They sat at the bar, each with a vanilla milkshake spiked with Bailey's Irish Cream. Gertie had downed the first half of hers at an impressive rate.

"So how long have you been working there?" Gertie asked.

"A few months."

"And you don't need the job?"

"Oh, no. I need the job. I mean, I need a job. Earlier today was what I'll call a 'reckless moment.' I'd say that it was the first one, but I'd be lying my ass off. It was maybe, I don't know...reckless moment number twenty thousand, one hundred and eighteen? Twenty thousand, one hundred and nineteen? Something like that. I tend not to do a lot of self-reflection before I act. I feel like you're the opposite."

"Why do you think that?" Gertie asked.

"First impression."

"It's wrong. I'm very impulsive."

"Okay. Good. Give me an example."

"I've got one, but you'll think I'm insane."

"I like insanity. Do tell."

"I'll save it for our second round of shakes," said Gertie.

"How the hell do you stay that skinny if you drink two milkshakes in a sitting?"

"Lots of walking."

"Fair enough. I'm sticking with one, though."

"You're a cheap date."

"Financially, maybe. Ask my ex-girlfriends about the psychological price."

Gertie laughed. Then she frowned. "Oh, you're—I'm not—I was joking when I called it a date—that's not why I—"

"You're straight. I get it."

"I'm not even bi-curious. Sorry. I didn't—"

"I didn't accept your invite so I could eat your pussy."

Gertie didn't respond to that. The light wasn't very good in here, but Charlene assumed that her cheeks were burning bright red.

"I'm not a predatory lesbian. I'm very much capable of forming bonds with heterosexual women, and am totally cool with the idea that there will be no munching. I assure you, I see you as just a friend and nothing more."

"What if I was bi-curious?"

"Still just a friend."

"You complimented my body."

"No, I said you were skinny. And I'd compliment Ryan Reynolds' body if he was sitting next to me. He doesn't get any snatch, either."

"Why just a friend?"

"Are you sure you're only on your first milkshake?"

"It was a very strong milkshake. I should probably only have one. Why just a friend?"

"How many tattoos do you have? None, right?"

"One."

"On your tit?"

"On my ankle."

"A skull?"

"A manatee."

"A manatee with fangs?"

"No."

"See, that's a problem. Are your nipples pierced?"

"Ow. No."

"That's another problem. What am I supposed to jiggle with my tongue? Also, my taste in women runs to those who are emotional black holes. You seem kind of sensitive. And I can tell that you would be a selfish lover. All receiving, no giving in return. Fingers, maybe, but I've got my own fingers."

"I withdraw this whole line of questioning," said Gertie.