here? The coloring of her cheeks didn’t go unnoticed, but Christan thought it’s because she was shy at being caught unawares.

“I’m not really good with alcohol. Do you have anything someone like me could drink safely?”

“Of course. Do you want a selection? I can make two or three.”

She smiled. Alena didn’t think he would talk in long sentences. This is much better than she imagined. Still, she knew he’s just treating her like any of his customers.

“Sure.” She watched as he prepared her drinks.

“You look a little familiar. Where could I have seen you before?”

She chuckled. She’d been coming here for three weeks and if he didn’t figure that out, it means he really didn’t notice.

“I’m guessing not here. I’ve been coming here for a few weeks now.”

“Really?” He looked a little surprised but not totally interested. She knew those expressions.

“Yes.” She focused on watching him again before letting out an “Ah!”

He looked at her curiously.

“I forgot about it. I think we first met at Queens Hotel. Board suite. Lee’s return.” Yeah, she was totally acting this part. How could she forget where she first laid her eyes on him? Hopefully, it looked genuine from his perspective.

He raised an eyebrow and visibly paused what he’s doing.

“You were there?” He sounded doubtful.

“Yes. She’s an in-law. To be honest, that was the first time I saw her as well. I didn’t know why my whole family had to be there until she explained.”

This time, he was looking at her more closely. “What’s your name again?”

Inwardly, she was grinning. She might be leaving him an impression. Any sort of impression is fine by her, as long as it’s good.

“Alena Reed. If I remember correctly, you’re also in-laws with her, right?”

“Yes. She’s married to my brother.” He finished one of the drinks and presented it to her.

“My sister is married to her brother.” She reciprocated with an explanation.

“I see. How do you like my bar so far?” He turned to business.

“I like it. My friends and sister enjoy coming here for the atmosphere. And the drinks, of course.”

His lips curved up a little. “And you? What have you been drinking all those times?”

“Juice? I’ve almost gotten every juice on the menu. My friends would order something for me but I don’t remember what they’re called.”

“I see. Try that one first.”

“Thanks. This is new.” She hasn’t had this particular drink before.

She hummed her approval of its taste. “How much alcohol is in it?”

The look he gave her is unexplainable. She couldn’t discern if it was a good look or a bad one. She hoped he’s not thinking she’s dumb.

“I used a very tiny amount of a 5% champagne. You should be good.”

“Thanks. It tastes great. What is it called?”

“Sublime.”

She smiled but her brain reminded her, he was talking about the drink, not you.

He finished the second one and set it on her counter.

“This is Cherry. It should taste sweet, and a little sour.”

“Thanks.”

“Why are you alone today?”

She’s surprised he even asked, “Oh, my friends are busy today, but I needed a break, so…”

If she was honest, she’s taking too much break chasing after him. She’s currently unsure what the state of her business is. She would face that reality soon. So far, she’s not getting any serious calls from the people she left on management.

Her concerns showed on her face and Christan interpreted as she really needed a break.

He tapped the third glass in front of her. “Hope this helps. Enjoy.”

“Thanks.” She’s sad to see him go, but has to. She’s new here, anyway. She listened to his conversation with the next lady and it was kind of personal.

He might have felt her eyes on him as he glanced at her a few times. She didn’t bother diverting her gaze. She personally feels that would be a worse reaction.

The lady seems nice. She wasn’t flirting with him. She does look older than her, though.

The men after her seems like very close friends of his, but they were more carefree. She imagined him acting that way and she almost giggled. He’s handsome and looks younger when he’s talking more. She’s starting to understand why he decided to still work the bar, even if it’s just a few hours every night. This might be the kind of socialization he prefers.

These people seem nice and good to talk to. The lady next to her has been observing her for a while now and her lips curved upwards as she realized something about Alena. The girl couldn’t take her eyes off the man. She likes how reserved she is, though. Not openly flirting with him earlier. She knew Christan from university. He hates the flirtatious ladies who come to him with their bodies displayed.

“Hi, my name is Gia.” She decided to converse with her.

Alena turned to her and smiled. “Hello, I’m Alena.”

“So, I’ve heard. Tell me, you’re here for Christan, aren’t you?”

Alena couldn’t stop herself from gulping. She picked up her orange juice and took a sip. Why does she feel like choking? She briefly glanced at the man, hoping he didn’t hear her question. He didn’t, did he?

Gia’s smile widened. She openly surveyed her appearance before speaking, “You look nice and demure. I’ll give you that.”

“Uh, thanks?”

“You’re not gonna ask him for his number? What kind of opening are you going to make?”

Alena shook her head slowly, while squinting at her. She knows what she’s talking about, but her plan doesn’t follow those actions. At least, not at this time.

“Interesting. How do you plan to get close to him, then?”

Alena figured it won’t hurt talking to this stranger. She seems nice, not at all hostile.

“I’d like to take things slow. Make it as natural as possible.”

“I see. What exactly are you feeling for him? Is it just lust? Admiration? I’ve heard the bit about both of you being in-laws with someone, so I’m guessing you’re not after his money. Oh right, are you aware he’s got two children?”

Alena smiled again.

“Yeah, I’m aware.” She glanced at Christan again. He’s now serving the last person on the bar.

“Admiration? Sure. He seems like a really nice guy. Responsible. Successful. Very attractive. Lust, you say? Maybe a little.” Her insides involuntary clenched at the thought. This close to him, she’s now familiar with his scent. Musky. Masculine. Heady.

Her plan ultimately includes a seduction if all else fails. That means sleeping with him, no?

Gia chuckled, seeing the change in her expression. Well, she can’t blame her for desiring Christan. That man is extremely desirable, except for his background which is the cause of most complications. Well, she’s already thinking he’s wholly disinterested in women, in general. He has never dated anyone since his wife’s death.

It’s probably because most of the women who approached him criticized his dead wife. They don’t know the real story. Yes, everyone thought she was with a lover when she died in a car crash. Only the closest friends of them know what’s true.

Alena, being there when Lee explained, also knows the truth. She sympathizes with him and she wanted to give him her love.