#489 words

I merely turned my pockets inside out: “Nooo cars or bikes tonight. Just a lone woman trying to have a nice night out”

He nodded, put the basket back behind the counter and the tequila in front of me.

“Then I hope the friendly atmosphere of the house can provide you with such.” And he walked to serve the next customer.

Mrh.

After about ten minutes, the drink was gone and I called him over again: “Maybe I want to experiment a little bit tonight. Going a little bit deeper into the pub… so, what can you advise me?”

He put down the polished glass and arranged various bottles in front of me: “Since you are fond of tequila, I would advise on a mix with it. Of course I am not entirely knowledgeable of your taste palette, but I can offer… grapefruit or grapefruit soda, lime, blackberry, bell peppers, elderflower, strawberry fizz, rosemary and peach… there are quite a few variations”

“Mmmh, the strawberry fizz might be an interesting option.” It was the strangest, in some ways.

“As you wish, miss Roy,” and we went to mix, hands flying behind the counter.

“Ah, Corey is fine… it’s quite an impressive skill, mixing these drinks so fast , keeping all the recipes in your head.” I smiled at him.

He finished, put the sugared glass in front of me, put a bit of freshly cut mint in and said: “Enjoy, Corey” and vanished once again.

The last interaction repeated itself seven times. Seven drinks!

And it was all tequila. So I kind of slouched on the counter and looked up to him: “… don’t you notice I’m flirting with you?”

He sighed, just a tiny bit: “Well, yes, I do, Corey, yet, you have to understand this in my workplace. I will happily provide a friendly environment, but unfortunately, I won’t reciprocate”

“I bought driiiinks,” I huffed. Waving with money.

“As is the nature of pubs. And I thank you for your patronage.” He smiled and nodded again.

“And you’re so friendlyyyy.” Because he was. He was totally friendly. Just a smug bastard, too.

Another nod: “As it should be”

“And handsoooome” Because he was that, too.

That gave him pause for a second before he said: “Thank you”

“You flirted baaack” He totally did!

“I was merely hospitable, Miss Roy.” He had picked up a glass to polish again.

I stared at him. And huffed: “I go home now”