It was a typical weeknight after work. I was going to the pub with the guys for some drinks and darts. The normal crowd was there when we arrived. We made our way to our table and board and chatted with friends on the way. We did not need to place an order; the barmaid knew what we wanted. We had just gotten done with our first game when Ann (the barmaid) came to me and told me Crystal had just walked in. You and Ann were close friends and she knew I liked you since I had asked about you a few weeks ago.
I asked Ann to buy you a drink on my tab and bring us another pitcher. We were in our second game when Ann brought the pitcher and told me then you sent it with her thanks. As I looked over I saw you at the bar sipping your drink. We finished the second game and then took a short break before starting the third.
I took this chance to meet you face to face. Ann saw me nearing the bar and made sure she was there when I arrived next to you. I spoke before Ann could say a word drawing your attention to me.
"Would you like another drink"?
You looked stunned at first, it may have been the way I was looking into your eyes, but then you nodded and said,
"yes, thanks."
Ann then spoke up and introduced us, then went to get the drinks. We chatted for a while till Ann brought our drinks and she told me it looked like the guys were waiting. I apologized and went back to the game.
The guys could see I had a hard time staying with the game. I kept looking at you and Ann chatting. With the urging of the guys and the fact they were winning, I set my mind on the game. We were just finishing up when Ann brought another pitcher as well as five shots.
She looked at me and said, "the shots are on me."
I had a puzzled look on my face, there were only three of us and Ann made four, so I asked, "who is the fifth shot for?"
Then I saw the smile on your face. You looked over your shoulder and looked at Crystal.
As she walked up Ann looked at us and said, "ok?"
We all said, "sure!"
Ann introduced Crystal to the guys, and told Crystal that we were her buds. We all smiled then took our shots, as I made a quick toast.
"To Ann, our best bud!"
With that we downed them, and all five glasses hit the table at once.
The guys poured there beers then went off to shoot pool. Ann cleared the glasses and went back to the bar. Crystal and I sat at the table and got to know each other better. She had already gotten info from Ann, as I had done the same, so it seemed as if we knew each other already.
It was getting late and the bar had cleared out except for Ann, my two friends, Crystal and myself. Jim said he would stay to help, and Mike said he had to head for home. We often stayed after closing to help Ann stock and clean up. We made quick work of it. Ann set us up with a shot for our help. Crystal and Ann were behind the bar and Jim and I were out front. Ann thanked us for the help and we downed the shots. Ann cleaned the glasses and we readied to leave. As we walked out Ann locked up. Most nights I would follow Ann while she made the night deposit.
Before I could say anything Ann asked, "Jim will you go with me to drop the deposit?"
With a puzzled look on his face he said, "yes."