Long story short, a co-worker and I have been talking for a bit. I asked her out and got her phone number, but it wasn't until recently that I finally started to make some progress with her.

We talked for about a half an hour at the gym before I told her that we needed to hang out, she said sure, and then countered with telling me about a bonfire she was having at her house in about a week.

She told me I should take the next day off from work because she's not letting anyone drive home drunk, and then mentioned how all her friends tell her she's a cute drunk.

So, my questions are:

1. How do I play this one? More or less, should I try to escalate, and how?
2. Is she sending me an IOI by mentioning she's a cute drunk?
3. There is an off chance that a guy she was dating is going to be there. How do I handle competition? Pretend like he isn't there. Btw I do know the guy so there has to be some precision. Plus I don't want to come off as sour grapes in any way.
4. I guess just general bonfire tips if you have any.

Thanks guys!

You are being WAY too outcome dependent here. Stop thinkig about trying to have sex with this girl before the night has even started. Stop trying to read between the lines of a potential IOI and stop overanalyzing basic communication. The best thing you can do is show her that you are a fun guy to be around. Dont just focus on her. Focus on her friends and win them over. Focus on having a good time and being charismatic and outgoing. Make her work for your attention and make her happy that she invited you. Be confident and be in control. Woman can sense insecurity and they can sense desperation and it is super unattractive to them. Finally, Do not relate to this girl as a co worker and do not relate to this girl as a friend. Relate to her as a man to a woman.

These are general principles for basic social interaction and they work. There is no one liner or single stratagy that will get girl to like you. There is only field experience and the ability to convey the very best and most appealing person you can be.

Good luck and cheers.
-BRAD