Rarity sat at one of the tables at The Diamond's Gleam, suffering through the absolute, sheer, worst form of torture that had ever been created in the entire history of Equestria: paperwork.
The mare loved her club. She especially loved how happy it made all the other ponies in Ponyville. Good food, good drinks, good music all shared with good friends had a lot of power to put ponies in a good mood. She also got to work on her stand-up from to time as well. It was nice to know she had spread some happiness and laughter. There was the bonus that she got to give ponies job, and some Diamond Dogs additional ways to get gemstones (as well as give them some concept of civilization).
She loved The Diamond's Gleam, but she abhorred all the paperwork that went with running the place. It was not just about paychecks. She had to keep track of what food and beverages were selling and how fast to keep track of stock. There was also the danger of something not selling and spoiling, causing a waste of bits and food. It was fortunate that Ponyville was primarily a farming community, which kept costs of fresh food lower than in some areas. There was also trying to figure out schedules for employees as well as entertainers, both in house and visiting.
Maybe she should just sell the place, move to Canterlot, and marry some rich old stallion. Then she would have all the money she would ever need and nothing to do but figure out how to spend it.
Alternatively, maybe she should have purchased a wagon instead of a club and become a traveling entertainer. She could have gone from town to town, putting on shows.
"Drink, madam?" a voice said, pulling her from her thoughts. Rarity took off her glasses and turned to smile.
"Thank you, Shaker," she said as she grabbed the glass from the tray. "You really are a wonderful bartender and a true gentle-stallion."
Closing her eyes, Rarity took a sip of the drink. She let herself savor the moment, tasting the sweet and tartness and feeling the coolness as it rolled across her tongue before swallowing. She then looked at the stallion once more.
"So have you reconsidered my proposal?" she asked.
"No," Shaker replied. "Like I said, I appreciate the offer, but I like my job as it is. Especially after seeing you becoming so stressed over it now." He motioned toward the papers strewn out on the table.
"I guess I can't blame you. Still, it's a shame. You would be a wonderful manager and personal assistant." She let out a massive sigh, throwing her head back and placing an foreleg across her forehead.
"Now wherever shall I find somepony to help me in these dire times?" she asked, trying to sound as dramatic as possible.
"What about that one waitress?" Shaker suggest. "Coco Pommel I believe her name is."
Rarity straightened up from her exaggerated pose, narrowing her eyes and studying the stallion. A smirk played across her mouth as she watched him shift his hooves and turn slightly pink in the cheeks.
"Coco Pommel you say?" she asked. "That's an interesting choice, seeing as she hasn't been here very long." She smirked. "Although I can't say I blame you. She is quite cute." Rarity moved forward, bringing a hoof to Shaker's jaw to give it a pat.
"And don't think I haven't noticed the way you two have been eyeing each other."
"You... you have?" Shaker stammered out, eyes going wide.
"Don't worry," Rarity replied as she grabbed her glasses to put them back on. "I have no policy against inter-office romance. Although I do ask that you try to keep it professional. It becomes my business when it affects my business. Understood?'
"Yes Ma'am."
"Wonderful. Now if you'll excuse me." She let out an actual sigh as she returned her attention to the papers in front of her. "These accounts are not going to balance themselves... no matter how much I wish they would."
"Very well," Shaker acknowledge before walking away.