I see them all the time. Con artists. Folks who are looking to talk you out of your money. I can usually spot them before they even speak and always within two or three sentences after they speak.
They came in tonight. I spotted them right off. Two young ladies came in together. Both quite nice looking. Neither carrying a purse.
They sat down next to me and asked me a couple of innocent seeming questions about where they could find a more "happening" bar. I played along and told them I had no idea as I wasn't from there (exactly what they wanted to hear).
There was the usual chatter mixed in with pretend conversation between themselves about what they should order to drink and what it would cost. I remained silent and let them play out their game while the bartender waited for their drink orders.They finally ordered their own drinks as I had not offered.
After a bit of conversation they selected another mark and quickly moved to him. I had spoken to him briefly a little earlier and managed to catch his eye and signaled him over. He was a young pup so I educated him a little before I let him go back to the girls.
A little later he came back and said that they had played it exactly as I had told him they would, and thanked me for saving him a few foolishly spent bucks.
I've seen this routine too many times in too many bars around the country to be taken in. But it's Christmas Eve for Christ's sake! Give it a rest already.