[Appleoosa] It's nothing personal [Private]

[Bannhammer]

Normally Max had somepony else do this job. But, this wasn’t a usual business meeting. The stallion stood at the platform in the newly built Appleoosa central station. It was starting to cool down in the frontier town, with winter fast approaching. Thankfully, he was snug in his Mess Jacket, with a nice scarf (mostly for decoration) wrapped around his neck.

After their third encounter, this one at the gala, Max asked miss Martini Paradise if she would take him up on his offer to discuss business over dinner. Of course, he had apologized profusely to the small filly Brazil Nut’s bickering had caused, but thankfully the spat hadn’t turned the bar mare away. Now he stood on the platform, waiting for her to arrive.

Maximilian had an odd time preparing himself for this meeting. The pony arriving in town that day was a pony he respected, though whether or not he fancied her was still up for debate. That in and of itself would be a large problem, but the fact that she seemed to be in a relationship with the stallion that Max despised above all others only made things more complicated. Brazil Nut had tormented him when they went to school, bullying and picking on him endlessly simply for being of ‘better stock’.

While Max had tried to move on, he still bore that infuriating stallion ill will. So why was he inviting Miss Martini Paradise to Appleoosa to discuss business? Surely, Max thought, it was because this mare possessed an impressive ability, and Max saw use for it. Though, the idea that it was something else nagged at his mind. Did he wish to steal her away; was it all simply an effort to spite Brazil?

“Quiet, old boy, this is for business. You have a job offer for the mare, and nothing else. Don’t even give Brazil a moment of your thoughts, he’s not worth the brain power.”

The Rockefilly shook his head, thinking to himself in the busy station. If he couldn’t answer those questions by himself, they would be answered soon enough.

He had asked the lovely mare to take the soonest train, and the one currently rolling into the station seemed to be the one in question. Taking a deep breath, Maximilian wore his best smile as the lumbering engine crawled to a halt.

[brianblackberry]

Martini Paradise was on her way to Appleloosa. Here she was sitting on a train on an overnight trip to the edge of civilization, curious to learn of the reason behind the invitation she had received to visit the frontier town by one Maximilian Rockefilly. All the pink unicorn mare knew is that it was some sort of business proposition, at least that was the gist of it from the brief conversation the two had at the end of a very busy, and hectic night at the latest Grand Galloping Gala.

Normally Martini would not travel so far simply for what appeared as a job proposal. Although her career has consisted of temporary work, traveling from place to place around Equestia over the years, the best or longest lasting jobs were usually found in closer proximity to the capital, Canterlot. It was there where scheduled events and busy inns were always looking for skilled bartenders, not so out on the frontier where the only such jobs usually were reserved for the bar owners themselves.

Appleloosa seemed like such a dim prospect that it was only due to the fact Maximilian was a wealthy business pony of some regard that motivated her to accept his invitation. Perhaps this could be that big break, a permanent position that paid well. Still… Why meet at Appleloosa? It didn't seem like the type of location one would find an upper crust Canterlot pony such as Max; in fact it sounded right out of place for him from what she knew of the western settlement. Brazil on the other hoof…

Before she could think on that any longer the conductor announced they had arrived. Martini levitated her own suitcase behind her as she trotted slowly down the narrow aisle and exited the train. The station outside was a simple building with a single ticket booth, the platform before it only large enough to accommodate a dozen ponies at the most. The good news meant that he should be easy to spot. Hopefully her simple looks- Mane in a ponytail, a simple headscarf, would be sufficient for her usually formally dressed host.

As she looked about, she quickly spotted the white unicorn with the golden mane, he was always quite attractive, especially in his jacket and scarf, even if the attire looked out of place among the rustic buildings and country folk around them. Martini quickly trotted up to Max with her best smile, "hello Maximilian, er I mean Mr. Rockefilly, it is good to see you again! Thank you for inviting me out here!"

Stay professional; the first impression is always the most important one.

[Bannhammer]

Max looked over his shoulder at the new train station being built in a different part of town. It was a shame that it wasn't ready yet, but the trans continental railroad still needed some time. It would have been nice to show off his personal project to the mare, but if she accepted her offer, perhaps she could witness its completion.

Now now, Max, don't get ahead of yourself. He scolded himself, adjusting his sleeves one more time as passengers stepped from the train.

Perhaps having the small station wasn't so bad, as it allowed Maximilian to immediately recognize Martini on the platform. She looked stunning, even with nothing but a scarf. The stallion smiled as she approached, bowing a little in respect.

"Thank you for coming, Miss Martini! And please, call me Max. This is a business trip, but I get enough formality from everypony else."

Still smiling, he motioned with a hoof.

"I could have your bag taken to where you're staying, if you wish?"

The rich stallion gave Martini a moment to take care of her things, before slowly starting to trot towards town. He felt that things were going well so far, but it was only the beginning. Let he mare get comfortable, it would probably help things get along.

"Now, I know that I asked you here, but before we get down to business, I think it would be fair for you to have the chance to ask anything you like. I know it must be strange meeting me in Appleoosa."

[brianblackberry]

Martini Paradise just smiled politely at first, sticking with the usual formal pleasantries that she was accustomed to when it came to interviews, which she was still sure this was. "It is my privilege to be hear Mr. Rocke- er, Max." It felt strange, given the circumstances to call the white maned stallion by the informal shortened version of his name, but she knew staying formal despite his request would be a serious faux pas on her part; something you don't do as part of job interview 101.

She placed her lone bag down on the platform taking Max up on his kind offer, "well I am just staying at the small hostel at the edge of town." Hostel was a generous word, it was more of a barn than anything, but it was only one bit a night and money was tight at the moment, so it was all the pink unicorn could easily afford. Hopefully Maximilian wouldn't look down upon her for staying at such a place, yet again he wasn't likely to be familiar with the town, right?

Martini followed behind the wealthy unicorn unsure what to ask at first in response to his opening up to questions. She was curious to why Appleloosa, but she was also mindful to be sure to not appear unappreciative of the opportunity that no doubt would be presented to her, or so she hoped. "Well I have to admit Maxim- er Max, I was surprised to learn that you wished to talk business in such a remote location, I was under the impression you lived and worked in Canterlot." That really wasn't a question, more of a statement, so Martini went with what she knew well when times called for it, bluntness for her first actual question of the night. "So what brings you out to Appleloosa, travel, vacation? It doesn't seem like a place for a pony of your.. caliber"

[Bannhammer]

Max smiled slyly as she verbally stumbled over his name. It seemed that she would need some time to get used to his informality, but that was fine. He would not hold it against her, though, as he was asking a lot of her. He nodded at her words, starting to trot off the platform and head for town.

Her next words confused him a little, as he couldn’t recall a hostel on the edge of town... unless she meant... “Wait, you mean that barn? Miss Paradise, I would be terribly out of line not to offer you a place to stay overnight. There’s no need for you to inconvenience yourself by spending money when you’ve been invited all the way out here. I insist that you stay the night someplace better, consider it part of our business efforts.”

The Rockefilly offered a genuine smile, doing his best to keep things lighthearted. Surely the mare didn’t expect him to make her foot the bill for her trip? That would be rude, to say the least. After giving a moment to Miss Paradise so that she can think things over, he decided to address her next comments.

“Canterlot served as my business hub, the place where I doubled the family fortune and became the richest pony in Equestria. My home was Manehattan, as that’s where the Rockefilly family comes from. But I’ve moved out here, and made it my new home. The ponies here have been more of a family to me than my own flesh and blood, and the dusty streets have felt more cozy than a mansion or estate.”

He paused, stopping in his tracks as he looked around the town.

“I’m sure Brazil has told you a lot about me, how accurate it is has yet to be seen, but that is not why we’re here. Would you like to drop your bags off first, or grab a meal and get a headstart on business?”

[brianblackberry]

Martini Paradise smiled with a blush as Maximillian offered to pay for her accommodations although he couldn't see her expression as she walked behind him; if there was one thing Martini appreciated, it was gentlestallion behavior. "Well that is very kind of you Max, and I accept, but on one condition, call me Martini, 'kay?" The informality should go both ways after all, and besides her calling him "Max" while he referred to her as "Miss Paradise" sounded akin to a young pony addressing their elder. Martini may be a mom, but she was no old mare yet, not by a long shot!

She listened as Rockefilly answered her question about meeting in Appleloosa, genuinely taken aback when he mentioned that he actually moved to the frontier town. Martini had met a great many upper-crust types ponies in her life bartending, especially in places like the Gala. They were rather like nobility, just without any formal titles, and they loved being associated with wealth, leisure, privilege, and prestige, which meant living in places like Canterlot or Manehatten while viewing the rest of Equestria as some sort of backwoods boondocks and the residents as mere rubs; most such ponies wouldn't even want to step hoof in a place like Appleloosa let alone live here. Martini was now even more curious.

"I gotta admit, I am genuinely surprised to hear you live out here Max. So what brought you to this town?" She hoped, really hoped, that he wasn't going to give a song and dance about how he loved their home spun rustic values but was there to "bring civilization" to Appleloosa, which was just another way to say he was using his money to take over the town and drive ponies out of their livelihood for the sake of profit. It would be just so typical, but she had to give him a chance, after all he was giving her one, at least that was the assumption she was going with.

Before she could get her answer though, the conversation took a strange left turn when the white unicorn stallion brought up Brazil Nut. Martini was astute enough to know there was some kind of history between the dashing explorer and Maximilian and it wasn't good, but she didn't have the details… Yet. "Actually he has never mentioned you, in fact I didn't know you two knew each other until the Gala. As for my bags and food, I'd love to see where you feel I should stay and then we can talk about everything over dinner. Sounds good to ya?"

[Bannhammer]

Maximilian smiled warmly, nodding at her demand. It made sense, and he was glad to oblige. Of course, a gentlecolt had to wait for such a suggestion to be made, one never leapt to an informal conclusion.

“Very well, Martini, I can accept your compromise.” he chuckled softly as they walked, taking his sweet time.

The stallion pondered her words, thinking over her sentiment. He expected no less, ponies had a right to be suspicious of a wealthy pony moving out to the frontier. The ponies of the town trusted him once he proved himself, and he expected nothing less. It had taken quite some effort to get past their justified worries, but once he cemented himself among the ponies, they would always be at his side.

“To be completely honest, I must admit that my initial intention was to take over the town. I did not understand their customs or way of life, and I thought it would be easy to buy up everything and turn this place into my new headquarters.”

“Though, once I met the ponies and got a better view of their culture, I had a change of heart. Some ponies may call them ‘rustic’ or ‘old fashioned’, but I seriously hope that the ideas of chivalry, kindness, honesty, hard work, responsibility, family values, and community aren’t considered to be faux pas.”

“Now I work with the town folk, trying to bring prosperity to our town without compromising our way of life. Hard work and trust will bring this town to the place it deserves to be, as the crown jewel of the west. The train station is almost done, and will kick off the beginning of phase two, which is where you come in, Martini.”

Maximilian paused, holding a hoof to his chin as he pondered the fact that Brazil hadn’t mentioned him. “Well, I suppose that if one has nothing nice to say, it is better to say nothing at all, correct? Hopefully Brazil is following that mantra, and I do think I should do the same. I do not like him, especially after his attitude and actions towards me years ago, but if we can keep the past as water under the bridge, things will go smoothly. Let us hope we don’t run into eachother at the next gala, eh?

The unicorn shook his head, smiling softly at the notion. Brazil Nut and Max certainly had a history, with a lot of back and forth between them. Maximilian certainly didn’t care what the explorer thought of him, but a small part of him hoped that the rambunctious explorer could just see the changes he had made in his life.

“Anyway, enough of that nonsense, let us get to your accommodations!”

As they trotted on, Max’s estate rose over the horizon. It fit in rather well with the surrounding architecture, appearing to be some sort of old fashioned plantation style home. While some may see it as extravagant, for Max, it was relatively small. His mansion in Manehattan took up multiple city blocks, and this tiny abode only just eclipsed the other structures. On the right side of it stood a row of plain buildings side by side.

“I thought it would be best to have some housing put up alongside my new house, give back to the town, if you will. It’s not much, but as the landlord I can charge low rent, if any at all. The building closest to my estate is the guest house, and that is where you will stay the night, if that is alright. It compares rather well to a town home in Trottingham.”

The stallion waved with a hoof, motioning towards her bag. “If you would like to take a moment to put your things inside, I can wait here. It would give me time to ponder where to fetch dinner...”

[brianblackberry]

Martini Paradise smiled contently as Max appeared fine approaching this interview with an informal and casual demenor; it certainly allowed her to feel at ease. Some potential employers, especially those of the Canterlot set, insisted on business-like formality. While Martini could easily handle such situations, she found it uncomfortable to have to always be constantly vigilant in maintaining proper officialism, not slipping up by being too easygoing, pretty much of the opposite of her modus operandi at the bar. Besides, formality just didn’t seem to fit in with the down home, blue collar town she found herself in.

What was more impressive though was Max’s story. It appeared he initially came to basically conquer this small settlement as nothing more than another notch in his financial empire, but its values instead conquered him, or more specifically, his heart. “Well you certainly have my undivided attention now Max with your mention of this phase two, given that somehow involves an itinerant bartender.” Indeed, how could she be important enough to personally recruit as part of larger scheme to grow Appleloosa?

Whatever the reason, he certainly was going out of his way for her, even offering a free stay at a guest house, which given Max’s status, was going to be as nice as anything she could possibly hope for. “Well thank you Max, I really do appreciate it. I’ll just drop this lil’ bag off and then I’m all yours!” Oops! That may have sounded a little too informal. Martini just smiled with an embarrassed blush, “er, for dinner that is!”

She quickly trotted to drop off her belongings, no need to make him wait any. Curious to know what this will be all about, and just as curious about one other thing… What was the story between the white unicorn and Brazil Nut? Martini didn’t want to come out and ask right then and there when he mentioned their past, it would have been inappropriate, but perhaps once dinner got started, she could find out as part of the small talk.

[Bannhammer]

Maximilian chuckled loudly, shaking his head at her little slip up. “Don’t tease me so, Martini, a slip of the tongue can drive a stallion wild, don’t you know?”

She seemed ready to drop her things off, and Max gave her a small wave and smile as she trotted towards the entrance to the tiny home. From the outside, it matched the surrounding buildings quite well. Simple construction kept it sturdy, and with a certain appeal. The door was a solid piece of oak, strong enough to resist the harsh winds that sometimes blew through the arid land.

Upon opening the door, a cozy warmth, along with the scent of spiced apples, would be waiting for her. The layout attempted to maximize space, with the downstairs space divided into only three rooms, with no door between the largest two. A kitchen in the back could be seen through the open space, a bathroom sat beside it, out of view from the den. A love seat on one side, a sofa in the corner, and a lovely table in the middle ensured that an entire family could spend their time close together in that comfy space.

It was clear that Martini’s things belonged upstairs. If she took the time to venture up there, she could see that this space, while qualified as low rent housing, could easily rival any apartment. The openness of the bottom floor was discarded for privacy, with three separate rooms on the top floor. One was the master bedroom, with its own bathroom. Beside it stood another bedroom, for children or guests. The third room up there was another bathroom.

Inside the master bedroom was a queen sized bed, sitting upon a rustic styled frame. Plain cotton sheets sat upon it, with more attention paid to functionality than luxury.

Once Martini returned to Max, he was still smiling.

“I hope having that much room for one night isn’t a problem. Those spaces are designed for local families, not for enterprising mares such as yourself. If you do accept my offer, I can promise... well, it’s best not to discuss any potential housing arrangements right now. I’m sure you’d rather talk these things over. All I can promise is that employee benefits are second to none when one works for me.”

The stallion winked coyly, motioning with a hoof for the mare to follow her.

[brianblackberry]

Martini Paradise blushed at the white stallion's comments about her being a tease. He was being too kind, after all a pony such as he, one of the Manehattan elite, was way out of her league and undoubtedly he knew it too, how could he not? Of course so was Brazil Nut, and he certainly was willing to flirt, and more. The difference here though was that Mr. Rockefilly could potentially be her next employer, so despite the fact he was quite the handsome looker, it was best to keep the conversation professional, at least for now.

When Martini entered the cottage she was to stay at, she was so shocked that for a moment her horn stopped glowing, causing her bag to drop nearly to the floor before she caught it up in her green glow once again. The place was so luxurious! Martini of course had seen cottages like this, but never had she stayed in one, it was at least twice as big as any apartment she ever lived in. Despite the joy of being pampered so, or more accurately because of it, the pink unicorn mare began to worry. How could she possibly live up to this kind of treatment? After all she was just a bartender not some star attraction at a fancy resort. Why would he do this? Was Max really that generous, or was it something else?

She quickly returned, not sure what to say at first to his inquiry as she gave a coy smile, "oh! It's umm… just fine! I wasn't expecting anything so.. Nice, but I will be perfectly fine! Thank you!" What, did he say housing arrangements? As in actually living in there? This can't be happening, what was the catch? "Excuse me, I am not sure if I heard right, did you just say that cottage is a benefit of working for you… All expense pay?!"

Of course that made her wonder, what the hay job was he going to offer? He did know she was a bartender right? Not a show dancer or anything like that. Of course at this point she really would even consider accepting that job if it was offered if everything else was as generous as the home was. "Shall we… Er, have dinner? I am most eager to hear why I was so generously invited to come out to this fine town."

Keep it professional, keep it cool Martini.

[Bannhammer]

Max smirked at the mares confusion. That feeling was commonplace among the employees he met who saw the potential benefits. While Miss Paradise may not end up in quite the same kind of housing arrangement, she should overall be pleased with her lodgings, should she take his offer.

"I haven't really touched on where you'll be living, but..." He wore a pained expression for a moment, tempted to simply get some of the facts out into the open. With a shrug and dramatic sigh, he shook his head and relented.

“Well, I suppose there is no harm in beginning our talk as we walk...”

Again Maximilian motioned with a hoof for Miss Paradise to follow as he trotted towards dinner.

“Those cottages are for families that need a place to stay, but can’t afford high rent. They stay there, and for every bit they put towards buying a house, I match it. The idea is that within a few months of working and saving, the family can move on and somepony else can move into the cottage for a short time.”

They neared a humble establishment, and Max held the door open for Martini. He waited until they were seated to continue.

“What you would get depends on your situation. If you have a foal, or somepony else that will be living with you, then accommodations can be made. You’ll be living in a home of your very own, regardless.”

He followed up quickly, trying to quickly explain his thinking.

“More and more ponies come to this town every day, looking for work or investment. They live in the hotels and motels around Appleoosa, and where do they go when they want a drink? Appleoosa has its share of bars and taverns. Those places are good if you want a shot of bourbon and a salt lick, but not much else. I believe that having a bar in town that caters to ponies and creatures from all corners of the globe will do a lot of good.”

“Of course, the ponies in town who own bars shouldn’t be hurt by what I’m proposing, so i’ll make sure to accommodate them in any way they wish. Of course, once your bar opens up, I suppose you could hire them...”

Taking a deep breath, the Rockefilly rested his hooves on the table and smiled again. After a moment, a mock expression of surprise came over him.

“Did I just spoil the surprise?”

[brianblackberry]

Martini Paradise walking along side Max, albeit slightly behind, not wanting to be seen as presumptuous. She already felt slightly embarrassed when she assumed her accommodations would have been typical; of course such a large place would only be for an entire family and not a single pony, what was she thinking? Yet again, she did have a family, even if it was just herself and her daughter Sunrise Beach. Still she was sure such a nice place would normally be offered only to larger families. Martini was tempted to ask regardless when Maximillian brought up the scenario first. “Oh, well I do have a daughter, Sunrise Beach, currently she resides in Ponyvlle though to attend school. I am not sure how often she would be here“ It wasn’t the best situation, but a filly needed a stable environment and a formal education, not wandering from place to place with her itinerant mother.

Martini didn’t want to come right out and elaborate to as why Sunrise was away, and she was sure Max wouldn’t be interested anyway, why would he? This was an interview, nothing more, and she had to keep herself from pretending otherwise no matter how charming.. Or handsome the white unicorn was.

The conversation turned to the frontier town; no surprise there was a demand for bartenders in such a place. Of course if the job paid well and was stable, she would most likely agree. “I must say, this place does appear to be booming, and it really does feel far more established and law-abiding than many of the frontier towns I have visited.” Indeed, even with its rustic character, Appleloosa could easily fit in with the more established areas of Equestria.

She was about to inquire about the new tavern he was obviously planning to open when his exact words dawned on her… He said “your bar”, and “you could hire them”. What a minute… Was he saying what she thought he was saying? Martini stopped, stunned with a surprised and unsure look upon her face. “I’m sorry, I don’t want to presume, did you imply I would be.. I mean, I am here to be interviewed for the job of managing your tavern?”

Her real question, the one she had to ask next, and couldn’t help but inquire out loud before Max had a chance to respond to the previous one, “why me?”

Why indeed!

[Bannhammer]

“Ah, A daughter, well I do hope that we can find a way to give you more time together if you do in fact take the job.”

Maximilian considered elaborating on some of the benefits, maybe talking about the schooling options in town, but that all fell to the wayside, there was more immediate business to be taken care of first. As they sat at the table, Martini gave her own response to the town’s growth, and the rich stallion trotted along, nodding silently. She seemed to share his appreciation of the town.

“Sheriff Silverstar really takes care of the town, though his job has become a lot easier with the influx of investment. More jobs means less crime, it’s simple economics.”

It seemed that the mare had caught on to his intentions, and as it dawned on her, Maximilian steepled his hooves, elbows on the table.

“That is a very good question, and I believe that it deserves a thorough answer. First, though, a drink.”

Maximilian motioned with a hoof, bringing a waiter over.

“A pony grigio, if you please, whichever you recommend.”

As the waiter took Martini’s order and left, the stallion turned his attention back to the mare.

“Do you remember the gala where we first ran into each other? All sorts of creatures landed at your bar, and you served each and every one not only with a fantastic drink, but with an open mind, heart, and ears. If I wanted a pony who could simply mix drinks, there are a couple hundred in every city. There might even be a pony more gifted than you. But that’s not what I’m after. Appleloosa is a city filled with all types of ponies and gryphons and everything in between.”

“You are not only gifted at booze, which is a mighty important skill, but you’ve got a heart. If somepony needs a drink, you’ll give them one that blows them away. If somepony needs a set of ears to hear their problems or worries, you fit the bill as well.”

“So you ask, ‘why me?’, and the answer is simple: Appleloosa is a city of honest ponies who work hard. Who fits the bill better than you in that regard?”

[brianblackberry]

Martini Paradise was happy that Maximilian was willing to go that extra mile to accommodate the fact she had a daughter, and it knowing this was very important to her; that all being said though, her last question was still the most paramount one, “why me”. Hopefully he would be even more straightforward with that answer than he was with anything else thus far that evening.

His answer appeared to the point, if a bit flattering. He had to be sincere though, otherwise why bring her out here at all? Why go through this much effort if he didn’t feel she was the mare for the job? At first she wasn’t even sure what to say to it. Martini never had anyone say what she does as worthy of note before, outside her drink mixing skills that is; to her it was just natural to offer an open ear to whatever patron came up to her stand. Perhaps it was just the result of growing up on the Gallopocus Islands where all kinds of creatures came to visit, ponies, zebra, griffons, Arabian horses, and so forth. To her it just was common decency, every pony should do it.

“You are very kind Mr. Rockefilly, and I must admit I am very appreciative of your compliments about what I do and all, I.. Well, I am not sure what else to say to that, thank you.“ It seemed like such a golden opportunity, what else could she say? Oh yeah, she could say she accepts, but the reality was she wanted to know more before she made such a bold step. She wanted to know more about him as well. First though a safer, more professional question, “so tell me about this tavern of yours. What makes it different?”

[Bannhammer]

“No need to thank me. It was simply common sense that caused me to invite you out here. You’re the best mare for the job, as I said.”

He smiled again. While she may think that her attitude towards other species was simple decency, he knew that such thoughts should be far more commonplace. That, and her ability as a bartender, really helped his decision.

Of course, if he was honest with himself, there were other reasons. She was a lovely mare! If only she wasn’t with that darn Brazil Nut.... But alas, such thoughts were uncouth. This was to be a business relationship, and nothing more.

She seemed to be on the front hoof now, asking questions of her own. Max was more than happy to answer them, and he appeared happy at her professional line of questioning.

“Well, Miss Martini. The tavern will be nothing too special, in terms of it’s purpose. Though, I can assure you that it will have the most modern and comprehensive amenities known to ponykind. A single wall of spirits will not be enough! We’ve envisioned a wall that shifts and spins, enabling you to double the amount of drinks and mixers that you can have on hoof.”

“Within the bar itself, plenty more. A nice cold area for fresh fruit, a freezer for ice cream, and all the varieties of ice you could ever need. The bar would be large enough to fit two or three dozen customers, with plenty of space behind the counter for yourself.”

“As for the rest, seats and tables fit for all sizes and kinds. Anypony from anywhere can come and have a drink!”

[brianblackberry]

Martini Paradise looked a little shell shocked; Max was certainly going all out with the new place he was opening up. Truthfully it sounded like one of those elite clubs you would find not far from the castle in Canterlot. Instead he was opening such a venture in Appleloosa, no doubt to cater to all the frontier travelers and tourists, present and future. “Well that does sound amazing, and expensive. Such a place is a bold risk out here on the frontier Mr. Rockefilly, you must really believe in Appleloosa; I am honored you want me to help run such a fine establishment. I will do my best to make it succeed for you in my own small part. I guess that is my way of saying that I accept!” She gave a coy smile; this interview was going well and Martini was feeling finally at ease.

Of course up to this point she has been asking all of the questions, it wasn't quite fair, Max should feel just as relaxed to inquire about her as she was now about him. Martini put her hooves up on the table and rested her head on them. “Of course, it would only be right of me to answer any and all questions you may have regarding the mare you wish to have help manage the hospitality portion of your newest enterprise. So please, ask away, and please Mr. Rockefilly, be candid and do not worry about the subject.” She wanted him to know she was open, accommodating, and appreciative of his offer.

Perhaps she was flirting too, well just a little and no more than she would as a bartender, had to at least keep the appearance of professionalism after all even if he was cute.