Lumine X Venti Novels & Stories

Fine dining isn't exactly a priority when you're living off of the salary I am, but I've treated myself once or twice, when the occasion has called for it. But Ventine's makes all those other restaurants look like those cheap family chains - you know, the ones that offer "Two For" Tuesdays and $6 pitchers of margaritas on Ladies' Night. Ventine's is swanky with a capital "S." White linens, silver fixtures, soft golden light designed to arouse all sorts of appetites. The walls are covered in dark, glossy wood paneling, and there's a long, marble bar backed by a mirror with silver filigree along the edges.

A pretty young lady with blue tipped hair comes to take their order. "What would you have?" She asks, a small note in her hand. Mika turns to Luc, who has been oddly silent since those calls he had blocked but now he's on his phone back. "I would have the creme brulee. It looks good from the small picture here." "There are sizes to it ma'am. Which would you like to have? Small, medium or large?" Luc is still not responding. "We'll take the medium and share it. I'd also like a caramel latte with extra cream." Mika nudges Luc. "What would you have?"

“What is that?” Blaze smiled. “It’s called a Montana Sky. It has lemonade, elderflower gin, and lavender syrup. Want a sip?” She offered it to Amerie, who hesitantly sipped. Her eyes widened. It was sweet and refreshing, and reminded her of a spring day. “Wow.” Amerie said. “I’m definitely getting that next.” Blaze grinned. “Careful. It’s almost as dangerous as my shop.” She winked. Amerie couldn’t help but laugh.

I sit quietly, sipping a glass of water as Vivian makes a grilled cheese sandwich and cuts it into tiny squares the way Victory likes it. I stare out the double glass doors at the glittering blue waters of the infinity pool, thinking all variety of dark thoughts as the most important females in my life chatter, light and happy, like two budgies. After her snack Victory runs off to the elaborate playroom they keep for her here, and Vivian sits down at the table across from me. She folds her arms on the table in front of her and waits. I tell her everything.

"Venti caramel ribbon crunch frappuccino, extra banana, extra sprinkles, extra caramel, extra whipped cream, extra ice, extra cinnamon topping, and seven pumps of black caramel sauce." Zoe looked at Sara, who was ordering a colorful drink, with her mouth wide open. She only needed two words to order her drink earlier: warm Americano. The barista behind the counter remained unfazed; she was accustomed to such situations. She even smiled as she handed Sara her vibrant order and Zoe's plain black one.

m. "Good morning! What can I get started for you?" I arch a brow. "A venti iced caramel macchiato, double shot, oat milk. Extra caramel drizzle. Like, drown me in it. I'm barely holding it together." His fingers pause over the screen, lips twitching like he's fighting to keep a straight face. Poor thing. Work policy, I get it... but if he wants to laugh, he should just let it out. I'm not liable for snorts.

The waiter said. “Yes please. Some sparkling water and still water for the lady. Make sure there's plenty of ice... like a lot of ice." Vincenzo said in a friendly manner. "Certainly sir. I'll be back in a few." The waiter nodded politely and walked off through the melee of tables. I looked at him. “Oh they have Wulle Acescence my favorite, Lirtin Amabile, Grenee Rosso. What's your choice?” I couldn't even speak. I looked at him.

For a heartbeat, I worried I’d said too much, or too little. “With this being said,” I exhaled softly, steadying my voice, “I present to you what I might call Lumé. From Lumen, meaning light, representing purity and subtlety.” Cassia walked forward with poised confidence, handing the slender bottle to Mr. Julien first, then to the other board members. The bottle itself shimmered faintly under the light, frosted glass with a golden rim, simple yet magnetic. Julien turned it over in his hand, inspecting it like it was something rare. He pressed the nozzle, a soft pssst filling the air, and mist rained over the test strip. He waved it lightly, then lifted it to his nose.

"Fantastic.” "Yes. If you stop being a brat, I can tell you what the Somnaris Bloom looks like before you kill someone." I inhaled sharply, biting back an insult. "Fine. Describe it." "Dark blue petals, thin stem, a little bigger than your palm. It smells faintly like wintermint. Look for that." I rummaged through the bag again, cursing Seraphina for not labeling anything, and finally found a jar with dried blue petals. "Got it."

Sky added while pointing towards Riley. “Yes, sir. Of course, sir. May I know your order?” asked the waiter politely while giving the menu to each of them. “Two diamonds Martini” said Sky while ordering for him and Liam. “They have diamond Martini here? I went to Tokyo just to drink that” said Luke in an utter shock. “Yeah, it is directly imported from Tokyo itself” said Sky smiling. “Now that’s something impressive!” said Luke with an admiring tone. “I will have a Black Pearl Louis XIII Anniversary Edition By Remy Martin, get me a complete bottle” said Mark in a cold tone.