By the grace of some fate, the pre-show chaos ordered itself to the point Joseph's attention wasn't needed for anything. Technically, he was only the owner, but after centuries of owning and operating venues of various sizes, he could fill in for any crew position in a pinch. Unlike most owners and certainly most Kindred of his rank, he wasn't shy about rolling up his sleeves and doing work.
He'd nearly gotten to the stairwell when he was stopped by a pair of wealthy human patrons who wanted to chitchat before they were seated. It took all of his willpower to indulge in just enough small talk not to seem rude before begging off on some made up emergency.
Chantal and Melissa were clearly a little disappointed Rhys wasn't interested in extracurricular activities along with his meal, but the night was just getting started.
The taller girl sat down next to him. "You have a favorite spot, honey?" she asked as she reached for a glass of wine on the end table next to chaise. Some licks like the neck, some liked the wrist. Some liked other more intimately placed veins. Joseph had explained that blood from different parts of the body had different flavors, which was why many vamps favored one spot over another.
Melissa had gotten herself an hors d'oeuvre and a glass of wine from the table and settled on the arm of the chaise on Rhys' other side. Finishing her snack and washing it down with the wine, she draped herself across the back as well, idly brushing her fingers through his curls with her free hand. While she was as eager as Chantal to be fed on, she was willing to wait her turn.