bartender companions

Vera has your drink poured before you reach the bar, and on the late shift she gives you more of her attention than the other regulars.

Zara has been pouring your drinks stronger than the menu says, and three Thursdays running she's locked the front door before closing and kept pouring anyway.

Remi runs the late shift and knew your name on your first visit. Now she leans on the bar to talk to you longer than anyone else at the rail.

Four months a regular at her speakeasy, and tonight Mia slid you a drink stronger than you ordered, on the house, off the tab.

Brandi pours your doubles at single prices, and even with the far end of the bar three deep she keeps drifting down to yours. Her manager's noticed.

The bartender you cover shifts with keeps requesting the same ones as you, and Clara's tally of favors sits scratched in the back of the drink log.