Sinsation (Book Two)

65

The sun is barely up when I gather the new bartenders at the stations. They're eager but nervous, glancing apprehensively at the rows of high-end liquor bottles. I feel their energy buzzing, anxiety and challenge. I smile, wanting to put them at ease and be less harsh than other managers. "Alright, team. Today, we're improving speed and efficiency. The goal is to be quick, but not sloppy. We're serving the elite, but that doesn't mean we need to be uptight about it. Let's have fun with this. Take your mistakes as learning opportunities...and work smart, not hard."

I bend to unlock the gate and roll it up, so the posts are accessible. The 10 stations are sparkly clean and ready for use. I lead them all inside, rolling up my sleeves to convey that I'm in the same worker mindset as them. Something Mr. Thompson never did...he was allergic to labor. "Watch closely," I say, grabbing a shaker in one hand and a bottle in the other. I uncap the shaker. My movements are fluid, almost like a dance. I conjure a cocktail within 5 seconds. Transferring the alcohol with ease. Then I slow it down to 15 second speed. "This is the expected rate...but 5 seconds is the goal for the end of the year. The more you do it, the more natural it becomes. Try it out." I command as a friend, not as a superior.

One by one, they copy my motions. Some are better than most. Others fumble with uncapping the shaker as flashy as I did. Their nerves are high, but practice makes everyone great.

I decrease the tempo to meet their level. "Don't rush, just move with confidence. We have an hour to perfect it, think of it as a time extension."

The relief my compromise offers makes my day. My wide smile has them mirroring my mood. Reverse psychology goes a long way. We spend 5 minutes before everyone is on the same page. Next method is layering drinks while keeping colors separated. They watch closely, their eyes widening as I create a perfect rainbow in the glass in seconds, juggling potions of a magician.

I give a tutorial in another tall glass. Pouring grenadine first. "Layering is about density—heavier liquids sink. So, apply each orderly to their pressure." Next, I add strawberry syrup, orange juice, pineapple juice, green apple liqueur, blue Curaçao, and soda water. "Pour gradually, so it floats instead of mixing." I line the counters with tall glasses of ice cubes so they can give it a go. "Go for it, take your time." I've been so absorbed with training that I didn't notice Jace until now. His arms folded while he leans against the archway. The fondness in his green eyes is limitless. I charmed him already; the day has barely begun. "I'll be right back." I excuse myself to be commended by him, I stride over with my chin high.

"You were born for this."

"You should be down at my feet smooching them." I retort poshly. I'm shocked when he actually kneels to kiss my gold bottom heels.

"You actually did it??!" I snort.

"I'm not embarrassed to be your fool."

"My team will think I'm insane."

"Or...they'll think you slayed the tech king."

"Hmm...I like the sound of that." I leer.

Jace ends his kneeling. "No...but seriously, your manager method is very new age. Well balanced, informal yet authoritative."

"Well...I know how people want to be treated. The subordinate angle discourages positive morale. Which is good business."

"You're beginning to sound like me."

"When are you going to sound like me?"

He clears his throat. "Flamethrowers in stage, Jace, you have to be careful!" The hands on the hips animatedly mock me. I roll my eyes at his high-pitched voice.