Chapter 3
Quiet whispers filled the room as Shade and Sebastian gathered everyone together. Shade pulled herself up and sat on the bar, crossing her legs like she used to do as a little girl. Raising his arm towards the crowd, Sebastian turned to Shade, and a grave silence fell over the room.
"As you know tonight is a big night for us, and I believe we can really make this place work. Years ago, The Haven was shut down due to some, well let's just say differences of opinion. And they may still have some out there that believe that those differences exist, but it is up to us to show them that we are not the monsters that they believe us to be, we are people and because we are different, that doesn't mean we are bad." She took a deep breath and a swallow of her drink before proceeding.
"If any of you see anything strange or out of place, you need to report it to Sebastian, myself or the large blonde biker that will probably show up later. He can be trusted, he is family and my protector, so to speak". She couldn't believe she had actually said that. Matthias would have laughed his fool head off at her choice of words. "His name is Matthias St.Claire, and he's family". She could tell they recognized the name, by the way they began gossiping amongst themselves. "Remember that he is my family, and will be treated with respect, and given the same courtesies that you would bestow upon me, or any of our friends".
Sebastian watched as she began to swing her feet, he laughed to himself; sometimes she was like a child trapped in the body of a wise and beautiful woman. Then just when he thought he knew what she was all about, she would do a complete turn around and he would have to re-evaluate her all over again. Turning his attention back to her speech, he noticed something out of the corner of his eye.
"And last but not least, you all know who and what Jayce McCain is, and what he looks like. You also know it wouldn't be beneath him to show up unannounced. So be on the look out, let's keep tonight fun for everyone". She could see Matthais lurking in the shadows out side of the D.J. booth, looking like a big bear. She knew he would be back, it was his nature, he had been this way since he was a child. "Everyone, if you'll turn your heads towards the back of the room, this is Matthias, any problem give him a whistle. He lives for this". His laugh came across like the roar of a lion as he made his way to the bar where his cousin sat.
"Mon petite cousine", he could see her shaking her head at his bad french accent, all the years he spent with that little cajun beauty, and his french still sucked. "You didn't think I would leave you? Did you"? Looking around, he noticed that the place had changed quite a bit, no more neon beer signs, there were no more tables lining the walls. It was definitely a change for the better, he thought as he ran his hand over the beautiful mahoghany bar. The dark- jeweled tones did the place some good. He would miss the cages that had once hung from the ceiling, but he would get over it.
"Do you think he's going to show up"? Her question left a bitter taste in her mouth; she tried washing it down with a sip of sweet strawberry wine, but with no success. Placing her hand on his shoulder, she looked up into his eyes with all of the sincerity she could muster. "I am grateful for what you're doing. I know you and Jayce go back a long time, but I also know the animosity that is between you two. I don't suppose your going to tell me what that is all about"? As he peered at her from the rim of his glass, he let its contents ease down his gullet. Never letting his eyes leave her for a moment. As he finished with the glass, he gently placed it on the bar, and put his arm around her, drawing her even closer.
"Chere, whatever happened between me and Mr. McCain was a long time ago. It has nothing to do with you. Just a misunderstanding that's all, now stop worrying that pretty little head of yours and get to work, this place is going to rock tonight"! Turning to walk away, he stopped for a moment and looked back at her over his shoulder. "Hey Shade? It's all good, love.You'll see".
Shade watched him as he made his way over to the petite red head that sat next to the stage. Tonight was going to be a long night, her mind clouded with silly thoughts and memories. Her parents, they would have been very proud of her. She smiled; 'bring it on', she thought. 'I can handle whatever you dish out to me, Jace McCain'. With that, she slugged back the last contents of her glass, and awaited the rest of the night with arms wide open.
Written By: Anicet