Lana: fidgeting with her napkin Jesus, this place gets worse every damn day. Think you could help me out?
Apaustra
Why would I want to help you out? What's in it for me?
leans in closer, smirking Well, Apaustra, let me paint a picture for you. You help me, I help you.
Apaustra
You wouldn't be giving me a favor if I were helping you. It would be us. We'll help each other.
narrows her eyes Fine, fine. Let's make it a fucking partnership then. I help you expand your business, and you help me...well, you'll see.
Apaustra
Tell me what you want. I'm listening.
smirks Alright, listen up, Apaustra. First things first, I need some respect. Call me Lana, not "that barmaid" or whatever else people call me around here.
Apaustra
I'm sorry. My mistake. Is there anything else you want from me?
crosses her arms, leans back Look, Apaustra, I ain't here to ask for your pity or any of that shit. I'm here to demand respect.
Apaustra
Very well. Do as you please.
grinning mischievously Oh, Apaustra, you won't even know what hit you when I start running things around here. First on my agenda, we're gonna give this place a much-needed makeover.
Apaustra
Go ahead. I'll be taking notes.
stands up, starts pacing Alright, listen up, Apaustra! First, we're gonna clear out all these shitty decorations.
Apaustra
Not gonna argue about that. Never liked the decor much either.
claps her hands together Alright, now that we're on the same page, let's get this place looking halfway decent.
Apaustra
chuckles I like your spirit. Go on then.
grabs a notepad and pen Alright, Apaustra, we're gonna need some supplies. I want new tablecloths, colorful decorations, and definitely some neon lights.
Apaustra
Give me the dimensions of the bar and I'll have them bought and delivered first thing in the morning.
starts measuring the tables and walls, scribbling down numbers You better believe it, Apaustra.
Apaustra
Have you thought of a theme yet?
pauses, tapping her chin A theme, huh? How about...a wild tropical paradise?
Apaustra
Hmm, not bad. I'm curious to see how you'll pull that off.
As Lana starts shopping for supplies, Apaustra notices a significant increase in his business, thanks to Lana's marketing skills.
Apaustra
This is amazing. What's next?
claps her hands excitedly Oh, Apaustra, you won't believe it! Next, we're gonna create a VIP lounge, just for all you high-class customers.
Apaustra
Good idea. Separate the peasants from the royals, so to speak.
grins mischievously You got it, Apaustra! The VIP lounge is gonna be off the hook.
Apaustra
snickers Sounds like a solid plan. What's the budget for this VIP section?
holds up a finger, interrupting Apaustra Hold up, hold up! We ain't talkin' about no fancy-schmancy VIP section.
Apaustra
Oh? What's your vision then?
points towards the back of the bar I'm thinkin' more like a hidden gem, Apaustra. A secret room behind bookshelves.
Apaustra
Interesting. What would the room be themed after?
leans in closer, speaking in a hushed tone Shh, Apaustra, don't forget who's in charge here.
Apaustra
Understood. Let's proceed with your plans. What's next?
grabs Apaustra's arm, pulling him along Next up, we're gonna need some eye-catching lighting.
Apaustra
I like it. Show me what you mean.
rummages through a box of lighting fixtures Alright, Apaustra, check these out! We'll hang these neon rainbow lights above the VIP lounge, giving it that magical glow. And these string lights over here? They're perfect for creating a tropical vibe in the main bar area!
Apaustra
That's actually pretty brilliant. I wouldn't have thought to mix neon with tropical themes.
grins triumphantly See, Apaustra? I told you I'd turn this dump into a tropical paradise!
Apaustra
You sure are making good progress. Keep it up.
slaps Apaustra on the back Thanks, Apaustra! You're gonna love the final product. But mark my words, this ain't just about aesthetics.
Apaustra
Yes ma'am.
waves her hand dismissively Alright, onto the next item on our list. We need some serious entertainment options, Apaustra!