I chuckled aloud when I remembered what a goofy drunk Tina was, trying to seduce me with a shaker, while swaying to and fro just to keep her balance. It wasn’t too long before it became “Naked Cocktail Hour” once she was good and liquored up.

Taking a few steps toward my past, she looked up at me and her face broke into the cutest grin. God, I was such a sucker for that smile at times. This time was no exception.

I know my own smile is one of hesitancy, and I have no doubt she senses it.

“Hey,” she greeted me first.

“Hey,” I say, knowing my voice didn’t exude its typical confidence. I caught her looking past me, as her eyes searched the crowd I left in my wake. I pulled the chair out that was next to her at our reserved table. “What are you drinking?”

“Martini.”

“Dry with a splash of cran?”

“Of course.”

I nodded, reminded again of Sexy Cocktail Hour.

“You alone?” she asked, and I could have sworn it was in a hopeful tone.

“I am tonight.” I replied simply, trying to catch the waitress’s attention. “Seen Kit?”

“Briefly. She seems a little nervous.”

“She’s always nervous before a big show.” The waitress finally sees me and heads toward the table I was sharing with my ex.

“Hey, Bette! What can I get ya?” the bubbly server addressed me by name and with a wink. I can see Tina tense up from the corner of my eye. For a moment, I’m confused before making my drink decision.

“Um…let me get a Jim Beam. On the rocks, please.” I smile up at the blue-eyed waitress taking my order.

“You got it, darlin.” The server said, biting her lower lip with another wink before scampering off to the bar.

Tina sighed before she took a swig of her own beverage. “Some things never change, do they?”

I look at her, puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“You know, your choice in beverage, my choice in beverage…the flirting.” She mumbled the last word so that I barely caught it as she brought the glass to her lips again.

“What?” I say with a shocked look on my face.