After Hours (closed)

[Cosmic Knight]

After Hours (closed)
OOCWesley Wilson, age 35, height 5-11, works out, owns Wesley’s Wine Bar.

IC
Wesley called a staff meeting at 11am, his 3 staff, Alex and Jake, both 28 and 19 year old Lizzie were all present. Wesley did not really want to do this, but he had little choice.

“It makes no sense beating about the bush with you guysguys, takings are down, caused by the new bar down the street, The Housemaids Knee, and so now we have a problem. They are taking amost of our customers, and we are losing money,so if you guys want to keep on working here, then we need some ideas from you all, all three of you I hope, something to pull in the punters again. We need to get all our old customers back, and some new ones as well if we can.
We have about four weeks to sort it before the bank start shouting, so put your thinking caps on, OK?”

The two guys looked around, and at each other, while Lizzie, the quiet little mouse, just kept looking at the floor, especially when I looked at her.

“Jake, you and Lizzie are working tonight, so I will look forward to hearing what you think at seven this evening.
And you too Alex,try and come up with something by 3 O’clock, OK?”

 

[AndreaSubbie]

Lizzie

OOC Elizabeth Banks (Elizabeth, Beth or Lizzy), age 19, Slim petite brunette nice body 28b, student at the university 20 miles away, works evening shift, and does the books at Wesley’s Wine Bar.

IC

Lizzie was disappointed by the news but not totally surprised. She did the book keeping. She could do the sums. Actually, she did the sums. They weren't pretty.

All had been well until that stupid gimmicky trendy bar opened down the road. She didn't know what the customers saw in the place, except maybe the Brewery that owned it were subsidising some crazy offers for the first few weeks of trading, and ridiculous 2-for-1 deals at Happy Hour, and maybe, she grudgingly admitted, the pretty barmaid. Pretty, experienced, great with people, with the traditional buxom barmaid look and low cut tops to emphasise it. How could Wesley's compete. There were just the four of them, all very ordinary. It used to be enough.

Leaving the meeting she tried to think of anything she'd come across so far in her Accounts course at the Uni about business recovery strategies, marketing tricks, anything. She came up empty, mostly because everything required money. And they didn't have any.

It looked pretty hopeless. Might as well look for another evening job. Such a pity, because this one was away from all the students and faculty staff she knew. And she got extra for the bookkeeping. It would be tricky finding anything so good. In fact, it was so good she had even managed to buy herself a scooter, a little 125 for getting here.

Damn. Except she never said Damn. She didn't like using bad words.

Either she looked elsewhere, or she only had few hours to think of something.

 

[Cosmic Knight]

Things needed to change, I knew that, because if they did not my business would certainly fail. I went for a walk, not for the exercise, but to see thus new place, and then have some lunch. I had expected it to be ultra modern, but it was not, but not so, which surprised me
The only differences to my place were the really loud music, and two buxom barmaids, wearing low cut tops to show off their attributes to the punters. A lot of the banter in the bar seemed to concern the two barmaids, this made me think.

Alex approached me after I got back, and laughingly suggested the bar staff go topless. Of course what he really meant was for Lizzie to get her tits out for the boys.
I let him know in no uncertain terms how uncomfortable I was with that idea, and when Lizzie and Jake came in later, I was stunned to hear Jake suggest the same thing. I realised that they had not taken this as seriously as they should have.

‘Now listen to me Jake I onow that you and Alex want to see Lizzie’s boobs, just because the girls in the new bar wear tops showing off theirs. That is not funny, and is really insulting to Lizzie. So unless you have some serious suggestions, button it, OK?”

I paused to let that sink in.

“I have thought about it though, maybe smart uniforms, even possibly another girl, if you two giys do not behave. I am going to change the lighting too, give the place some atmosphere. Now `lozzie, what do you think?”

 

[AndreaSubbie]

A bit startled at actually having my opinion sought, I ummed and erred a little while while I got my head together.

Although Wes had asked all of us to think of something, and I had tried, I really expected the men to sort it out. Isn't what what men were for? Problem solving? Fixing things?

After my unimpressive stuttery start, I tried to say something sensible.

"Well, I think what the boys are really saying is that the barmaids in the other place are a big part of the threat? I mean, if you do a TOWS threat analysis, ya know the 'Threats, opportunities, weaknesses, strengths' thing, those ladies are most of the problem.

"The other one is their prices, which we can't compete with. And their special offers and happy hour. They can take a loss to build up later business. We can't. It's not like I haven't tried to think of something, but everything I think of like decorating, specials, putting on food, events and entertainment, well it all costs money. What we need is something that uses what we already have, for minimal extra cost, and competes in the customers view.

"So it's either poach the barmaids and sack the three of us, or something brilliant, like we do the entertainment. Can we sing? Do barbershop, but with a girl? Dance? Tell jokes? Play guitar? Sorry Boss."

I dropped my eyes after what was probably the longest single statement I'd made at Wesleys. I was slightly embarassed. I hadn't contributed anything.

 

[Cosmic Knight]

“Let me tell you something now Jake, this young woman here has more sense, and heck of a lot more idea than you and Alex have put together.”

I looked at Lizzie, but she had gone back into her shell again.

“Well said Lizzie, I can see that further education is bearing fruit for you, thank you.
To be honest, I was impressed with your suggestions, you did very well. Having been to the other place I have decided what I will do, you mentioned a guitar player possibility. Well, I play, and I have an amp and microphone too.

But first, as you know I was a spark, an electrician before I bought this place. So I will build a small stage on Monday and Tuesday, we will close for two days for refurbishment. I will alter the lighting too, put a couple of spots in. My thinking is we have ‘open microphone nights’, I will even perform myself if needed. Another thing, uniforms for the staff, thinking maybe a rara skirt, with a cookl top for Lizzie, black pants and wIstcoat for the guys.

Lizzie, can you look online, and see if we can get the uniforms locally, by Tursday that is, so that we can reopen on Wednesday, mght even change the name too, if my ex-wifes brother can make me a new neon sign.
Hopefully from Wednesday we will be After Hours, the place to be, after hours.
And I will check our music license is valid too.
Any comments?”

 

[AndreaSubbie]

I waited for the men to have their say, to go first like men were supposed to, but Jake and Alex seemed fresh out of brain cells.

"Will do, Boss. That sounds like a really good idea, well they all do. See, I said you just needed to be brilliant!" then I felt embarassed again at being so talkative.

Taking Wes aside I suggested a budget which he agreed to, keeping it as low as I could without destroying our chances of finding anything.

Scurrying into the back office I did the Search and came up with a very short list of possibilities.

Back in the Saloon I reported on what I'd found.

"The good news, boss, is that the boys can get the black trousers and matching waistcoats here in town, at the local store. I've written the name and price of the items, maybe Alex and Jake can go get their own so they know they fit?

"The not-so-good news is that a costume or uniform for me isn't so easy, they're all way too expensive, but I did find this on line that's available for delivery tomorrow in my size? It's not what I'd normally wear, but since I don't know anyone around here apart from you guys, well, for the sake of the bar?"

I showed Wes the picture.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/rQ8AAOSwKnVZuHlH/s-l300.jpg

You just have to decide what colour skirt?

I was a bit nervous. I wanted Wes to say 'no way', but I also rather liked the idea of playing a character who wasn't me. Which way would Wes go?

 

[Cosmic Knight]

Looking over Lizzie’s shoulder I was happy with what she had found, it looked funky, just right for my new bar, which is what it would be. Looking at the colours was a little daunting, having been single for 8 years, I was not exactly au fait with fashion and lts foibles. Lizzie was turning out to be a valuable employee, even given her almost dubmissive ways. Ways that I had to admit were to my taste, but I put s8ch thoughts aside, I was almost twice her age, still, those thoughts were nice.

“I like the skirts Lizzie, choosing colours is not easy, so for now go for red, white and blue, one of each. It is a shame they did not have a tartan one, they are real sexy. Sorry, just an opinion.
Now I have to say this, considering the way that things are now, you are under no pressure to wear ghe skirt and top. You will not be fired if you refuse. One more thing, and this is confidential, I am not happy with Alex, he is already on a warning, so. If I had to let him go, how would you feel about replacing him with a barmaid instead?”

I had only thought of it while talking with her, but I was not sure how she would react.

“We can discuss it later if you want, after we close tonight.”

 

[AndreaSubbie]

My first reaction was jealousy.

My second reaction was, well, jealousy. And my third, And fourth.

I so hoped it didn't show in my face.

"Um, I think Alex has been doing ok recently, Boss. Just the other day he spontaneously cleared the glasses without being asked or reminded?"

Damn, that didn't sound very convincing, but it was difficult to find good things to say above just doing his job. And I didn't mean to say 'damn'.

And what was that about tartan skirts? sexy? Thank goodness they didn't have any!

"Sure Boss, red white and blue, very patriotic," and I smiled at Wes. He was a good boss, always considerate and protective, and he was really coming up trumps, as they say, with ideas for the bar. I hoped he wasn't putting in too mich of his own money.

I also hoped Wes would drop the idea of a new barmaid. She would be prettier than me, sexier than me, bustier than me. She'd probably look great in a tartan rara skirt. I might have to go find another job.

 

[Cosmic Knight]

The way that Lizzie defended Alex, and the look in her eyes spoke volumes I thought. It was obvious that in now way did she want another barmaid in my bar, although I was a little bemused by it, she was good at her job, very good.
I thought about the skirts again, I had chosen three for a reason, one in the wash, one being worn, and one ready to wear, I hoped that would be enough.

“You can get ghe tops to go with the skirts, will you need three, to go with the three skirts? You know more about them than me, oh, and when they are delivered, can you drop in, sometime Monday or Tuesday night, I will need to see what you look like in your new uniforms, is that OK Lizzie”

It did occur to me that she may want a chaperone with her, but, she was a big girl now, and well capable of making such decisions. I onew that I would be there in the bar until kate, from early morning, so the timing of her bisit did not matter much.

 

[AndreaSubbie]

"Um, yeah sure boss. I'll let you know as soon as they arrive, but it's a next day service, so probably tomorrow?"

I had agreed almost without listening, so keen was Ito squash any idea of another barmaid. Hopefully Alex would pull his socks up and not get himself fired.

"What kind of tops do you want, boss? Like in the picture? I guess they have to be in character with the skirts?"

I brushed over his comments about 'not having to wear the uniform'. Either they wanted to rescue the bar or they didn't. Either I played my part, or looked elsewhere. It was that simple. And as I'd already observed, what safer place could there be to play out a role, a character that wasn't really me? Away from family, away from university, away from friends. It was a prefect place to experiment.

"So, um, business as usual tonight then?"

 

[Cosmic Knight]

“Absolutely business as usual Lizzie, and an opportunity to spread the word a little, just a hint or two you know. Maybe say you heard a change is coming, and you hope it is true, get the punters talking.
As for the tops to go with the skirts Lizzie, let me see now, tell you what, use your initiative. You women always know what gets a guys attention, what makes him do a double take, as for Alex and Jake, they will look smart too, and keep the females customers interested and coming in.”

I looked at Lozzie, while rubbing my chin with my finger and thumb, deep in thought, i was actually wondering how she would look in a corset, with matching stockings, then I dismissed that thought.

“Just a thought, we will need some flyers, about After Hours, are you any good on that Microsoft Publisher thing? I’m not, could you either help me, or do a design for the bar?”

 

[AndreaSubbie]

"I'm not that computer savvy boss, but I can certainly help," I replied, hoping I might be able to make some useful suggestions once I knew what the boss wanted to say. That was the key bit, with flyers. Decide your message. Everything else flowed from it.

"Er, as for the tops, boss, if you're thinking what I'm thinking you're thinking, I'm not really that kind of girl. For starters, I don't have the, er, assets?"

I felt a little embarassed and inadequate. Every guy I came across seemed obsessed with big boobs on a girl. My little b cups were at the wrong end of the scale. I didn't want to look ridiculous. No way could I get away with the outfits our rival barmaids wore. They were older too, which meant more experienced and better at handling customers.

"But yeah, we'll definitely put the word out tonight that change is in the air, all mysterious but full of promise. Maybe even hint that things were looking up for after hours here? I dunno."

Having succesfully brushed off the sexy top idea, I wondered what might work for me, especially if I was going to be a new pretend person. How about I think of myself as Beth in the new role? If Wes took me at my word he wouldn't expect sexy, so if the image failed he wouldn't know what I was trying for? What could I get away with?

I looked again at the picture. White button front blouse tied in a knot at the tummy? I did have a flat tummy. And my legs would look ok in the rara skirt. Should I try long socks? Hold up stockings? Knee socks? Fishnets? No I didn't want slutty, I wanted cute. How about schoolgirl? I'd only just left school myself so it wasn't far fetched? But that might look like I was trying to do sexy. No cute was probably as much as I could get away with. Three white button-front blouses to go with three skirts. And briefs that covered me well. And a padded t-shirt bra. That should do for a first attempt.

I placed the order and showed Wes. Then it was to work. The first of our few customers were coming in, the faithful remnant.

"Hi guys!" I greeted them cheerfully, looking respectable and purposeful in my jeans and sweater with sleeves rolled up.

 

[Cosmic Knight]

It was unfortunate that Lizzie could not help with the flyers, but I was pleased with her after hours comment, lock-ins had always been good for business, and customer relations too. I decided against using publisher, just in case I screwed it up, as I probably would. On thr good side my ex brother in law had said he would do the neon sign at cost, and would have it ready for Sunday, the spotlights were ordered, as was the timber for the small stage.
The guys pants nts and waistcoats were sorted too, with black shirts and white waistcoats. That was when I had an inkling of an idea. If the sign was ready for Sunday, on Monday, I would have the small stage ready by 5pm, and could cover it with something maybe, and use the sign, the guys, and Lizzie in their uniforms, and do a photoshoot, with my iphone. I could then post them on instagram, or twitter, saying we would be reopening as After Hours.

I waited till closing tome, after setting it up for Tuesday morning with Alex and Jake.

“A word Lizzie before you go, can you.let me know when you can come to the bar, with your new uniforms, on Monday night or Tuesday daytime, so that I can take photos to advertise us online. Are you up for that?”

The last few hours had made me see Lizzie in a different light, well two really, but the second one she might not appreciate, but I just knew that she would look so good in a corset.

 

[AndreaSubbie]

"Sure, Monday night. We're closed Monday, right? So I can bring the uniforms in around when I would normally turn up for work. Is 7 ok? And yeah, I don't mind standing for a photo, You could even take a series of work in progress? Though you might not want to publish them until the reveal, the unveiling on Wednesday of After Hours, the new Go-To place to 'go to' after hours?"

I smiled, pleased with myself, liking the silly tag-line. I was also hoping Wes would like my new look. I didn't know what he expected. He still probably saw me as the boring mousey book clerk girl who tended bar, who on Monday night would be dressed in inappropriate clothing. No way would he see me as sexy. He'd never expect that, so however my uniform turned out, it should be better than he hoped.

But we had a target. Wednesday. Opening as 'After Hours'. We all had our hopes pinned on the re-branding.

 

[Cosmic Knight]

Monday afternoon I had the stage finished by three, and the neon sign had arrived in good working order. The spots were working by four, and at 4,30 I called in Alex and Jake for their photos. They looked really good flanking the new sign, and then under the spots carrying drinks.

I had some me food, and then moved things around a little ready for Lizzie and her photos. I had some ideas in mind, I knew that the guys photos would get a good reaction from the female customers, and wanted Lizzie’s shoot, to appeal to guys.
I planned to have her sitting at a table, showing plent6 of thigh, in the bar area, looking back at me, hopefully with a come hither look upon her face.
I wanted sex appeal, in buckets full from Lizzie, and I had no idea how she might react to that.

 

[AndreaSubbie]

At about 6.30 I passed through the doors of the bar, so obviously not open for business, but Wes had done a good job with 'Closed for Refurbishment' signs and the suggestion of good things to come.

I popped through to the office carrying one tie-front mustard coloured blouse with white polka dots, and the three rara skirts in red, white and blue. I showed Wes and then went to change out of my jeans and grey sweater, returning in the top and white skirt, white ankle socks and black pumps, with a black bra under the top. I put my har in a ponytail and wore a silver pendant on a chain.

"What d'ya think?" I turned slowly on the spot for Wes to see the overall effect. I did so hope he thought it would work.

It wasn't long before I was on his new stage, and he was starting to take promotional photographs.

 

[Cosmic Knight]

I was very impressed with what I saw, and the ponytail was a perfect touch, in a subtle way it gave Lizzie the American diner look I thought, like I had seen in movies where they wore roller skates.

“Excellent Lizzie, that is just the look I wanted, sexy, but not outrageously so. That is because I want photos to attract the guys into here, I already have the ones to attract the girls, I did those earlier. I am trying to get a specific look here, I know it is only an iPhone, but the camera is good. There are two things that I am looking for really, the come hither look, to entice them in, and the ‘please take me to bed’ look, in your eyes, do you understand what I mean Liz, you kmow. that ‘I just had an orgasm look’?”

I paused momentarily and then continued

“I want some by the sign, holding the tray with two drinks, and looking back over your shoulder, stuff like that. Some at a table, showing off your great legs, and they are great Liz.
And finally sat on the edge of the stage, with that look in your eye.
Are you OK with all of that Lizzie? If not, it is OK, we can talk about it, or just do some vanilla shots.”

 

[AndreaSubbie]

Wow! That was a lot to take in, and quite a surprise, too.

I could hardly believe what Wes was asking! Not that I was overly upset. It was just such a surprise. Not like him. Not the Wes I was used to.

But then, he was reinventing the bar, so it seemed realistic on reflection to change approach. Wasn't that partly what I was doing, in my new character as Beth, in this dubious get-up?

"Um, ok Wes, just take it slow while I get used to the idea, ok?"

I went through the poses like he wanted, getting our props from the bar for the tray with glasses, and pretty soon got into it. It was fun. I'd never before been such a focus of attention and found I rather liked it. It took a bit for my confidence to grow, but with Wes's encouragements and nice words soon I behaving like I'd been doing this stuff for ages, this posing in a kind of sexy cute way.

No way was I going to threaten the busty barmaids of our competition, but I could look maybe kittenish?

The final set of pictures sat on the edge of the stage were the most fun, and I tried to smoulder the camera into exploding. I didn't manage that, but Wes seemed to be happy.

 

[Cosmic Knight]

The photos were good, and Lizzie had tried hard, and by the end she was really getting into it, but I wanted more.
The sex appeal was there, and I knew that it would come out in the photos, if Lizzie tried even harder.

“The photos are good Lizzie, especially the ones with the tray by the sign. Not so the stage ones, at least I don't think so, i do have a idea though, to make them stand out, and be really sexy. The question though will do what I ask?
I could of course command you to do what I want, and that you would submit to my err ideas.
What I want, to make this work Liz, is for you to take off your bra, and tweak your nipples, get them hard so that they are pushing on your top, and plainly visible. You will not need to be brakess when working, it is just for the photos. So, will you do it, for me?”

 

[AndreaSubbie]

Oh my!

I had to pretend to be horrified, or at least offended, or maybe reluctant?

But the truth was, I was excited. I loved the idea, and even wondered if working braless would be such a bad thing?

Making a great show of thinking about, of letting myself be persuaded, of justifying it as 'only promotional pictures' I turned away from Wes and slipped the bra off from under my top.

Turning to face him again, very aware of just how thin the top was, I asked, "How do you want me?" before re-doing a lot of the poses we'd already tried.

I did so hope Wes was happy with the new pictures.

 

[Cosmic Knight]

She feigned her reluctance, I was certain of that, and I happily took the black bra from her, and placed it on the bar.
As I was taking the pictures, they still were not what I felt wwere required.

“Lovely movement under the top, but your nipples maybe, could be a little harder, you know.
Three options Liz,
One, pinch and pull them
Two, use an ice cube from the bar,
Or,three, wet your top to make them visible.
Your choice, I will do which ever is best for you. “

 

[AndreaSubbie]

"I'm not that kind of girl, Wesley!" I told him, a little embarassed at how explicit he was being, but turning my back I did pinch and twist my nipples to make them stand out more.

Turning back to face him, I again posed for Wes, even leaning forward a little for a few downblouses, but that was as far as I was prepared to go.

Beth was still finding her way

 

[Cosmic Knight]

"I'm not that kind of girl, Wesley!"

Well you could have fooled me, I thought, as her nipples strained against her top, and then she leaned forward, my cock was already tumescent, but the view of her tits completed the job you might say.

“Now that is what I wanted Liz, a really good sexy pose, and I just love seeing those sweet tits of yours.”

I smiled as I spoke, and I was aware that my voice was deepening.

“Put your hands behind you on the stage, and lean back a little. Look at me through hopded eyes Liz. Give me that ‘if you want it, then come get it sugar pie’ look.
Let the punters get a hard on, looking at the photo.”

Which did nothing to ease my hard on, but, that was life, as she posed I moved a little closer, filling the screen with her tits, and then her face.

 

[AndreaSubbie]

I felt a bit embarassed at Wesley's explicit language, and even more embarassed at liking it.

I had tried to tell him that this just wasn't me, but clearly he was ignoring my protests of innocence, and I did my best to give him the look he was asking for. I didn't think there would be a man in the world who would find my pictures sexy, let alone get hard over the suggestion of my little boobs, but I found it quite sweet that Wes should try to reassure me and make me feel desirable.

I did my best. If the pictures were crap there was no way Wes would use them. There was too much at stake, with the future of the bar.