5

I was back at my pub. It's been a week since then. Lina and Flare have gone on another vacation. They went to Hawaii this time. They wanted me to accompany them, but I knew I'd simply be a third wheel. So I declined. And I have been busy with the new pub that I opened and I have been experimenting too.

Turns out, Lucifer is here permanently. And both brothers decided to stay together. Even though they said I was welcome anytime. It felt like I would be intruding so I seldom go there. I mean it's only been a week. And I'll be busy for more to come.

Today, Marco and the others were not here because they caught the eye of a record studio. And they have been scouted to record an album for them. I don't know the details, and I don't know how the inside of record labels work so I decided not to think too much.

The regulars missed them. But I had played their songs on the speaker and the atmosphere was pretty ambient today.

I and Cole were busy entertaining the new costomers. And Anbey, was overseeing the opening of the other pub.

Turns out it's doing quite well for a new pub. We hired a pole dancer for that one.

I have always admired pole dancer, like how they can gracefully pull off any sort of move and  how they glide on the pole. Man, I took classes back when I was a kid, secretly of course. But Adele caught me and snitched on me.

Mom called me a slut and said that only hookers do pole dancer and dad was greatly disappointed in me.

I was so sad back then, but after coming here, I learnt so much new. Pole dance maybe a popular item in strip clubs, but that doesn't mean one shouldn't appreciate their skill.

How narrow minded people are. I sighed.

I have been making small changes in recipes and of my new pub becomes a success, I'll convert the third floor of the building into a bar. And maybe, a few more alterations and I'll have a small gambling room as well.

My main goal is a casino so.....

I smiled at myself. As if things would be that easy. It took me almost nine year to learn the trade of this industry. Well, not nine, I mean I was practically broke when I reached here.

I didn't have a decent house at first. All I did was odd jobs here and there. My pole dancing skills came handy when I got a job at a lesbian strip club. I wasn't a prostitute though. But that was the turning point.

I met Lina and Flare there. My income was relatively high and after we bonded I decided to move in with them and share their apartment. I paid half the rent and life was good.

I met Alex, he helped me open this pub. I met good people. If it takes a village to raise a child, then they are my village. They practically raised ne out of my poverty, insecurity, narrowminded views and what not.

The me nine years ago who had no hope was now expanding her business. I couldn't ask for more.

I wish the younger me could see me right now. I wish I could tell her that she didn't need to seek validation from people if they don't accept you for who your are, even if they are your parents.

I was content with my life now, but not with my business. Maybe I'm greedy, but that's what's keeping my boat afloat.