The Eternal Rose.

The Tudor styled establishment was known for three things; The good food, its breathtaking beautiful owner, and the barista who could make any drink taste of heaven. At least that's what the reviews on yelp stated. The barista though doubted the third point was true since alcohol was in their system at the time each review was written. 

"Strawberry Margs for table seven ma petite fleur spéciale!" 

Alex perked up as she nodded her head to the fiery redhead that was her boss, gathering the ingredients for the drink before she shoved them into the blender. The warm laughs and friendly arguments drowned out the noise of the blender, though it certainly didn't drown out the sound of shattering glass as Alex dropped a margarita glass upon the solid oak floor. A few laughs could be heard from the regulars whilst a few moans could be heard as well before money was forked over. Clearly tonight's bet on when she would drop the first glass had been quite expensive, but it served them right for underestimating her ability to be anything other than clumsy. 

Finishing off the margaritas and placing them upon a tray, Alex rang the bell upon her counter that notified Rose that her drinks were ready. 

"You rang?"

Alex jumped as she heard Rose's voice come from behind her, a chuckle escaping her bosses lips as she grabbed the drink tray from the bar counter. 

"When did you even get behind the counter Rose? I feel like I need you to wear a bell or else I might cost you even more in glasses!" Alex joked, merely getting a chuckle and smirk for her boss before she set off towards the table that had ordered the sugar rimmed drinks. 

Alex had to admit her boss was strange but she was thankful for that; it landed her a job in the end. She had initially applied for a position washing dishes but over the past few years Rose had taught her various drinks after hours since she had caught her eyeing the previous barista. Alex had always been fascinated by the fancy drinks that required skill to make well, learning about each in her free time whenever she washed a new piece of equipment she had never seen before. 

Rose had caught her researching various drinks one time while she was waiting for a ride and had offered to teach her some drinks. That was four years ago and now Alex was the one behind the counter creating various concoctions. She did wonder from time to time just what had happened to Dave the old barista…

"Alexandra? Are you alright?" 

Alex snapped back from her thoughts as she realized that most of the new customers were gone, now only the regulars remained. She pressed her hand to her temple, Rose's gaze filled with concern. 

"Y-Yeah I'm fine. Just a bit out of it I think. Didn't really get much sleep last night, I apologize Miss. Rose…" 

"Perhaps I have been taking advantage of ma petite fleur spéciale lately. You've been working so hard… Perhaps a few nights off are in order no?" 

Alex stared at her boss in shock, her hands grasping Rose's before she could even think about what she was doing. 

"Please! Please don't fire me Miss. Rose! I promise-" 

Rose laughed as she pulled her hands from the young girls grasp, placing a hand upon her employees cheek as if she were her mother. 

"That is not what I meant ma petite fleur spéciale. I've been meaning to go on a vacation for some time, back to my motherland to visit my family. Perhaps now is a good time to do so since I need you rested and relaxed. How about after Friday night karaoke we close down until I get back? I do not wish to miss out on your lovely voice!" 

Alex blinked a few times before she smiled and nodded, Rose beamed as she kissed her cheek tenderly as was her custom… at least that's what she had told Alex. 

"I promise to be well rested when you get back! You can count on me Miss. Rose!"

"I know ma petite fleur spéciale. But to ensure that I promise you shall be paid whilst I'm away as well. I can't have you running off to another establishment whilst I'm gone because you couldn't pay your bills!"

Alex hugged Rose, the older woman held her close as well. The regulars knew they weren't sisters but they certainly seemed like good friends. Though they didn't know that their usual haunt would be shut down for a while they were happy to see such a wholesome relationship between a boss and their employee. 

"Oi, Alexandra, can ye get me and me boys 'nother round?" 

Alex grinned as she recognized Sean McGee's voice immediately, nodding in his direction with a grin. 

"Of course! Right away Mr. McGee!" 

Filling ten pints she placed them upon the tray for Rose who hefted them up, Alex always amazed at how strong she was. 

"Oh, and feel free to drink as much as you wish with Ruby tonight ma petite fleur spéciale. Just make sure to lock up, yes? I don't want the stock to go to waste while I'm away!" 

With that Rose disappeared into the crowd, Alex reaching below the counter to check to see if Ruby had messaged her. Surely she would be there soon right?

Alex wanted to share the exciting news with her before anyone else. After all, she was her sister in arms! 

So where the devil was she?