Nate scooped up a handful of pretzels, munched on them in silence. So far, this was kinda disappointing. He really just felt bad for Cara, the poor girl was finally trying to come out of her shell but obviously had no idea what to do.

He remembered the slim little flask of whiskey in his pocket. What the hell, he figured, might as well live a little. Nate fished out the Seagram's, twisted open the top, took a tentative swig, then winced at the taste. Nate was unaccustomed to straight liquor. 

Might as well be sociable. Nate held out the whiskey to Helen. "Some party, huh?"