“Ah. What brought you here? If you don’t mind me asking.”

"Just needed a change." Gianna shrugged, her smile fading somewhat. "There was nothing left for me there."

“Hm, she is quite little isn’t she?” Aoife replied. “Though she’s a bit feisty for such a small girl.”

"She's going to be a force to reckoned with when she grows up." Gia agreed, nodding. "I can't wait."

Erick took a swig of his drink and chuckled. “Sometimes you just need a day for it to be all about you right?” He shrugged. “I wanted a quiet drink to myself tonight.” Erick replied grimly. Losing himself in the fact that he would have to work extra hard tomorrow , jut for this one day off. who knows what he would have to do to make up the cash he was going to spend on drinks. “What about you? Why are you bartending on this lovely evening?” 

"I missed it." She answered simply, wiping at a spot on the bar before flipping her towel over her shoulder once more and leaning on the bar across from him. "I've been swamped in paperwork lately, I wanted to be upfront. Not always easy being the big dog." She grinned, winking at him. "Plus, I heard it was your birthday." Gianna laughed as she teased him.

“Mm, I don’t think I’m quite virtuous enough for that,” Peri laughed, shaking her head. “I mean, if the tips improved, maybe, but I think I’ll pass.”

"Only one way to improve tips, darling, and it's definitely nothing so.... wholesome." Gianna laughed, giving her a meaningful look.

“Seven years. Do you live around here?”

“Right upstairs.” She nodded her head toward the staircase at the back. “Sometimes it’s a little too close.”

Aoife put her hand to her heart. “Aw, I’m so touched,” she replied.

“Just don’t tell Avery, I think it might break her little heart.” She giggled, smiling fondly at the thought of the little girl.

“ You always know how to treat a man” He smiled at her, he grabbed the double and help it out to her, “Cheers!” 

“Oh darling, you don’t know the half of it.” She purred, clinking her glass against his before taking a generous mouthful of her drink. “So, come on. You’re young, and you’re hot. Why are you alone at a bar on your birthday?”

“Do I need to go around reminding women they are worth a lot more than some tacky pick up line?”

“I mean, I wouldn’t be able to pay you for your good deeds, but if you’re happy with a job well done, by all means.” She laughed, gesturing. “Although I have to say, some of these girls come back pretty hard.”

Elliana had hired a babysitter for the night of new years far in advance to make sure that she could make it to Gianna’s party. It was even better than she had expected, even if her girlfriend seemed to be every where but at her side. She was happy nonetheless with her success. She brightened as she felt her arm around her waist. “I know, but I expected you to be busy. You’re the life of the party, honestly. Everything has been great.” Eli told her honestly.

“That’s all fine and well for you.” She purred, turning so she was standing in front of Elliana, moving her arms up her sides until she could circle them around her shoulders, looking seriously into her eyes. “But I’m afraid I’m a bit more selfish when it comes to you.” She leaned in for a light kiss, laughing at some of the hoots and hollers it received from her regulars. “You know, I don’t think I’ll mind the party ending as much this year as I have in the past.”

Avery squealed in delight as she ran towards Gianna and was lifted into the air. Elliana smiled. She couldn’t have found a better woman to be with. “Hi sweetheart.” She beamed as she leaned into her kiss. “Avery has been a wonderful little girl this year. I’m sure Santa is going to be very proud of her, just like mommy is. What about you?” She looked up at Gianna with a smirk. “Have you been a good girl?”

“Mmm.” Gianna hummed contently against her lips, her smile growing as Elliana pulled back. Adjusting Avery on her hip, she poked her on the nose before she kept talking. “Of course you were a good girl, what was I thinking?” She turned back to her girlfriend, smirking devilishly. “I think that’s for you to tell me, darling. Have I been a good girl?”

“I plan to be drunk all day, so lets get started.” 

Gianna smirked, pouring two doubles and sliding one toward him. “A perspective I know and love.”

“I knew her. Not well. I went to Hogwarts, so I saw her on Hogsmead weekends.”

“Ah, you’re one of her babies.” She laughed, remembering fondly how her mother used to refer to the students that came through. “How long have you been in America?”

“Am I like a third wheel now that you and Elli are together?” she questioned. “Because being a third wheel sucks. We need to get me someone to be with.”

@giannarosmerta

“Aw, darling, of course not.” She smiled, linking her arm through Aoife’s. “You came first, and I love you most.”