Sabrina sat down on the stool Matthew had earlier occupied. Matthew took the opportunity to move down to him and ask “Show me how to use this computer”. Sabrina came behind the bar and gave Matthew a quick rundown. First though he made something very clear “I would lose my job if they find out. Part of our employment contracts are that we don’t indulge in swaps while on duty. You have to be Sabrina for the duration of the swap”. While behind the bar Sabrina kept glancing nervously at the door. He gave a very quick rundown on how accept payments and how to operate the touch screen. He also pointed out the fridge where cream was. He was back outside the bar in less than a minute. Leaving Matthew to finish making the white Russians and accept payment from the lesbians, then move onto Sam’s order.
At least the equipment was easy to operate. ‘Swap scotches’ were as Sabrina had demonstrated earlier just a matter of inputting the request. They were all of the same strength. Only possible difference was that it could be programmed to pour extra ‘Blue’ drinks (for $200 extra dollars each). That would make two or more people susceptible to touching by the drinker of the ‘Pink’. The machine poured the drinks automatically but not until payment was confirmed.
Once Sam was served Matthew had the opportunity to chat with Sabrina once more, who from outside the bar gave a few more tips as to where to find other drinks ingredients. Matthew had the opportunity to point out the lesbian couple who had moved to a previously unoccupied table at the back of the room and the request they had made. Sabrina gave a chuckle and said “Just exactly who you were looking for earlier. Too bad. They want what I have. Not interested in what you now possess. However at least swapping with me didn’t cost you anything. I used the drinks that other couple left behind. I was supposed to just tip them down the sink”
“So I gather we will have to buy some drinks when we want to switch back?”
“Unless you get another cancellation”
“Does that happen often?”
“No, maybe once every couple of nights”
“Well I have cash in my wallet. I came prepared to pay for a swap”
“My wallet you mean” He tapped his pocket in which Matthew’s wallet resided. “You have a purse in your handbag which is in that cupboard behind you Sabrina” he emphasised the name. “Not that there is much cash in that”
Matthew watched in growing horror as Sabrina extracted his wallet. She opened it up and counted out the cash. “Nice $800” then looked at Matthew’s cards. “Matthew Moffat. Hmm. And this your current address?” He held out Matthews drivers licence.
“No. That’s my parents address. I have a room in a share house” Matthew was alarmed “Don’t you spend that money. We might need it”
“Don’t get your knickers in a knot Sabrina. I’ll be back before you knock off. I need to do that errand I mentioned earlier” He took out a $20 note then returned the wallet to his pocket. “Here’s a tip for the barmaid” putting the note on the bar, he gave a wave and walked out of the bar. Matthew watched in horror noticing the time was 11 pm.