#convo: natalie7

[fairywilds]

Nereus grinned, spinning his pen between his fingers. "Oh, so now I’m not just the bartender— I’m the mentor, too? I like it." He tapped the notepad again. "A little staff-wide mixology challenge could be fun. Let everyone get creative, see who’s got the best instincts behind the bar. Maybe even make it a competition— winner gets bragging rights and their drink on the menu for a month." He leaned on the counter, smirking. "Though, let’s be real, if I don’t at least help in the final round, we might end up serving something that tastes like regret and bad decisions." He chuckled. "But hey, it’s all about the learning experience, right?"

"I think it is. Makes people loyal and happy in their job. And if they're happy, they're better workers. They want to be here and be a good representation for the restaurant," Natalie said, sharing her idea of a good business. She would hate to be the kind of boss who her employees despised. "If you're trying to get on my good side, you're already there. But maybe all the employees can come up with some sort of special drink. You can guide them on what works well together."

[fairywilds]

Nereus tapped the notepad thoughtfully. "Hey, if treating your staff well is the secret sauce to a successful business then I'd say you’ve got a good thing going here. I’m happy to help keep things running smoothly— especially if it involves stuff like this." He expressed, then he added, "So, should I start planning a signature 'Natalie Special' for the next big event? Something bubbly and sweet, just like the boss herself?" He jokingly suggested.

She didn't know for certain that Nereus was the type to do that, but it didn't hurt to remind him not to. He seemed to get the gist of what she wanted, so she was pleased. "Well, if this is a big hit, I'll be glad to let you do more. Maybe we can add a specially crafted drink menu to the event offerings." People might be interested in having their own personalized drinks for events. "Those sound perfect. A little holiday, a little fun, but not too out there," Natalie said, liking the sound of them already. "I need to treat my staff well so they stay working here. I want to be a good boss."

[fairywilds]

Nereus chuckled, feigning shock. "Dirty names? Me? Never!" he teased, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Classy it is, but we'll make it fun— like a party guest who knows how to behave, but still steals the spotlight." He jotted notes quickly. "We'll keep it light and festive. You should have definitely left more of this stuff to me earlier. I'm great at parties," He spoke, confidently. Then, suggested, "How about a 'Spiced Cranberry Cosmo,' a 'Silent Nightcap,' or a 'Frostbite Fizz'?" Smiling, he added, "Also, an after-work tasting party? That's genius. Happy staff, happy customers. Just be ready for everyone to think they’re a mixology expert after a few sips." He chuckled.

"Glad to know you're up for the challenge," Natalie laughed, excited by the other's excitement. "Had I known you were this willing, I would have asked you to make more themed drinks before." Maybe she could keep him always coming up with new things as the seasons and menu changed. "I think that's a great idea. Just nothing too dirty. We're a classy establishment after all. But I will leave the taste testing to you and the rest of the staff to do. Maybe it can be a little after-work party for them all."

[fairywilds]

Nereus grinned, already mentally rifling through his mental catalog of cocktails. "Holiday-themed drinks? Oh, now, you’re speaking my language." He grabbed a notepad from behind the bar and spun it theatrically in his hand. "We can probably whip up a list that’ll have the whole place feeling festive in no time. Peppermint, cranberries, cinnamon, maybe even a little sparkle— we’ll make it real good." He tapped the notepad with his pen, leaning forward. "How do you feel about playful names? Also, we're going to have to taste test too because, you know, quality control is important." He winked, clearly already enjoying this little challenge.

closed starter - @fairywilds (Nereus)

"So I think we need to come up with some holiday themed drinks, especially for any party bookings we get," Natalie said to her bartender as she sat down on a stool. "Think you can come up with some options? They don't have to be anything too fancy, but if we need to buy anything extra for them, just make a list and leave it for me or Miles."