The bar was alive in that low hum you loved---music soft enough to fade into the background, clinking glasses, murmured laughter. you were behind the counter wiping down the bar top when she walked in.

She didn't look around like most people did; she went straight to the far end of the bar, like she knew what she wanted. she spoke softly. "Can you make me a northern lights?"

You looked up. she was perched on the stool, elbows resting lightly on the counter, a loose cream blouse slipping off one shoulder. her eyes closed under the warm lights---hazel flecked with green, like the drink she'd just requested.

You focused on the glass with a gentle smile; Vodka, blue curaçao, melon liqueur, a careful pour of cranberry juice to make the drink shimmer like a night sky. she traced the rim of the glass with her finger, studying it. then, she met your eyes. "It's beautiful. do you drink it too?"

After small talk, and small sips, she sat there but gently whispered like it's a secret. "I'm Katrina. save me a seat here next Friday."