NIGHT MOVES

A BLOODY REVEL

A mixologist bar, loud music and chatter greeted us as the door shut behind us. The lighting was ultraviolet lights shining from the three chandeliers. That hung three feet apart in diameter so as to spread the light. Inside the decked joint a hundred or so milled about. They were uproariously gabbing and laughing as they danced or stood.

To the left was a stage with a live band of five females, including the singer. They were dramaticly matching in black ensembles and red hair. I spied a mile long rectangle table without chairs on either side. It was pressed against the wall next to a matching buffet. That held disposable gloves and napkins with a sign. It stated that the gloves were to be worn to grab food. The table was decked in red table runner, floor length tassels at both ends. On top it was decked in various charcuterie boards. One for meats, cheeses, cut veggies, fruites, along with dips. On another smallish table was a four tiered coffin cake. Each black had frosted white roses dripping in raspberry coulis. The walls held realistic looking bats, spiderwebs, and blood splatter decals. In one corner stood a large black coffin decorated with ghoulish baubles. Some of the guests, (mainly females) were taking selfies in front of it. After a few left two ladies heaved the thing open. Inside it was inlaid in red satin with an attached black satin pillow. Now the ladies were taking turns standing agaisnt it as they snapped pictures of themselves. I made a mental note to get a selfie in the coffin with Auden later.

"Where to first?" I whispered to Audrey who was focused on the fancy bar. That held expensive bottles of alcohol lining a two tier shelf. Behind it were three mixologists pouring a line of shots. One of them rose their head and revealed themselves to be Sage. At least I thought it was by where we stood. Upon closer inspection I glimpsed "Iridescent" glow stick emblem over her left breast. The other two were Gavin and River, yet beats me who was who. They each wore white dress shirts, vests, with short red waist aprons. I couldn't tell for pants as the bar counter hid their lower half. I was surprised to see them attending, not that Calvin was catering to the event. I didn't peg the three bartenders as part of the vampire faction. As I observed the alcohol flow my throat constricted with dryness.

"I didn't peg Sage fouh a vamp, did you?" Audrey spoke into my ear.

"I didn't eithuh. Let's pop over fouh a visit. Test out these alluring disguises." With my arm around Auden's I lead us forward.

"A cotton candy shootuh fouh my lady-friend and a mindori souh shot, please." I placed a hand on the glass bar counter.

"Coming right up." Saige's smile reeked of fakeness.

"Fancy meetin' you here, Sage." I winked as she handed us our shots.

"Have we met?" She shook her hand at the money I held out.

"Wel-." Auden began, buy I butted in.

"We haven't, but we recall you from the Iridescent." I lightly stepped on Auden's foot.

"Oh, I can't seem to make out either of you because of the masks. Are you regulars?"

"Fairly recently, you could say." I fought to hold back a grin.

"I see, it's an excellent bar run by a wonderful propetier." Sage gushed as she poured straight vodka shots.

"He is, and quite the dreamboat." I drew my snare.

"That he is." She tilted her chin downward and grinned.

"Tell me you've taken him fouh a spin." I turned my chin as I fanned my face.

I sensed Auden frown and ever so faintly yanked on the hem of her vest. I ignored her and jutted my chin towards Saige.

"I've tried, but Calv has rebuffed me time and again. He claims he "doesn't do casual flings. He'll only partake if emotional intamcy is forged first." I think he's still stuck on...welll that's the boss's buis." She rolled her eyes as she shook a canister.