The Shadowman and his Queen

Booed Up

ShadowQueen Ch. 16: Booed Up

They arrive at the bar and walk in keeping a professional distance from one another. As they approach the service counter they are greeted by Zelena, "well hello sis... sister's new mister... that was one hell of an apology. I do hope you accepted..." her comment shakes them both to still silence. Noticing she'd knocked them off balance she proceeds "which reminds me... sister you're earlier than you said you'd be". Regina a bit embarrassed by her sister's commentary, looks toward the ceiling, closes her eyes, sighs and shakes her head, "Kelly...". Samdi, unsure of his love's older sister's position on his and Regina's relationship just quietly drops his head, cuffs his hands in front of him and keeps his distance. "Well, Ms. Miller, now that you're safely here at your establishment, I do believe our time together has come to an end. But before I take my leave, would you mind if I had a quick word with you", he asks professionally making Zelena look at them curiously.

Regina gives her sister a quick glance, one with a look that said, 'I'll explain later', then replies "of course Mr. Samdi", and walks a distance away from the counter and the earshot of other patrons. "Yes, Mr. Samdi, you wanted a word?", she says maintaining her Roni exterior, "yes, Ms. Miller, I did... do...". He calms his nerves then speaks, "Being in your establishment for the fourth time this week, I see nothing that needs to be changed. Everything from the décor to the atmosphere is perfect... And I do mean everything... including its owner" he says maintaining his professional distance and posture. The conclusion of his sentence slightly catches her off guard and she loses her 'Roni' exterior momentarily. She looks at him doe eyed, "Samdi...", she whispers then catches herself "...Mr. ... Samdi, that's very nice of you..." she says quietly shaking her head a bit. He steps in a bit but not too much, "Ms. Miller... Veronica...", he says gently. She shoots him a look that is quickly disarmed by his next statement, "... I know you don't like to be called that... but... it's such a beautiful name, for such a beautiful lady. A beautiful lady I desire the opportunity, if she'd allow, to take out for dinner some time... and not for business purposes".

He is asking her out, she's actually being asked out, there's not too many times that this has happened... and she feels... she feels... "Mr. Samdi, as good as that sounds...", she starts, tampering down on the giddiness within her, "...before you shoot me down...", he gently interrupts, "...don't think this an impulsive act Veronica". Even the way he says her cursed name makes her all fluffy, satin clouds inside, "you called me Veronica again, Mr. Samdi...", she corrects trying to keep her character to dispel suspicion, apparently, he's lost sight of that. "That I did... it's the best way of calling you beautiful without drawing unwanted attention", he says suavely.... perhaps he hasn't lost sight then. The patrons of the bar are all about their own business, talking with friends, ordering food and drink, listening to music. In fact, it's quite noisy as they have their conversation, yet it feels as if all is silent and everyone can hear what's being said between them. "Mr. Samdi...", she blushes, as she looks around noticing that, indeed, they are the only ones in their own business, other than Zelena that is.

"Roni...", he steps in a bit closer, "Veronica... when I walked through the doors of your establishment that first night, as soon as I laid eyes on you as you rounded the corner, I was completely floored by your beauty", he inconspicuously takes her hand. "Getting to speak with you, I find your beauty is matched doubly by your intelligence, and more so by your womanly strength. As a businessman, as a man in general, I've always been able to take note of those things that I desire... those things I'm quite certain will make me happy. With that said, it is my belief that having a strong, beautiful, intelligent woman such as yourself in my personal vicinity for anytime at all would, indeed, make me a very happy man. I hope I'm not being too forward in asking if you are involved with anyone at the moment, and if not, then asking, would you mind if I tossed my hat in the ring to become the man of your personal involvement".