Hello fellow SM fanfictionites! Welcome to my first ever fanfiction posting! It is complete but I am currently going over the pages, proof reading and breaking it up into chapters. I hope to get some feedback if it is only to say you read it. This story is a bit cliché I guess but when I write something it is usually cause the story itself keeps playing in my head over and over again until I write it down. So in a way this is more for me than it is for you ^_~. Any ways, I'm sure you guys didn't click this link to read my babbling, so here it is, The Customer is Always Right.

The Customer is Always Right

Aya Falkner

CH. 1

So it begins...

WAH WAH WAH WAH! Was the first time Serena heard as consciousness did more than softly return to her, it punched her in the gut. The 22 year old was quickly sitting up and finding her alarm. She beat the off button into submission and allowed her heart to slow. She hated awaking with a heart attack every morning, but not being a morning person, Serena found it was the only way she would get up in the morning. Once her pulse had returned to normal, she slung the covers off of her body and headed into her bathroom. Before she got dressed, she paused at her mirror and looked at her naked form. Her pale skin matched that of the moon when it is full and her golden tresses fell in soft waves to her waist. She couldn't help but pick at her flaws, ones that only she truly saw. She was just like any other woman, they are their own worse critics. Serena signed to herself in resignation as she gave up on her reflection. She dressed quickly in a pair of light denim Capri shorts that stopped just below the knee and a white tank top. She threw on a loose t-shirt that was tie-died and cut so it fell off one of shoulders. It had a picture of a steaming coffee cup and a beer mug side by side on the front and a name printed at the top in big black letters that read "Sweet Nectar of Life". Serena made herself a bowl of cereal then ducked out her window onto the fire escape to eat it. The sun had not yet peaked up over the high rises and the air was a thick dull gray, but the city of New York was already buzz with life. It's one of the things she missed about this city, it truly never sleeps. Her spoon clattered in her empty bowl and she raised her arm to glance at her watch. "Shit!" She was going to be late. With a deft move, she ducked back into her apartment, slipped on a pair of bright pink converses, slipped her purse over her body, and locked the door.

Serena tried to read her book as she swayed back and forth on the subway, but she found herself secretly people watching. The current cargo varied from over privileged, high society kids on their way to school to tired, third shift workers catching some sleep on their way home. It angered her how little two particular girls seemed to care that the poor woman near them was trying to sleep as they gossiped loudly about their disappointments in life. The current blow to their egos was the lack of understanding one of their parent's had towards the girl's need for another nose job.

"See look at this hack job?! I wish my parents cared more. They didn't even take the guy to court, they just settled for a million. A MILLION, can you believe that crap! I look like a monster and that wack job gets to keep ruining faces!"

Serena looked closely at her nose. She couldn't see anything wrong with it. Clearly the girl had no clue that at her age her nose would look completely different by the time she turned 18. She giggled at the thought of telling the girl this, but she did nothing. She had seen way too many videos on Youtube of "subway confrontations". Serena put her book away and began the task of french braiding all of her, still damp, hair. What she would do with a million dollars...she would product her music that's for sure. Barissta by day, singer song writer by night, Serena dreamed of the day she could afford to do her true calling for a living.

Serena pushed through the masses of people as she rushed to "The Nectar", cursing the subway's inability to ever have a stop that wasn't closer than three blocks form her destinations. Breathless, she put her key in the door and pushed her way in. The air conditioned, dimly lit room reeked of coffee and sweets, instantly calming her already frayed nerves. She could tell today was going to be a long day. It was a good thing she loved her job. Her lifelong friend Mina and the owner, Mina's brother Andrew who was like her brother, where use to her strange eccentricities since they had all grown up together. Along with the pastry chief, Lita, who did things to cupcakes that would make Gods cry from the pleasure, the four were almost always there and had all become close friends. The best part was that Andrew let her play her music there once a week, she had even developed a small but faithful fan club. Smooth jazz played softly over the speakers now as Mina was setting the place up sliding deletable pastries into the display. Mina had golden tan skin and long strawberry blonde hair that stopped mid back. When her summer tan faded, she could be Serena's sister.

"Serena! Right on time!"

"I'm ten minutes late, Mina."

"I know, but for you that's on time!"

"Oh, har, har, har!"

Serena pinned her name tag on and began setting up the gigantic espresso machine and drip coffee. Lita suck her head out from the kitchen in back. Lita was a good foot taller than her with lightly olive skin and long honey brown hair that fell just past her shoulders.

"Good morning Serena!"

"Good morning! Any new creations today?"

"I had a dream last night about this cake I have to try now. It was a rum cake that I covered in a chocolate gamache..."
"Lita, Lita please. You are making me hungry. Stop talking and start making!" Mina begged.

"Yeah, tell us what it is while we are eating it!" Serena added.

"Okay, okay," then disappeared into the kitchen again.

"I'm pretty sure I've gained weight since moving back here and taking this job!" Serena wined.

"I gained at least five when I first started. But I'm glad you came back!" Mina said with a wink.

Serena moved to California for college, but after four years she found she actually missed the rain. So she took her degree and ran back home. Believe it or not, she found people in Cali to be more superficial than the ones in NYC. It was full of even more rich kids, complaining about their nose jobs.

As the clock hit 8 a.m. Serena unlocked the door to allow the caffeine addicts deprived of their daily dose in. The place was soon filled with suits as they shouted out their orders. This was the part of the day that Serena thrived in. It was high adrenaline as she slung out one order after another. It always lasted an hour but it was total chaos the entire time. Most of them where regulars and Serena didn't even need to hear their orders. Many just simply said "Hello" to her and gave money to Mina. Even in the sea of suits it wasn't hard to spot Amy, one of their regulars, with her short, dark blue head poking out in the crowd. Amy worked for some big corporation but Serena didn't know the name of the place. All she knew was it was some business that boomed to life while she was away. In the four years it had managed to have it's finger in almost every big business in New York. It sounded like an evil corporation to her as most corporations did. But I guess it can't be too bad if they let Amy dye her hair that color. As soon as she saw her, Serena began her usual order, even before finishing the ones who had ordered before her. Two large cappuccinos and a large americano with two extra shots of espresso. Amy was sweet but a bit on the quite side, never one to fight for her place in line.

"Hey Amy! Running a bit late today?"

"Yeah. Afraid I'm going to have to be quick today." Amy said sadly.

"Aw no! I'm sorry!" Serena really liked Amy, she was just so sweet and soft spoken. She usually stayed for a few minutes to talk.

"Well, here you!"

"Fast as usual! Thanks, you saved my butt! See you tomorrow."

Amy made it to the door with her heavy order only to have it pushed into her by an over zealous guest entering.

"Dammit!" Coffee scorched her chest and stomach leaving a brown stain down the front of her dress.

"Head to the back Amy, get cleaned up."

Amy had started to cry, "This is just perfect! Now I'm going to be late, my boss is going to kill me!"

'Don't worry Amy, I'll have your order ready by the time you come back, now hit the bathroom!"

The reaction was very out of character for Amy, she was always quite and smiling. Something must be really wrong. Serena quickly assembled another batch of coffee for Amy. The morning rush had died down by now anyways, the only ones left were the writers and those who had nothing else better to do on a Friday morning than sit in a coffee house all day.

Her order was finished when she returned, but she still looked upset. Serena put a gentle hand on hers.

"Amy. What's up? I've never seen you upset, not even when it's raining cats and dogs!"

"We can't all be happy all the time like you Serena."

"..."

"I'm sorry Serena, that was uncalled for. It's just...my boyfriend has been acting weird lately. I think he is going to break up with me." Her eyes filled with tears again. Serena pulled her into the best hug she could with the counter between them.

"That's rough. I know how that feels, trust me!"

"Yeah, we've all been there girl!" Mina added.

"I'm sorry to bother you guys with it. Especially with you guys busy at work." she frowned guiltily.

"Tell you what, why don't you swing by here later when we are off. Around 6? I'll buy you a beer and we can talk about it?"

"Really?!...Okay...I'll see you later then."

Andrew, had arrived just as Amy was collecting her order for the second time and walked past him.

"Tell me Serena, is there anyone who doesn't love you?"

"Hmmmm...record labels?!" She smirked.

"Well I think all that time in California made you soft. You have to be one of the nicest people in New York!"

"Hey!"

Andrew turned to see four, offended eyes on him. "I said ONE of the nicest. I'm looking at the other two!"

"So, what brings you in boss man?"

"Conference call."

"Since when do you have conference calls?" Mina asked with Lita leaning on the counter next to her, both confused.

"Since I hired the three loveliest and most talented ladies and business has been blooming. The Shields Corporation has taken an interest in our little place and wants to invest!"

"Really?!" Mina screamed.

"That's great Andrew!" Lita offered.

"Yeah maybe now you can take that vacation you have been putting off for, how many years now?"

"Oh gosh, how long has this place been open? Yeah Rita is really excited about it too. Maybe now we can afford to put the kids through college. So keep sharp ladies, I hear that if the Shields corp is really interested in a place they tend to swing by and check it out!" Andrew pleaded.

No one, not even Serena realized, that the quickly made americano with two MISSING shots of espresso was on it's way now to the Shields Corporation.

Darien's eyes opened to the sound of his timed, automatic blinds opening. After his morning workout and shower, he put on his robe and sat at a table that had his usual coffee and grapefruit waiting him. He leisurely ate as he read the morning paper. Most people just watched the news these days, but he enjoyed the feeling of the paper in his hands. It was foggy and gray outside, but as he looked down out of his park view apartment he could see cars and people moving around. It's one of the things he loved about this city. It never seemed to sleep. Darien dressed in his three piece, gray Armani suit, taking his time to make sure everything was straight and in order. Darien was the tall, dark, and handsome type with strong facial features, ebony hair, and a slight tan on his skin that suggested that he got out of the city more than others. He took good care of his body and it showed with his broad shoulders and firm chest. An older man, who was steeped in wisdom appeared in the doorway of his bedroom.

"Mr. Shield's? Your car is ready."

"Thank you Richard."

Richard handed him his briefcase and Darien reciprocated with a thankful pat on his shoulder and they walked together to the door.

"Will you be dinning in or out tonight sir?"

"Out. Michelle will be joining me so could you have the car pick us up around 6?"

"Of course sir." A displeased look spread on his face, but he didn't voice a single objection.

"Thank you..."

Darien was just getting settled in his office when his assistant, Amy walked in. She was a pretty young woman with dark blue hair. That's why he hired her though, she had to have some spunk to dye her hair such a color. She was always quite and respectful, which he liked, but if he pushed enough he could get an honest opinion from her. No matter how offensive it was.

"Good morning sir." she muttered as she set his coffee in front of him.

"Good morning Amy. Everything alright? You look a little...frazzled today."

She opened up her blazer to reveal the coffee stain down the front of her dress. He sighed in slight aggitation.

"Take a long lunch today and go home and change. You can take a car if you like. Alright, well what do we have today."

Amy began to ramble off his list of meetings and duties for the day. The two that stood out was a meeting with two possible investments. One was a coffee shop and one was a club. The club was was here to see him, they wanted him to invest, which he was not looking forward to. He preferred it when he picked and sought out his investments. However, the coffee shop was a delight for him. He got his coffee from them everyday and he thought they should be bigger than Starbuck's. It was his idea to invest in them so he had high hopes for it.

"Sir, Mr. Deemond is here."

"Show him in."

Club owners. They always seemed to be so slick and slithery. The man in front of him was no exception. Apparently, the man already owned a "successful" club and wanted to open a few more.

"Look, I know your company doesn't do clubs..."

"That's because clubs come and go."

"But my place is different! Why don't you come and check it out for yourself. I'll put you on the V.I.P. List and if you show up then I'll show you around, but if you don't then no harm done."

"No pressure huh?"

"Exactly."

"I'll think about it. Now if you'll excuse me." He gestured towards the door.

"Yes, yes of course." Mr. Deemond said as he rose and extended his hand. "Thank you for meeting with me today."

"Yes, have a good day."

After he had left, Darien turned to Amy.

"Well what do you think?"

Amy seemed to think about what she was going to say for a minute. Maybe deciding if it was appropriate.

"Just give me your honest opinion."

"He seemed nice enough, but clearly over confident in himself."

"He did seem a bit full of himself didn't he. Have you ever been to his club?"

"I don't really do that. Do you mind if I go to lunch?"

"Fine, I can handle the next meeting."

"Your sure you don't need me?"

"It's just a short conference call. Besides, I'm not afraid of him."

"You would be if he held your livelihood in his hands..." She tensed, fearing she had spoken out of turn.

"I am the one with your livelihood in his hands. You should stop fearing him." And with that he walked to his father's office.

Darien knocked but entered without an answer. His father was on the phone barking at someone. Typical. What was strange was that he seemed to be talking about wall paper.

"Why don't you just put hundred dollar bills on the walls, it would be cheaper!" Then he slammed the phone down.

"This "decorator" your mother hired is going to end up decorating my coffin if she continues to bleed me dry."

"First off, Denise is hardly my mother. She isn't even old enough. And second, that is what you get for giving her the okay to redecorate in the first place. I would thought by now, what with all your marriages, you would have learned to not fall for that trick."

He sighed, "Your right son. Is what is this place we are looking into again?"

"It's called "Sweet Nectar of Life". You've gotten your coffee from there for over a year now father."

"Oh yes, yes that's right. Great cappuccinos."

"Well they sell wine and beer too. They have live music every night as well."

"Have you checked it out yet?"

"No but Amy really likes it and I believe they are a strong investment."

"Whose Amy?"

"My assistant...She brings you your coffee every morning...she has blue hair?"

"AH, yes her. What about that club?"

"No not yet. He put me on the V.I.P. List tonight though,"

"Great. A young single man such as yourself should enjoy something like that."

He didn't fight him on it. Even though he hated clubs he had been looking for an excuse to get out of his "date" with Michelle. They were in an on again off again relationship that he was beginning to grow tire of again. They only got together when he was bored. Michelle was woman from money, the kind of woman his father would approve of. Which is why they probably got together in the first place, but they kept getting back together cause the sex was good.

"I'm ready for lunch, so let's get this call over with." His father stated, uninterested. Looks like I'm going to have to do some convincing on this one.

Andrew emerged from the office well after the lunch rush. Serena, Mina, and Lita were stuffing themselves with the lunch Lita whipped up for them.

"Oh my god, Andrew. You have to try this!" Mina exclaimed.

Lita had made a Pane Ripieno, or stuffed bread for us non gourmets, with sun ripened tomatoes, mozzarella, ad basil pesto and the new cake creation. Andrew did not have to be asked twice.

"So, how did the call go?" Serena asked.

"I think it went well. They are definitely interested. Apparently, they have been getting their coffee from us for a year now and they really like our stuff. Serena, what ever you are doing, keep it up!"

"Your welcome, your welcome. But if you hadn't trusted me more than the evil Starbuck's I wouldn't have made your coffee so amazing."

Andrew nodded as he took his first bite and with a shocked look turned to Lita.

"And you! If you keep this up we will all have gained five pounds like Mina!"

"Hey! You said you couldn't tell!"

"I can't but you still did."

"No one appreciates me." Mina said in mock sadness.

"I'm just kidding Mina! If you hadn't come in and helped fix up the place, I wouldn't have lasted another week."

"I'm surprised you lasted as long as you did Bro, with the shape this place was in. Seriously, Serena, you should have seen it. Bright red walls and green booths!"

"Shit, really? Andrew you should be ashamed!"

"Yes, and I was. Now get back to work." he said as he made a whip sound and gesture.

As it hit five, the night crowd began to come in. People who had late shifts got coffee and people just getting off work got beer or wine. Both if it had been a rough day. Serena was busy sweeping when Mina stopped her.

"Serena, what are you doing? It's 5:30!"

"Oh crap really." She said glancing at her watch.

"Hurry up and get in the back before he..."

But it was too late. Mr. Deemond walked up to the counter. He wrote gray slacks and a pale pink collar shirt that had too many buttons unbuttoned at the top and revealed his chest hair and gold chain around his neck. His long platinum blonde hair was pulled into a low pony tail at the nape of his neck. He looked like a romance novel cover gone horribly wrong and so sleazy. He stopped by every Friday at the same time, trying to get into her pants no matter how many times she told him no.

"Hey beautiful."

"Hello Mr. Deemond."

"Serena, we go through this every day. Just call me Travis. So, you free tonight?"

"Actually I have plans with my friends."

"On a Friday night? So no date then?"

"No not tonight."

"Well if you get lonely, you know your name is always on the list. You can bring your friends if you want!"

"Maybe." She replied handing him his usual.

He made sure to touch her hand as she handed it to him, without taking his eyes off of Serena. Then handed a twenty over to Mina.

"Keep the change. Hope to see you tonight, later beautiful."

As soon as the door closed behind him, Serena began to fidget and shake like she a touched something gross. A few of the other customers watched her and laughed.

"Ug, I feel like I need a shower every time I have to talk to him."

"Serena don't you think your just a bit too picky? He's not that bad." Mina defended.

"Yeah I guess, but something about him bugs me. Maybe it's all his money."

"So now your against rich people?" Lita asked.

"No, just rich people who act rich. You know, like there better than other people. Did you see how he shoved his money in Mina's face? No thank you!"

The girls laughed and shook their heads, but they wouldn't find it so amusing if it was bugging them like he did her.

"I'm done for the day Amy."

"Alright Mr. Shield."

"Oh, and the coffee today was weak. You should tell them that they should pay more attention and get an order right. Especially on that hasn't changed in a year or they might lose my business."

The elevators doors shut before Amy could say anything.

Serena was just clocking out when Amy walked in. She was so glad she came, she could tell that the girl really needed a friend right now. Serena didn't know if she had any, a girl as sweet as her had to but Serena liked her too much to let her possible other friends have her tonight.

"Hey, Lita? You gonna take a break from your hubby tonight and join us?"

"Oh, I can't. Nick is going out of town on Tuesday so we are going to...pack."

Mina emerged from the bathroom. "Yeah right. Keep that up and you guys are going to be three sooner than planned!"

Lita blushed while she gave us all hugs and kisses goodbye.

"Well, guess it's just us three tonight." Mina said as they looked to Amy.

"Amy, you look better already."

"Yeah my boss let me go home a change."

"Well...that was nice." Serena said, surprised.

"Yeah. He's a nice guy, he's just...so serious."

Serena grabbed beers and took it over to the waiting ladies. It took a beer and a half to get Amy to relax and open up.

"So Amy. Spill. What's been going on." Mina didn't mind prying. She was like some weird love guru.

"He has been distant. I tried to get him to talk to me about it but he says it's nothing. He's seeing someone else isn't he?"

"No, there could be plenty of reasons." Mina said with uncertainty. Turning to Serena in secret worry for their friend. They needed to get her mind off it.

"Why don't we go out? That should get your mind off things." Serena offered.

"Yeah, we could go dancing!" Mina squealed.

Amy sadly replied, "But it's a Friday night. What club is going to let us in?"

"I know of one." Mina said with a devilish look.

"No! No no no no no. Absolutely not!" Serena tried to put her foot down.

"What? Where do you want to go?" Poor Amy had no clue of the goings on.

"How would you like to go to Club Diamond?" Mina purred.

Amy perked up a bit, "Really? My work is looking into that place. It wouldn't be bad for me to check it out."

"You hear that Serena? Amy wants to go."

"Mina, we aren't even dressed for it!" Serena was trying to find a way out of this. Mina was not being fair.

"My place is right around the corner. You guys can borrow some of my clothes!"

"We don't have to go Serena, if you don't want to." Sweet Amy. She was so considerate. Unlike her "best" friend right now. But Mina was right. Amy needed this and it would be the only club they could get into tonight.

Darien called Michelle canceling their evening. He told her it was work, which was true but he knew if he had told his father about the date he could have gotten out of it. But he didn't want to. He hated clubs but he hated the thought of another night with Michelle mre right now. Richard was surprised to hear the change of plans but barely hid his happiness at another Michelle-less night. He ignored it and went to get dressed for this club. He put on a pair of dark jeans and a dark green polo shirt. He had no clue what people wore to these kinds of places but he didn't want to go in one of his suits. He feared some sticky drink getting sholshed onto him by some drunken fool. The goal on these sorts of trips was to be unnoticed to get a true perspective of the establishment. He hoped his outfit would allow for that as well. He ran a wet hand through his hair to give it a messy look an set off to work.

Okay so maybe coming to Mina's for clothes was a bad idea. A frequent clubber, Mina had a large array of "club" clothes. All of them tight and all of them skimpy. Some how Mina had talked her into a white dress that was more like a towel. It was made of a silky material and stretched tight across her body. She had to take off her undies to keep them from showing! If it's tightness didn't reveal enough, the length of the dress did. It stopped mid thigh and the neck line left little to the imagination as it scooped low and showed a lot of cleavage. Two tiny straps held it up and she hoped it would be enough! It looked more like a slip than a dress and Serena was starting to get suspicious that it was. She emerged from the bathroom to a chorus of whoops an hollars.

"Come on guys, I look ridiculous."

"No you don't. You look hot!" Mina yelled. Serena frowned.

"Look Serena, I know your into the whole "bohemian" look, but seriously you look stunning."

Amy had managed to talk Mina into letting her wear what she had on. But Mina made her loose the blazer so now she just had on a dark blue business dress that came to her knees. With it's thick straps, square neckline, and tight fit she still looked ready to party. Mina had on a pale yellow t-shirt dress with a thick brown belt around her tiny waist. The "dress" stopped right under her butt, if she bent over there would be trouble. But Serena seriously doubted she could in the high heels she was wearing.

"Now take that braid out of your hair!"

"Bossy much!"

"Just do it and sit." She pushed Serena down on the bed and began applying lipstick.

After some back ad forth, Serena convinced Mina to let her wear flats. Her winning argument was that she would never be able to walk let alone dance in such torture devices as the stilettos Mina shoved at her. After that, they were on their way. Serena seriously hoped Deemond wouldn't grope her too much tonight. But the look on Amy's face told her it would be worth it.