Jake encourages Abbie to flirt with Tyler

Abbie was still lost in thought -- mostly daydreaming about how Jake might manifest an adventure -- when Jake's voice broke the reverie.

Abbie's gaze shifted towards the end of the bar, where Tyler, the bartender, was busy mixing cocktails for the throng of customers. Amongst the chaos, she caught glimpses of Tyler stealing glances in her direction, his eyes lingering just a fraction longer than necessary.

A sly smile crept across Abbie's face as she considered the possibility. "You really think so?" she asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

"Oh, definitely," Jake said. "He's totally checking you out, and only half-focused on mixing drinks. I think I just saw him put orange juice in someone's gimlet."

Abbie peered over the crowded bar, taking in the sight of the lively patrons engrossed in their conversations, clinking glasses, and laughter filling the air. She thought she saw Tyler smile at her, but she wasn't sure. "He's just keeping an eye on the bar. It's pretty crowded here tonight." As she gazed down the length of the bar, she noticed a full array of other patrons drinking, talking, moving glasses and napkins and their phones.

"No, I think so too," added Chris. "He's checking on the bar, but he's mostly checking on you."

"You think so?" Abbie said with a glimmer in her eye. "Really?"

"Really," said Jake.

"Well that's precious," Abbie said. She sat up straighter, and teased a lock of hair behind her ear. She glanced down the bar to see if Tyler had noticed her, and realizing that he had, broke into a broad smile, blushing slightly.

Jake took a breath and leaned forward onto the bar. "When he gets back, do you think you could, I don't know, let him know you like it?"

Abbie bit her lip. "Let him know?"

"Yeah," said Jake. "He's been watching you. Give him something to look at. Would you enjoy that?"

"Mm," Abbie murmured. "You know I would." She leaned over the bar again and watched Tyler pour two more drinks and pass them forward to customers. "Give him something to look at ..." she repeated.

Abbie sat back on her stool and felt both Jake and Chris against her sides. It was pretty tight around the bar, so even if the two men weren't already close to Abbie, the number of people crammed around the bar made it impossible to not be pressed together.

Tyler checked in with a few more patrons as he ambled back down the length of the bar, but his eyes kept flickering toward Abbie. As he made it back to the center, where Abbie was seated, he paused.

"That martini took you somewhere, huh?" he asked.

Abbie sighed. She realized her eyes were closed, and her head was tilted back slightly. She lowered her chin and looked at Tyler.

"Yes," she replied softly. "It's quite delicious." She picked up the drink and brought it to her lips, delicately drinking, but (not so secretly) hoping she was drawing attention to her mouth.

Tyler took a deep breath. "Damn." He nodded at Jake, the way guys do to subtly acknowledge each other at a party. "Dude, you ever just watch her ... you know, drink something?"

Jake chuckled. "I'd watch her do anything." He turned his head toward Abbie and looked down at her. She put her drink back on the bar and returned the gaze.

Chris cleared his throat. "I only just met her tonight. So I don't know what you're all talking about." He smiled as Abbie turned to look up at him. "You want to show me what all the fuss is?"

Abbie shrugged. "I don't know what all the fuss is. I'm just ... drinking my drink." She slowly took another sip, her eyes locked on Chris's. As she pulled her glass away from her mouth, a small droplet of the martini clung to her lip and trickled onto her chin. "Oops." She slowly wiped up the liquid with a finger, which she slipped into her mouth to suck.

Chris rolled his eyes and put a hand on the bar to prop himself up. "Fuck me, I don't know what that was, but ... wow."

Jake snickered.

"Oh, it's just a joke to you?" said Tyler with a smile.

"Hardly," replied Jake. "I've just known her long enough to know that it's just the tip of the iceberg."

Abbie turned to Jake. "You're all talking about me like I'm not here."

"Oh, we know you're here, Abbie," Jake replied with a laugh. "Trust me."

Abbie wiggled on her stool and blinked at Jake. "I do."

Tyler let out a dramatic sigh. "I'd stay right here all night if I could. But there's two ladies at that end of the bar who won't stop asking me to make them a drink called 'Slippery Panties.'" He shook his head. "Yes, it's a real thing. Yes, I know how to make it. And yes, I've heard all the stupid jokes about middle aged women hitting on me with their drink orders."

"Don't worry. I won't order such a thing," said Abbie.

Tyler grinned at her as he turned and slowly moved toward the far end of the bar.

"Besides," Abbie added, still within Tyler's earshot. "It wouldn't be appropriate since I'm not wearing any panties."