[ She's elbowed in the ribs, and for a moment, Mona panics, like she's said something wrong – but the bartender's reaction brings it all together. Play along, play along. Mona lets out a short, quiet chuckle. They're quite the character, she thinks to herself. ]

Oh, they're just here with me because we ran into each other earlier. I figured it's been a little while since I spoke with them, so why not treat my friend to something nice?

[ The alcohol still burns. She makes it a point to do this as infrequently as possible.

Mona tries to feign more ignorance, hoping to get the bartender invested in some conversation. The bartender picks up a glass to clean in the meantime. ]

I've heard about some sort of unique substance – Stardust, was it? I'm intrigued. I can't say I've ever had some for myself. You've heard of it too, haven't you? What's it like?