Alicia's loving contemplation of her firewhiskey was interrupted by a familiar voice. A wave of happy relief went through her. She was always happy to see George. Especially on nights when she was in danger of drinking the night away by herself.
Without looking away from her glass, she grinned and replied in a mock-admonishing tone: "Now George, you're messing with my appreciation of the first sip. I mean, that takes some serious concentration." Aly lifted the glass and took a long, slow drink. The burn down her throat was perfect. Lowering the glass back to the bar, she let out a happy sigh.
"Alright then, carry on." Alicia tilted her head sideways and grinned at George. "Hey you. Pull up a stool!" She patted the empty bar space to her right. "You can come relieve my boredom with tales of your fantastically adventurous day."