[video; ACTION]

[shifting]

Hey - [Sam looks very busy! He's in his office at Merlotte's, gathering up files, folders...] - wanted to let everybody know to come down to Merlotte's tonight, we've got a few stand-up comics hired for the night show and some drink specials. I won't be there though, I've got to meet with some people about gettin' a loan, but I've got someone I used to work with at Club 24 coverin' for me tonight. She's real sweet, so I want ya'll to make her feel welcome, okay? - And don't think this means you can act up in the club; I'll still be back to kick ya'll in the ass tomorrow if you do.

[he grabs his keys, waves at the NV and sets it face-down on his desk. There's a muffled conversation, and soon after a woman picks the NV up and smirks]

...Hey there. I'm Sandra - I'll be watchin' the bar for Sam tonight. Hope to see you all in.



((APRIL FOOLS - with a little help from the devil, Sam's in touch with his feminine side tonight and plans to troll you all. You can respond to this like a post or start an action thread in the club!))

Comments

[momchester]

[She meets the bartender's eyes and, okay, the smile is infectious, so have one back.]

I wouldn't mind. I was in a coffee shop.

[Slinging her purse up on the bar and pulling up a stool.]

Where am I?

[shifting]

Merlotte's. And you havin' to ask that means you obviously aren't in here enough. [teasing smile, leaning in over the counter.]

Start you with a mojito? [you look like a mojito girl to Sam.]

[momchester]

-That sounds perfect.

[It's been years since she's had one, man. Perks up at the name, though, face clearing in recognition.]

Merlotte's? Oh- I know people who come here.

[It's one of John's haunts, which is why she's never been here.]

[shifting]

I'm good as guessin' people's drinks. It's a talent.

[and she goes about making Mary's with a flourish, out to impress her. Old habits die hard when it comes to lovely women.]

You ought to. We get the best people in.

[momchester]

[And Mary follows her movements, a little taken with the woman's easy confidence. She's always liked watching bartenders and chefs just doing their thing.]

My ex comes here. [Sort of ex. Not really? Kind of. Ish.] It's a thing. I'm sure this place is awesome.

[shifting]

...Oh. [a little more thoughtfully, eyes on the drink she's making. Hm.] Well.

[she leans across the bar again with her minty offering, catching Mary's eyes] Here's to findin' some fun here without 'im.

[momchester]

[She wraps her hand around the cold glass, smiling back at the bartender.]

I'll drink to that.

[And drink she does, lifting her glass first in a mock toast.]

Mmm, oh man. I haven't had one of these in years.

[shifting]

Now that is a shame. You tellin' me that of all the men that probably buy you drinks, not a one's thought to buy you somethin' good?

[momchester]

Not really- it's mostly beer and whiskey back in Kansas.

[A light, appreciative sip.]

Here everything is Cosmos and fruity drinks with inappropriate names.

[shifting]

Well, I'm glad I could lead a lovely lady into somethin' she'd enjoy.

[momchester]

[That gets a little smile from her.]

What, are you trying to flatter me into buying more?

[shifting]

Would it be so bad if I was?

[momchester]

Only if I can't afford them.

[shifting]

I'd spot you.

[momchester]

[She leans in a little, tracing the rim of her glass with a finger.]

Out of the goodness of your heart?

[shifting]

And maybe a little somethin' more.

Would that bother you?

[momchester]

I can't see why it would.

[shifting]

Well all right then. I'll be honest with you from now on.

[momchester]

Well, thank god. I'm a very honest person.

[Hey look a wild lie approaches]

So what're you doing working for a Newcomer, anyway?

[Mary's never seen her face on the Network before, and it's better to err on the side of caution with assumptions.]

[shifting]

I used to work with Sam at Club 24. I'm just helpin' him out for a night. That's all. [la la la, making Mary another drink~]

I'm generous like that.

[momchester]

[The first one is already going to her head even as she talks to the woman.]

Well, that's nice of you. Any idea where he is?

[shifting]

Couldn't say. He didn't seem too worked up about it though.

[how does she get closer? hm, hm, hm...] You know, the bar's pretty much watchin' itself, with all the helpers I've got on tonight. You want to take a moment, go talk in one of the private booths?

[momchester]

[Mary considers it a moment. This woman is really friendly, good conversation, and she's making Mary free drinks. Plus, she'll be damned if this turns into another night of drinking alone and pointedly avoiding feeling sorry for herself.

What the hell. She gives the woman a sunny smile.]

Sure.

[shifting]

Right this way then. [she comes around the bar with a new drink in one hand, and a beer in the other, offering Mary her elbow. She'll leader her up the stairs to the second floor, and then to one of the private lounges.]

[momchester]

[The drink's in her enough that Mary doesn't question slipping her arm through the woman's elbow and sticking close. The private lounge they go to- it's nice, there's no questioning that. Nice enough that she wonders if it's the same bar, but maybe that's just how stupidly comfortable this couch is talking. Mary sits down next to her.]

It's nice up here. I like it. You can actually hear yourself think.

[Leaning in conversationally.]

So, I just realized that I don't even know your name.