Wait For It (Sequel to Challenge Accepted)

Chapter Twenty-Two: What's In A Gin And Tonic?

Barney Stinson is living vicariously through Ted Mosby.

Since Barney can't chase after women anymore, he sets Ted up with them all of the time. That was how the three of us ended up being the last ones at McLaren's in the midst of the biggest and worst blizzard New York had ever seen.

"It's pretty nasty out there. I don't think they're coming." Ted said.

"I don't know why we came." I pointed out, my feet in the booth seat next to Ted.

"Of course they're coming. They have to be."

"Boys, I'm closing the bar." Carl said.

"What? No, it's only Nine o'clock."

"And this place is ragin' yo!" Barney said, as the only other guy in the bar fell off of his stool.

"Guys, I'm really sorry, but I got to go set up cots in the church basement. It doubles as a shelter on snowy nights like this."

"You selfish jerk, there are two very hot girls coming here to meet us-him. Coming here to meet him." I rolled my eyes.

"Can't you just leave the place open a little while longer?"

"I could look after the place for you." I told him.

"Yeah, well keep an eye on the place for you."

"You three? No way. You wouldn't know the first thing about running a bar."

"Serve the hotties first?" Barney asked. I sighed, standing up.

"Carl, I worked at McLaren's Pub for almost a year. I promise you, I'm more than qualified to look after the place."

"Here's the keys." I smiled at him.

"Thank you Carl! You're the best community serving bar owner we know."

"Thanks, Lauren. I'm counting on you." He left, and I turned back to the boys.

"I love you." They said together. I laughed, going around the bar and taking my coat off. Barney came up, leaning on the bar.

"You have never been hotter than you are right now." He said. I smirked at him, taking my hair out of it's ponytail and shaking it out.

"Oh, thank God you're still here!" The blonde girl said.

"I don't know if you guys have ever seen Star Wars, but it's like Hoth out there." I shot Ted a look that said 'Go for you brunette'.

"It reminds me of how I used to go sledding with my Dad...before he left."

"Can we warm you girls up with a drink?" I asked.

"Oh sure. Oh, and we invited the rest of the band to come and meet us."

"We were hoping to get drunk. I mean, really drunk. Like my dad used to." I put a hand on her arm.

"Make good choices." I told her. "And we can only keep the place open a little longer. As long as it's just you and your band."

~~~

"The Arizona Tech MARCHING BAND?!" I asked. Barney and Ted were on either side of me behind the bar as the bar was full of marching band students. I pinched the bridge of my nose. "Ok, ok, we can work with this. Barney, I need you taking money and taking orders, Ted,  I need you helping me on drinks, think you can handle that?"

"Yeah."

"For sure."

"Ok everyone, listen up, we aren't qualified for food so they'll be no food served tonight, but all beverages are available, so step up to Barney here and place your orders."

"Whiskey Sour?" He told me. I nodded.

"Alright Ted, come here." I told him. "Ok, I need whiskey, lemon juice, powdered sugar, and a lemon slice, all of which can be found in the pantry.  "Ok! Anyone who has a drink order that doesn't require us making it come to the front, could the rest of you wait until that crowd is cleared?" Barney and I took over, handing out beers in bottles and beer on tap, getting all of them out of the way before getting to the more complicated drink orders.

~~~

"Babe, what's in a gin and Tonic?" Barney asked, his arm full of classes.

"3 parts Gin, 3 parts Tonic water. Add lemon juice if you're feeling adventurous." I told him.

"How are you so good at this?" Ted asked me.

"I told you, I worked down at the pub. I used to fill in behind the bar sometimes. I memorized the drink recipes in case a bartender needed to step out."

"That's incredible." He told me.

"Thanks, Ted."

"You're welcome." I picked up a scotch on the rocks, handing it to the person who ordered it. I tripped over my own feet, falling smack into Ted, Who's hands found my waist, steadying me.

"Whoops! Sorry. Thanks." I told him, pushing my hair back and walking  further down the counter.

~~~Barney~~~

In all the years I'd known Ted, I knew how he looked at a girl that he was in love with. He caught Lauren, helping her back up, and then he watched her walk away. He had that same look I'd seen him have so many times before. I could see it now...

Ted is in love with Lauren.

~~~Lauren~~~

"MacLaren's Bar, this is Lauren." I said, answering the phone.

"Good, you're still there. I'll be there in five." Carl said. I picked up the bell.

"Last call!" I shouted. Everyone groaned.

~~~

"Alright, come on! You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here." Barney called, standing on one of the barstools. "I've always wanted to say that." I laughed at him, going to the back and grabbing the broom, sweeping the floor.

~~~Ted~~~
I stood with Barney, watching Lauren as she swept the floor.

"I know you're in love with Lauren." I froze, looking over at him. "I know you, Ted. I know that look. You used to look at Robin the same way. Stella too."

"I...have no idea what you're talking about, " I replied, "I am NOT in love with Lauren. I mean, come on."

"I saw you. When she tripped earlier?" I sighed.

"It wasn't...I mean, it's not-"

"The bar isofficial closed." Lauren said. "You ready to go home?"

"Yeah. Let's go." Barney said. He helped her put on, not looking away from me. It wasn't gloating, or mocking. It was almost...apologetic. I nodded and they left the bar together.

Lauren is Barney's fiancé. I'm just gonna have to accept that, and...

I'm gonna have to let her go.

Aunt Lauren obviously isn't your mother. But she's critical to the story , because you see...she knew her. She knew her long before any of us did, and without her and your Uncle Barney's wedding...

I never would've met your mother. And you wouldn't be here now.