She lets him, even turns her hand under his to return the clasp. "I should probably," she starts, and stops.

Because at the nearby table, the group of vampires is getting to their feet. It's the three she noticed earlier, but with friends now -- six in all, stunningly dressed, smiling.

One smiling in particular: a tall broad-shouldered blond, who meets her eyes as he steps away from the table. He lifts a finger, points to his right eye, points at her. Stays still just long enough to make his meaning clear, then turns to head for the exit. The curly-haired woman vampire next to him blows a kiss in her direction before following him.

Beth's frozen to her seat.