A Knight of Chivalry (On-Hold)

Chapter 3 - Part 1

The bar lounge was busy as usual regardless whether it was day or night. There were polite murmurs from customers and patrons in the crowded room, the occasional burst of laughter heard every now and then, and the soothing and tantalising melodies from classical to jazz serenading them. On some nights they would have a jazz pianist play for the audience, depending on Carl's mood.

It made for a lovely ambience.

Sage liked the atmosphere, and he liked his job very much as it went well with his preferences of enjoying peace and the pleasant buzz of people talking in the room.

He worked alongside his co-worker, Cameron, who worked efficiently in preparing drinks and engaging in a conversation with some patrons – mostly women – sitting by the bar. Sage multi-tasked his duties by attending to the new ones coming by and preparing three drinks, sometimes showing a flair of his skills which he had adapted in his training.

He tried to go about his work as quietly and politely as he could. It was a little hard to do considering that he had to be social and welcoming. Although he didn't mind it, this was the only thing that jabbed at him, despite working there for a long while. Because of this, he was often the brunt of his coworkers' joke, like his friend working beside him, Cameron.

As if he knew what Sage was thinking, Cameron, who had been serving the customers with a broad smile and easy-going demeanour, turned to Sage, his mega-watt smile still present. "I still wonder why Carl hired you when you're barely sociable, considering you know, that that's part of the requirement to work here." He said jokingly.

Sage's mouth quirked a little. "People work in mysterious ways, Cam."

He raised a brow at him. "Again with the mysteriousness? Well, I'm not exactly complaining. You do pull your weight around here even if you're almost mute."

"Action speaks louder than words." smirked Sage, grabbing a couple of glasses and began rinsing them.

Cameron heaved a sigh of annoyance and this showed when he spoke, "Look man, good thing I don't mind this from you, but if you don't watch yourself around others, they're going to think you're a weirdo."

Sage let out a small chuckle and was about to retort something when he was intercepted by Cameron again.

"I swear to God, if you say something about how you can't please everyone, I'm gonna –"

A feminine laugh broke into their conversation. "Oh, leave him alone, Cam. You're just jealous because we think he's the most handsome chap around here." A woman with blonde hair and green eyes spoke, winking at her boyfriend Cameron before smiling in jest at Sage.

She then turned towards her friend sitting beside her. "Don't you think so, Louise?" Louise sported a pixie-cut hairdo, and had been eyeing Sage admiringly, the corners of her mouth curved.

"Yes, he is delectable." She said seductively, a hint of European accent in her voice.

Despite himself, Sage felt his face reddened and it was made worse when his friend, Cameron and his girlfriend laughed. He nodded in acknowledgement and tried to gain his composure which kept slipping.

Relax. This is not the first time you're being flirted with, Sage reminded himself calmly. They say that to everyone here.

Sage didn't consider himself a catch among the ladies, but he appreciate the comment nonetheless. He knew better, however, to let himself get engaged with Carl's patrons, so he did what he always do then, the second thing he learned over the years – the first being switching on a necessary amount of charm; and then, changing the subject.