A/N: This is an alternate, alternate universe version of the scene at the bar from chapter 15. You don't have to read chapter 15 for this chapter to make sense (well, except for the first line), but, in case you're wondering why this update is even shorter than my chapters usually are, it's because this one is an add-on to the update that I posted earlier today.

"Okay – Pru. You don't just deprive the world of this. Not till he puts a ring on it, at least."

"Hi!" the perky, petite blonde interrupted, setting chips and salsa down at their table, "My name is Alison, and I'll be taking care of you tonight."

Paige didn't miss the way that she raised her eyebrows and half-winked at Emily when she mentioned wanting to take care of them. She also didn't miss the fact that three fingers on her right hand were perched on Emily's shoulder.

"Anything I can get you right now?"

"Yeah, you can get your fucking hand off my girlfriend's shoulder!" Paige wanted to say.

Emily was her usual gracious, gregarious, annoyingly oblivious self. "Nope, not right now! The chips are perfect! Thank you so much, Alison!"

Alison, naturally, misread Emily's natural charm and the fact that she called her by her name. She gave a smile, and a slight squeeze of Emily's shoulder, and assured her that she would be back to check on them.

Emily turned back to the conversation, but she could feel her girlfriend's eyes on her. She glanced over to see what was up, and was surprised to see Paige's lids half closed, her eyebrows furrowed together. "What's wrong, Babe?"

Paige tilted her head as if to say "Really?" Emily replied with a questioning look. Paige rolled her eyes and turned her head back to the table, angrily attacking the salsa with a chip, which broke off under the force.

Emily just squeezed Paige's thigh and left her hand there. She figured, whatever was eating Paige, she would talk about it when she was ready.

It didn't take long for Blondie to intrude on them again. "So, are you all college students? We seem to be full of them, tonight."

"You're full of something," Paige said under her breath.

Emily leaned her ear in, rubbing Paige's thigh, indicating for Paige to repeat the comment that she hadn't heard. Paige addressed Alison instead. "Yes, we're college students. The four of us are. It's the middle of exams, and we're just here to drink and blow off some steam. So, we've got the drinks, Alison, so we're all set," she said, all but shooing the server away with her hands.

Alison dipped her head slightly and retreated with a half-smile.

"Okay, Paige. You're obviously upset about something. Can you just tell me what it is so I can help?"

Paige looked over at Emily, incredulous. "Oh, God," she said, shaking her head and exhaling, annoyed by her girlfriend's cluelessness. In anyone else, she would've found it adorable. Paige got up from her chair. "Switch seats with me."

"What?" Emily asked, genuinely confused, as she obligingly rose and traded seats with Paige.

Once they were seated again, Paige tilted her head and glared at Emily. "She's flirting with you."

"Who, Alison?" Emily asked in disbelief. Paige just scowled in reply.

"Oh, come on, Paige, she's just friendly. She's probably trying to work us for tips."

"Yeah, because college students are known for being such big tippers."

Emily looked over to Hanna and Pru for back-up. Pru smirked and raised an eyebrow, her body language saying, "Obviously!" Hanna hit her palm to her forehead, "Duh!"

Paige told them, "This happens all the time! And she's always this oblivious!"

"Okay. Whatever. But even if she was flirting, so what? You know I'm not interested in anyone but you," Emily assured her, taking Paige's hands between both of her own and stroking it lightly.

"I know you're not, Em. That's not why I'm upset."

"Then what is it?" Emily asked.

"Emily. Think how you feel when someone flirts with me."

Paige had a point. Girls and guys were always flirting with Paige. With guys, it just took an intimate look at Paige or a kiss to her lips to shoot them down – except those few who were actually cocky, stupid, or drunk enough to think that their frat-boy fantasies of a three-way with two hot college babes was about to come true. Women, on the other hand, could be pretty aggressive about ignoring the fact that they were together.

"All right. I get that. I'm sorry; – I'll try to be more aware of that."

"Yes. More aware. And less friendly. And less – hot," Paige said, half grinning. She grabbed Emily by the collar and pulled her in for a kiss that ended up lasting much longer than she had originally intended.

"Oh, Jeez. Get a room, you two," Hanna whined.

"Can't you guys even do the jealous-girlfriend thing right?" Pru added.

From behind the bar, Alison was headed back to their table. She took note of the new seating arrangement and decided it might be time for her to visit some of the other tables in her section instead.