Chapter Forty-Nine

(Midtown: Gotham City - Mixology Grove)

Jennifer, bewildered and reluctant to believe her friend, reluctantly sank back into her chair, unable to comprehend the situation.

Her curiosity piqued, she couldn't help but wonder what Mary had noticed that she hadn't.

Meanwhile, Selina gracefully made her way through the crowd, her presence commanding attention without effort.

As she approached the table where Jayden and Ivana sat, the atmosphere seemed to shift, as if the room held its breath in anticipation.

Jayden, aware of Selina's approach, felt a mixture of relief and happiness wash over him.

The tension that had been building slowly began to dissipate as a glimmer of hope appeared on the horizon.

As Selina approached Jayden's table, she projected an air of confidence that made Ivana momentarily falter.

She had recognized Selina's presence, and the realization hit her that Jayden was not as available as she had initially assumed.

' Wait no, she may be a friend, I still have a chance.'

Selina wasted no time in making her intentions known, employing her subtle charms and wit to show Ivana that Jayden was already spoken for.

With a sly smile and a glint in her emerald green eyes, Selina took her place beside Jayden, positioning herself in a way that left no doubt of their connection.

Her body language conveyed possession, her hand gently resting on Jayden's arm as if staking her claim.

Ivana, catching on to Selina's unspoken message, felt a mix of embarrassment and resignation wash over her.

She realized that Jayden was indeed a lost cause, and any further pursuit would only lead to a more uncomfortable situation.

Sensing the weight of the situation, she mustered her pride and decided to gracefully excuse herself.

"Excuse me," Ivana said, her voice slightly strained as she rose from her seat. "It seems I've misread the situation. I apologize for any inconvenience caused."

Jayden, feeling a pang of guilt, quickly interjected. "No, Ivana, it's not your fault. Thank you for keeping me company tonight. I appreciate it."

Ivana's surprise was evident as she turned back towards Jayden. His sincere gratitude touched her, and she couldn't help but feel a tinge of regret for her earlier behaviour.

"Well, um...you're welcome," Ivana replied, her voice softening. "I hope you have a wonderful evening. Take care, Jayden."

With a polite nod, Ivana made her way towards her friends, her head held high despite the lingering embarrassment.

As she passed by Selina, her eyes briefly met with Jayden's, and she couldn't help but blush under his gaze.

Jayden's smile as he watched Ivana depart was not only directed at her, but it radiated a warmth that captured the attention of the other women in the bar as well.

They couldn't help but be captivated by his genuine charm.

Observing the scene unfold, Mary couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. She leaned closer to Jennifer and whispered, "Looks like our friend finally realized she was barking up the wrong tree. Mr Exotic is already taken."

Jennifer, still bewildered by the situation, watched as Ivana left with a mix of curiosity and intrigue.

She couldn't deny the chemistry between Jayden and Selina, and the way other women were responding to his presence piqued her curiosity even more.

' Sigh, I'm gonna be single forever.' Jennifer thought with a sigh as she ordered another drink.

As the bar gradually returned to its usual rhythm, Selina turned her attention fully to Jayden, her affectionate gaze locking with his.

She reached out to gently brush a strand of his exotic white hair away from his face, her touch filled with tenderness.

"Are you okay, Tiger?" Selina asked, her voice laced with concern. "I couldn't help but notice the unwanted attention you were receiving."

Jayden's heart swelled with gratitude for Selina's understanding and help. He took her hand in his, intertwining their fingers, and replied, "I'm fine, Selina. Really, and it wasn't that bad...but thanks for bailing me out." Jayden said letting out a heavy breath.

Meanwhile at the Bar Lola's lips arced up in a slight smile before she was interrupted by one of her new employees.

"Hey boss, isn't that the guy you were kissing before...*gasp* Omg is this like a love triangle hidden lover..." Before he could finish his sentence one glare from Lola shut his mouth right up.

"You still want a job..." Lola asked, and the man nodded furiously before, smartly shutting his mouth.

He had heard that the boss was a scary woman, but he had always just thought the other employees were exaggerating it...clearly, they weren't.

.....

After a lively and successful grand opening at Lola's bar, the night had been filled with laughter, music, and delicious cocktails.

The atmosphere was electric, and the guests were thoroughly entertained by the talented bartenders and servers.

Selina, being the gracious hostess that she was, made sure everyone had a great time, while Jayden stood by her side, proud of her accomplishment.

As the night winded down, Jayden could see the exhaustion on Lola's face. She had poured her heart and soul into making this event a success, and he admired her dedication.

He approached Lola and gave her a warm hug, whispering words of praise and congratulations in her ear. Lola smiled, grateful for his support.

"Jay, thank you so much for being here tonight," Lola said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Jayden grinned. "You did amazing, Lola. This place is going to be a hit. Now, go and enjoy the rest of your night. I can see that Selina needs your help," he replied, glancing at Selina, who was engaged in a conversation with a couple of guests.

Lola nodded and made her way towards Selina, ready to assist her with anything she needed. Jayden watched them interact for a moment, the love and friendship between them evident.

Feeling content, Jayden decided it was time to head home.

He bid farewell to Lola and Selina, giving them both a gentle kiss on the cheek. With a promise to meet again soon, he made his way towards the exit.

However, just as he had stepped out of the bar, he accidentally bumped into two women who were wearing hoods.

A quick exchange of startled glances followed, and Jayden's sharp ears caught the distinct Brooklyn accent of one of the women.

"Hey, watch where you're going, buddy!" the woman exclaimed, her voice filled with annoyance.

Jayden's eyes widened as he recognized the voice. "Harley?" he asked teasingly, a mischievous grin forming on his lips. "And Ivy, is that you too? Long time no see."

Harley's eyes widened behind her hood, and Ivy's expression shifted from surprise to amusement.

They both glanced at each other, realizing that their disguises hadn't fooled Jayden for a second.

"What are you talking about? I don't know you, bub," Harley replied with a faux innocence, trying to play along.

Jayden chuckled, seeing through her act. "Oh, come on, Harley. We've had our fair share of encounters before. Don't act like you don't remember."

"Huh! Harley I'm not Harley I'm...Rachel Green...OH MY GOD ITS BATMAN." Harley suddenly exclaimed, pointing her finger behind Jayden.

"..."

"Nice try Harley but I'm not falling for that...again."

"Gughhh, fine you caught us, good seeing ya again barber boy. Did you like the present we left ya?" Harley grinned while taking off her hood.

Jayden chuckled before noticing some people coming out of the bar, not wanting the two notorious criminals to be recognized and cause a panic he grabbed the two and pulled them into an alleyway behind the bar.

"Wow, who would've thought you were the dominant type Jayden," Ivy commented in a teasing manner.

Jayden rolled his eyes and replied." Just didn't want you to get recognized, your clearly wearing hoods for a reason. So why are you guys here..."

"Just here for a girl's night out, you know... getting drunk off our asses then somehow ending up in Mexico the next morning, and finding out you married to a guy named Jesus who believe it or not makes a mean bloody Mary..."

"..."

Both Ivy and Jayden looked at Harley oddly.

"What! That's a very possible thing that could happen you know..."

"Right...well then I guess I'll be seeing you ladies around, or not depending on if I find you in a pile of trash behind my shop again."

"Have a good night..."Jayden said with a smile as he started walking away, but he stopped for a brief second before turning around to stare at the two seriously.

"Oh but fair warning, if you guys go into that bar, and the next morning I find out it mysteriously burned down or was involved in an accident, I will know who to look for first...I will find you...and I will..."

"Welp, have a good night."

" Wait, what will you do, Jayden, JAYDEN!!!"

(I'll take a potato chip... and eat it!" - Death Note: Haha sorry let's get back to the chapter.)

Harley shouted his name eagerly awaiting what he was going to do, but Jayden had already disappeared into the streets of Gotham.

Harley pouted while Ivy forcefully pulled her friend with her.

Good thing that the alleyway Jayden had dragged the two in was the two villainesses' final destination.

Ivy stopped in front of a metal door and knocked on it with a specific pattern, a few seconds later the door automatically opened revealing a two-way elevator inside.

Ivy and Harley entered the elevator and pressed -3 on the elevator console before the doors automatically shut.