The ladies are having a good time.

It was hard not to feel a tremble dancing around my fingers as I drove over to the local bar. Partially because it brought back memories of the first time I was in there, but largely because of the upcoming conflict I knew was inevitable. Maybe Elizabeth had gotten Rachel drunk off her ass, maybe they had been arguing long before I could reach them in time.

"Here goes nothing," I muttered grimly, bringing the car to a stop.

Peering in through the glass window, I recognized Elizabeth's back at one corner of the bar. Opposite her was Rachel, several shot glasses next to her palm, which she was rapidly pounding on the surface as the two women laughed uproariously. The now-redhead took off her glasses, briefly wiping tears from her eyes before exploding in another bout of giggles, resting her free hand on Elizabeth's shoulder. It was a far cry from the feisty firecracker I knew Rachel as from our youth, or the serious ice queen I crossed paths with. If I didn't know better, I might have guessed that the pair of ladies exchanging anecdotal stories at the bar were the best of friends... or maybe more than friends.

The thought seized in my head as Rachel adjusted her spectacles, glancing outward - and right in my general direction.

Uh-oh.

Instantly, like a shattering light bulb, the smile on Rachel's face vaporized into a tight scowl. In the short amount of time for me to realize I messed up she slammed some bills onto the counter, scooped up her handbag and began briskly walking towards the exit. Elizabeth turned to the window, a bewildered, almost outraged expression on her face as she mouthed silent words at me. Nearly as one we began chasing after Rachel, catching up to her several steps away from the bar entrance.

"Rachel, wait!" Elizabeth frantically called, only for Rachel to shove an open palm towards her face, forcing the both of us to halt.

"Sorry, Elizabeth. You're a great date, don't get me wrong. Absolutely wonderful." Even when civil, the tone in Rachel's words felt like they had been passed through a rusty chainsaw. I glanced between the two, a dormant volcano on one side and a panicking damsel on the other, before I saw the index finger jammed in my direction as Rachel screamed.

"But what the fuck is he doing here?!"