Page 35 of Dark Verse

“Shit, I’m sorry.”

“Yeah,” I lean back once more, looking up at the ceiling tiles for a moment. “Alice tried to downplay the decision, saying that the original twelve-week deadline at the end of August will remain on the books, but it will be more like a check-in. But we both know the other members are expecting to see major improvements, i.e., revenue, by that meeting. They will not be happy with ‘well…you know… at least now the building is up to code’ or the fact that we now have a sound system that was actually designed for this space, not just random speakers placed at odd angles, so now our audience might actually enjoy the music without risking ear damage.”

As I speak, I feel my annoyance cresting again. Sometimes other people’s priorities astound me. I know I work for a for-profit business, but creating a safe and welcoming space is more important to this place’s long-term success than opening the doors prematurely.

Hendrix takes a long, deep breath as well.

“And here it is almost August, and we’re still not open,” he says.

“Okay, so you see the problem. I’m going to have maybe four weeks to turn some kind of profit. In a live performance-based industry.”

Impossible? No.

Something I’ve ever attempted before? Also no.

“The cursing makes sense,” Hendrix says. “Sounds like you need a drink. Or five.”

“Only if that drink is coffee.”

Liquor makes me jump people in alleyways I have no business jumping.

“You’re a grown woman, but it’s a little late for coffee, don’t you think?” he teases.

“I blame you. I already had a problem, and then you introduced me to that maple-infused coffee.”

“They have a decaf version.”

I shake my head. “Oh no. You know you just made the habit worse, not better, right?”

“It’s my modus operandi, getting my friends, family, and coworkers hooked on the same things I love. That way, no matter whose house I’m at, I can always find a favorite item. Hand soaps, coffees, chocolates…”

“That’s both diabolical and genius. I’ve got to start doing that.”

Hendrix smiles briefly before his lips flatten back into a line.

“So, I hate to add to the bad news train regarding work…I mean, I can wait until the morning if you prefer.”

That moment of levity I was feeling sweeps away, the chair creaking loudly as I sit forward, placing my arms on the desk in front of me. It’s my brace position for any kind of bad news.

“Go ahead.”

“Actually, some of it is informational and some of it is bad.”

“Still listening.”

“We’ve had a few DMs sent to our account asking specifically when the Nightshades first night is going to be.”

Soon hopefully.

“Let them know that our most up-to-date calendar is on our website.”

“Yeah, I did try that, but they just kept asking. Like five times in a row, just in different ways.”

“Hmm…well it could be a bot account,” I say thoughtfully. “Or it could just be someone who doesn’t like your answer. Either way, don’t be afraid to block accounts if you need to.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, we’re a business and have the right to block people online and refuse service in person. Just like any other business or person.”