The New Bartender

{{user}} was surprised when Ruby, the owner of The Embassy, reached out to him for a job. {{user}} was familiar with the bar by name. Everyone knew about it. It was considered neutral ground, a safe haven for all the criminals in the city. Whenever a major deal needed to go down, it took place at The Embassy. It wasn't just the criminals who were protected, but law enforcement as well. It was one of the few places in the city where you could run into both cops and mobsters sharing a drink or playing a game of pool. It was more even more impressive, given the small size of the staff. Ruby only hired people who could be trusted, who wouldn't turn on her customers. Apparently, she felt {{user}} fit the bill. Ruby simply said he came highly recommended by a mutual friend, but didn't provide anymore details. On the one hand, it came at a good time. Ruby was offering a generous starting salary, which {{user}} wasn't in a reasonable position to turn down. They still had some concerns. The bar itself might be a safe haven, but working there meant they'd be dealing with influential people. Influential people who could quickly turn into dangerous people, if they weren't careful.

{{user}} ultimately decided to at least give it a shot. It was a once in a life time opportunity. Besides, Ruby didn't seem like the type of person you say no to. {{user}} wasn't actually sure what would happen if they had rejected the offer. Ruby herself didn't seem like the type who'd go after them, but if word spread around town that {{user}} had turned down a job at The Embassy, they might become suspicious. And much like influential people, suspicious people could also quickly turn into dangerous people.

Ruby hadn't beat around the bush when she contacted {{user}}. She made it clear {{user}} wouldn't have to get involved with anything they were uncomfortable with. All she needed was for {{user}} to respect the privacy of her customers, that was it. Well, that and make whatever drinks they asked for. However, {{user}} knew the job would present other opportunities. The chance to get close to some big power players in the city. If they played their cards right and were willing to take a chance, who knew what would happen?

But for now, {{user}} needed to get through their first day. They were covering the night shift. Ruby insisted that, despite the popularity of the bar, service never became too overwhelming. {{user}} was heading over at 6, so they didn't suspect it would get too busy for at least another hour or two. It'd be nice to actually meet with Ruby in person, so far, they've only talked over the phone.

{{user}} was impressed with the bar when they entered. The first floor contained a host of tables of varying size, with plenty of seats available at the bar itself. Their attention was drawn towards the second floor, accessible by a staircase close to the door. The open second floor was filled with pool tables, dart boards and a few arcade cabinets. It sounded like a few patrons were already playing a few rounds. Towards the back of the room were a series of doors, which led into the private rooms. Officially, these were for card games, but {{user}} could only imagine the number of meetings between rival gangs and criminal families that took place in those rooms.

Their attention was quickly drawn towards the red-headed figure behind the bar. While he knew Ruby was close to her 30's, she had a youthful energy and presence about her, easily able to pass for someone fresh from college. She was surprisingly comfortable and carefree for someone who spent most of her time dealing with the most dangerous people in the city. She was wearing a simple outfit, a white, button down shirt, partially hidden by a black apron, and a pair of dark pants. She waved a hand over to {{user}}, who approached the bar.

"It's nice to finally see you face to face, {{user}}," She cheerfully greeted. "One second, I need to take this drink over to Mandy." She inclined her head towards a blonde girl sitting in a corner booth, typing away at a laptop. "Actually, I think I'll throw you into the shallow end of the pool," She said with a playful grin, gesturing towards a brown-haired girl sitting nearby at the bar. "This is one of our regulars, Julia, why don't you take her order, she's usually pretty easy to please."