O-of course!

“S-sure!” you stutter, still a little nervous around this beauty and only just managing to take her welcoming hand. “W-what’s your poison?”

She takes a moment to consider her options before answering, still sporting that grin, as the pair of you walk towards the bar. “An Americano, if you don’t mind. Don’t want anything too strong. I think I’m gonna want to remember everything...”

That sentence distracts your thoughts enough that you end up walking into the bar, something that draws a giggle from her.The bartender, who comes over to the pair of you with a smile, asks for your order in a friendly tone.

“An... Americano for her, and a shot of whisky for me, th-thanks.” You answer, just glad that you could manage to speak with how things were going.

“Perfect. That’ll be a thousand bucks.” He replies, completely deadpan.

Scarcely able to believe what you just heard, your eyes almost bulge out of their sockets in shock. “E-excuse me, w-what?!”

For a moment, the bartender stares at you completely seriously, before cracking, giving way to rumbling laughter. “I’m just fuckin’ with ya, lad. Can’t help teasing the new faces. The drinks are free on the Love Boat!... though we do reserve the right to refuse if we deem it necessary. So basically, don’t be daft” he finishes with a laugh again, while you turn to your current acquaintance with a curious look as she continues giggling away to herself.

“Sorry honey, I thought you had to pay...” she tries to look as sweet and innocent as possible, but the smallest hint of a devious smile indicates that she knew more than she let on.

By the time you turned back, the bartender was done with your drinks, serving them to you both with a wink.

“T-thanks.” You, still nervous, say as you turn away, while she just gives him a silent smile as she follows.

“Have fun, you two...” he grins as the pair of you leave the bar and make your way to an empty table.

Almost as soon as the pair of you are seated, you knock back the shot of whisky, hoping it will steady your nerves, as she silently stares and smiles while she sips.

“So... about that story...”