Lost and Found

Chapter 3

Bryce watched from Nick's office as people started filling up the club. He checked his watch. 9:15. He sighed and turned towards Nick, sitting behind the desk filling out some paperwork. He took a seat in one of the chairs that sat in front of the desk and looked up at the ceiling. He started tapping the sides of the chair he was sitting in. He looked over Nick's shoulder at the clock on the wall. 9:16. He got up and went back to the one-way glass panel and looked as more people started coming in. He placed his hand on the wall, strumming his fingers on it.

"Oh, you're killing me." Bryce turned to see Nick staring at him. "Quick, look at the clock again. I'm sure another minute has gone by." Bryce frowned as Nick laughed. He collected the papers on his desk and out them off to the side.

"Did you put the champagne in the VIP suite?"

"As requested, with a rose as well."

Bryce sat down again. "Thanks."

Nick leaned back and looked at his friend. "You really like this woman? "

"Yes. I mean maybe...I don't know." He stood up again and walked back to the window. "There's just something about her that I can't describe. It's not just her looks, I mean she's beyond hot. I can't put my finger on it." He turned back towards his friend. "I'm never like this with women, am I?"

Nick stood up and grabbed his black suit coat off the back of his chair. "Not since high school. Hell, maybe not even then." He slipped it on. "I can't wait to meet this woman. I may even tell her all about your behavior tonight."

Bryce paled. "You wouldn't."

Nick raised an eye at him. "Do you really think I'd do that?"

"Yes."

"You're right I would, but not tonight." Nick walked over towards Bryce. "You have your earpiece, right?"

Bryce tapped his ear. "Yeah."

"Then you know that as soon as a VIP checks in, we get a notice from the door. You'll know when she gets here. Seriously, this isn't the first club we've opened. You have got to relax." Nick slug an arm over Bryce's shoulder. "Let's get you a drink and I'll go make the usual rounds, ok?"

Bryce smiled. "Ok." He straightened out his black button down shirt and headed towards the door with Nick. He looked at his watch. 9:20.

"Wow. Look at this crowd!" Meredith said as they made their way out of the Uber. Sydney stood between her friends and let out a short whistle. There were about 30 people waiting to get in.

"Well, he did say that this was their opening night." Audrey said as she snaked her arm through Sydney's. "Come on. I see a doorman with a clipboard. He said he'd put you on a list to get in."

The three of them headed towards a very tall, very muscular man. He was about 6'5", dressed in all black. His blonde hair so sort it looked as though he may be bald. As they walked towards him, he turned his head their way. As he did, a man came out from the door behind him, momentarily distracting the doorman. He was blonde wearing black pants, coat and shirt. The doorman gave the man a small nod before returning his attention back to the women. "Can I help you ladies?"

Sydney smiled. "Hi. I'm Sydney James, I believe I'm on your list."

"ID please."

She took it out of her purse and handed it to him. He held it and looked at the clipboard. He looked back at her. He handed back her ID and made a few marks on the clipboard. The blonde looked from the clipboard towards her and smiled widely. "Miss James. A pleasure to meet you. I'm Nick Burke, the manager. We have been expecting you. If you and your friends will follow me, please." He turned towards the doorman a whispered something to him. The doorman smiled and gave another nod before removing the velvet rope for Sydney and her friends.