I'D Forgotten The Taste Of Happy

1

"But of course, Maya. A gift deserving of such a spender, that is what you asked for is it not." Maya giggled before giving such a light sigh staring up at the chocolate dragon.

"You have a gift, Mr. Reade. Why must you squander it in... Park Row?" Jason felt heat blooming rage in his chest as he turned to give the woman a confused look, showing none of the anger he felt writhing in him. He knew exactly what she was doing now, and he was not happy. "Oh, come now. Surely you can see your talents are wasted on such a place as that. Why with your looks, talents, and charitable personality, why... you could even beat Ol' Brucie for Prince of Gotham."

"Well, that's high praise indeed." Jason had to focus to keep his tone light and airy, as Maya just tilted her head, letting her golden hair flow over her shoulder and onto Jason's with a smile that clearly showed it was intentional. "I don't believe I am quite to that standard. Bruce Wayne is a man of good fortune."

"Fortune, yes... Brains... not so much." Jason gripped his cup tighter feeling the green blur the edges of his vision just a bit. Relax, Jason... This is exactly what Bruce wanted with his playboy persona.

"Indeed." Jason forced himself to take another sip of his drink shoving all that residual anger down. Jason knew better than to be so defensive of his 'old' family anyway. There was nothing there to even defend. "He is very... oblivious."

"That's to state it mildly." Maya agreed, with a slight hum before spinning around and holding Jason's hands with a bright smile. "But you Mr. Reade... You built your business from the ground up at only 19. Established a well-known and prosperous charity and programs for the people of Park Row, including funding one of the largest orphanages of Gotham-..."

"You've sure done your research, considering I've kept my name out of everything." Maya just laughed, but Jason couldn't help but feel his suspicions rise. Sure Ms. Maya Samson was a civilian. He made sure to check before accepting the job. Still, she knew more about him than he was pleased about.

"You did, that's true. Your business, however... It's not hard to look into everything The Haven is associated with, Mr. Reade. " Jason's eyes twitched but Maya just kept smiling away as if she had caught her own little gem for her horde. "Your talents are wasted in Park Row. You're far too bright to wither away in such filth. If you allow me, I could boost you to far greater tighter heights. Get your name really out there for everyone to notice you." Maya winked as she glanced off to the side making Jason frown and follow her gaze. He should have expected it really. There was Bruce Wayne smiling away as he schmoozed the shit out of the high-end fuckers that no one really gives a shit about but is still forced to interact with. "Maybe even get Brucie Wayne to take notice... or at the least knock him down a peg."

"Now, Ms. Samson..." Maya's smile faltered a bit at the name as Jason gave her a small smile and a very knowing look. "It almost sounds as if you want to snatch me up."

"Well, I will admit having such a bright youth working with me would be beneficial for the both of us." Both of them... Jason groaned internally at the thought. The high-end families were nothing but vultures. Jason was going to have to watch himself more now if people were starting to take notice. He's had many big names take an interest in his food and sculpture but the last thing he needed would be the spotlight on him himself. He had thought his anonymous actions would keep the general public from looking too deeply but he supposed even the smallest fly can dredge up information if they have enough connection.

"Are you sure you just don't like the prospect of getting your name on The Haven?" Jason's tone gave the ascension of humor but the look in his eyes was a clear warning making Maya blank a bit on any sort of answer. "Well, as flattering as the thought is, Ms. Samson, I'm afraid you give me too much credit. I just run a restaurant. I provide catering and yes... I do create my edible sculptures but that is hardly anything to boast about. My participation in the outreach programs is nothing more than that. Participation in the programs of my city. I am nothing overtly special nor am I deserving of such warm praise."

"You humble yourself, Mr. Reade." was all Maya said as Jason handed her back the now-empty glass of champagne with a small smile. "You could be doing so much more than that rinky-dink hole in the slums."

"That Rinky-dink hole in the slums is my pride and joy, Ms. Samson and I am very proud of what I've accomplished. I'm afraid I'm just not ready to part with her just yet. I don't see myself leaving anytime soon." Maya sighed, waving it all off as if unimportant, but Jason could see the frustration clear as day in each twitch of her eye.

"Pity. Gotham would have surely benefited greatly from you, but I suppose the citizens of Park Row will be the only ones to reap the gifts of your presence. " Jason couldn't help his smirk as he brushed Maya's golden hair back.

"Believe me, Dear... You could do better than a born and bread kid from Crime Alley." Her eyes shot wide as Jason gave her a wink. "Now, I must be off. Can't be selfish and steal all of your time, now can I?"

"Of course not." Maya laughed watching as Jason turned away with a wave. "I'll be seeing you, Mr. Reade."

"Please..." Jason lulled with a knowing look as he shot her back one last smile. "Call me Jasper."

"So be it... Jasper." Maya smirked before walking away herself, letting Jason meander on his own.

Jason held in his growl as he tried to get himself to calm down. He always hated all those prissy fucks. They always thought they were better than everyone. Always talked shit about the alley and thought her people were literal trash. Of course, someone would try and pull him away from it, like that would ever happen.

"You good, Boss?" Jason groaned, letting his annoyance slip into his expression for just a second, hearing the slight sigh from the man beside him. "Yeah, I figured. Noticed the Broad practically hanging off of you."

"She was trying to recruit me." Jason let himself smile a small bit over the startled laugh Mads made just at the thought. "Yeah. I know right."

"Fucking Bristol Bitches." Jason chuckled as he lightly punched Mads in the arm with a shake of his head.

"Don't worry. Not fucking going anywhere. Crime Alley is in my blood." Mads gave a firm nod, eyes shimmering with determined loyalty before Jason just sighed and looked around at all his people again. "We still got a while before we can blow this joint. Keep your nose down and ears open."

"You got it, Boss." Mads beamed as he started to move away with a smirk. "You just keep yourself from being kidnapped by those bloody cougars." Jason sighed, rolling his eyes and shaking his head.

"Get back to work, Micheal Madson."

"As you wish, Jasper Reade." Jason's smirk only grew watching Mads disappear in the crowd again, before taking a deep breath. Just a few more hours and they could go. Just a few more hours. He could do this. Just mingle and gather intel. You got this, Jason.