Candice led Superman by the hand down a thickly carpeted hallway. Aside from the thick padding on the walls, it seemed completely normal. There was some faint music that got a bit louder when Candice pushed open a door at the end of the hall.
"Hey Nick! I'm sorry I'm late but I have a witness with me who can vouch that it was not my fault." Candice called out to a group of people by the end of a long bar.
Superman looked around. The room was obviously a club or a bar of some kind. Nice hardwood tables, comfortable chairs, and a very well done oak bar stretched the length of the room. But about half of the room was separated by a large plastic sheet and Superman could see that some work was obviously being done to parts of the bar and floor.
"Candice, you are always running... Holy Cow! Is that Superman with you?" the man behind the bar replied.
"Yes it is. He saved my life and then was nice enough to give me a lift to work. But of course I'm still late. I guess not even the man of steel can help me with that." Candice laughed and the others laughed with her.
"She can explain what happened, but I'll simply say it did happen and I hope she isn't in any trouble for it." Superman said. "I'm just glad I heard her in time to help out."
Candice smiled and again put her hand on his shoulder. "You are too modest, you saved my life." And she then told the others about what had happened, all the time keeping her hand touching Superman's shoulder or hand. Superman just listened along and just felt pleasant and relaxed. It was nice that these people where being polite and not swarming him as usually happened or asking for his autograph or picture.
After Candice had finished, the bartender, Nick, spoke up. "Superman, thanks for saving Candice here. She is a good friend of ours and great worker, even if she is a bit time challenged." Everyone, including Superman laughed at that. "But I must insist I buy you a drink. I understand you won't drink, so just a water. Besides, I'd love to be able to say I once served Superman a drink. What do you say?"
Superman looked around. Aside from Nick and Candice, there were five other women at the bar. All of them were dressed very professionally like Candice, and all were very beautiful. He was also noticing they all seemed to have the same perfume. While he was looking every thing over, Nick had pulled out some bluish colored glasses and a large bottle of Osarka water and was pouring everyone a glass.
"Well, I guess a water won't hurt. Just no pictures, I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea." Said Superman.
"Of course, Superman. Cheers and Thanks!" said Nick.
Everyone drank their glass. Superman was just going to sip his but downed the whole glass. It had a very crisp taste to it, and he felt a wave of calm and relaxation wash over him. This was really a nice bar, and the company was quite nice too.
Candice then spoke up. "Here Superman let me introduce you. The Brunette here is Barbara. This is Maeda, and this is Christina. This is Nicole, and Natasha."
"Nice to meet all of you." said Superman, as he shook each of their hands. Each woman had a ring and again Superman didn't notice that each of them had the gem turned inside so that it touched Superman's bare skin. Each time he shook hands, he felt more at ease, relaxed, and comfortable.
Barbara sidled up to Superman and gently put her arm in his. "This is a real honor to meet you. I have always been hoping I could meet you in a private setting. You can really get to know someone when you can just relax and talk to them without anyone watching."
"So true." Said Maeda. who took his other arm. "Why don't we go sit down? If you are not in a hurry that is."
Superman knew he had to get to work as Clark Kent, but he was finding it hard to say no. It was very relaxing and pleasant here just talking to these ladies. And they were very easy on the eye. He hesitated. "I don't know, I should get going. I have things to do after all."
Nick handed him another water. "Well, one more for the road then." he stated and held up his own "Cheers again."
Superman downed his water in one gulp. Again a wave of relaxation hit him and he actually felt a bit tipsy and staggered just a step and pumped into Candice.
"Oopsie, Superman! Careful there. You need to sit down." Candice took his hand again and held it. Barbara held the other one and they both looked Superman in the eyes. "Superman, if you are like that you need to sit down. You should not be out if you can't walk straight, should you? Of course not, just relax a bit and listen to me. Come over here to this booth and we can have a break before you go." Candice said.