Spilled Drinks Aren't Always Accidents

So there I was, bartender for the past 5 years at this trendy little bar downtown. I've been pretty good at my job, mixing drinks, chatting with regulars, and handling just about everything that comes up behind the counter. But a few weeks ago, something happened that still makes me feel like an idiot even now. It all started when Sarah from accounting came in one Thursday night looking like her world was falling apart. I could tell she had been crying because there were these dark circles under her eyes and her lip trembled every time she spoke about a project deadline at work she wasn't going to meet. We talked for a bit, mostly me just listening as she poured out all this stuff that no one should ever have to deal with. I felt bad for her. She's always been nice enough around the bar and I kind of wanted to do something to cheer her up or make things better somehow. So while we were talking, I thought maybe if I made her a really strong drink it would help take her mind off everything. And that’s when things went sideways. I was so busy feeling bad for Sarah that I wasn’t paying enough attention to the glass in my hand. When she leaned forward to ask about the ingredients of another cocktail, I lost focus and ended up pouring a generous double-shot of whiskey into her lap instead of a fresh drink. She yelped as it soaked through her blouse. I tried to apologize right away but then got tongue-tied because it was such an awkward situation. And then Sarah just froze there for what felt like forever before standing up, squeezing out the fabric as best she could and leaving without another word. Now, I get that this was a really stupid thing to do, especially since I work in a bar where everyone expects drinks served properly. But part of me feels bad because maybe if I hadn’t tried so hard to be nice or offer comfort it wouldn’t have happened at all. It’s just one of those moments you hope never come your way but here I am confessing about it weeks later still feeling guilty.