This is my first FR for you fine folks. If too long skip to the TLDR!

Last night I went out with a platonic female friend to meet some of her friends at a bar. I met a few people in this group a few weeks ago when we all had fun playing frisbee and grilling. In particular was an HB8 who I wanted to get with.

We arrive and their table is full, but no problem. I get to be the center of attention by standing alongside the table this way (its a tall table so it isnt awkward). I immediately say hi to the people I know and hug HB8 and her friend, and introduce myself to the rest. I waste no time getting to know one of the new dudes and making friends all around. I feel good, fast. Normally I am introverted, but the setup forces me to talk to everyone, for the better. Standing allows me to be commanding.

I spend a chunk of time talking with HB8's friend who is leaving the state tomorrow. We talk about dubstep and electronic music which is perfect because it's one of my favorite subjects. It's easy to appear lively and interesting this way, and we quickly build rapport. She keeps getting excited and telling me I belong in California with her. HB8 is looking jealous for attention so I chat with her. We talk about stupid things like jersey shore but I keep it light and fun, no talk about jobs or boring shit.

I tease her a bit but not for long because we're changing venues. I'm working on being a value-giver to the group so I recommend an alternative down the street when the bar we wanted to get into was at capacity, and everyone gets excited because its a place theyve all wanted to go but havent been yet. On the way there we pass a few bars that look awesome, and there's dancing, so we end up doing that instead. The change ends up being perfect because I know the DJ who was there and ran into a different group of friends. Instant DHV and social proof, and since HB8 is in the music industry she's intrigued and becomes more interested. She buys herself a beer which I take from her. I thank her and start drinking. I wish I had a picture of her face at this moment. We go dance and most of the night is spent dancing in the group. Occasionally I take her for myself, but I am not super good at the social logic of the dancefloor, and I am not as in charge here as I was before we started dancing. But, I had a blast and really enjoyed dancing with everyone, which is saying something because it's taken me a while to get comfortable on the floor at all. I remember telling myself, "even if i dont get laid, tonight has been a great night", so i know I was enjoying the whole situation.

HB8 and I dance dirty for a whileand she grinds all over me. We part for a moment and she dances even dirtier with her gay friend which kind of annoys me, but I dont show it in any way. When she wanders I ignore her and have fun with everyone else. Now here's where I think I made a mistake. I hadnt complimented her all night, so I figure I'll balance my teasing with one cute thing. When we start dancing close again, I say "you know what's bad about you?" She looks upset but intrigued and says "no, what?" "I know you get too many compliments from men, so I'm afraid to say something nice about you". She laughs but tells me it sounds like a pick up line. It was a stupid moment, but I'm over it. Music stops (Boston nights are short) and everyone wants something new to do, so I show more social proof by bringing them all to a party back in my neighborhood. We catch cabs there.

At the party I am in such a good mood that I end up totally forgetting HB8 and talking to everyone there. She taps me on the back a few times to get my attention but I dont budge. We all drink more and soon I find myself in the kitchen alone with her. We get flirty and i pull her close but end up mostly teasing and talking when I could have kissed her. People get back into the kitchen and the moment is over. We relax on the porch and now her body language is all different. She's turned away from me and leans towards my friend who she seems to have some kind of history with. When he announces he's leaving she asks him something I can't quite hear but I'm pretty sure it was "can I come over?". He says "No, we can't do that, we can't do that" a bunch of times. She persists. This is all in front of everyone else, which I find bizarre.

After he leaves she goes inside. I come with and chat a bit. She goes to the bathroom so I wait. When she comes out she goes straight for the front door and leaves without saying bye to anyone. I'm stumped. I go on the porch and relax with my friends before calling it a night.

I think it's pretty clear I could have closed her if I just read her signals better and was more aggressive. I was dumb about it, but hey! the entire night was fun and I enjoyed myself the whole time despite the outcome. I might see her again tonight if I hang out with the same group of friends. Advice?

TL;DR - Danced with HB8 all night and blew it in the end, but enjoyed plenty of DHVs and an overall really fun time.