Rabbit Hole Carnival: Circus is Back

“What brings you lot back in town so soon?” Renee asked. “You don’t usually come in for at least a few weeks from now.”

“We were close enough to hear that you were thinking of quitting being a bartender.” Valtenti said.

“A stupid rumor that always comes from those that don’t understand depression.” Renee replied. “I have no intention of stopping my work here. At the very least until Daddy knows how make a Shocking Apple”

“There’s new drinks.” the tightrope walker said the moment she got in. “Would I like something different now?”

“Oh yeah, maybe I suppose.” Renee said. “Just try whatever name sticks out to you.”

Valtenti folded his menu in half, before handing it to his fellow circus act. “I suspect even I have Sammy’s answer this time.”

 “Is that a challenge?” Renee asked.

“Would you like it to be one?” Valtenti replied.

“Next drink free if you’re right.” Renee said, handing him a napkin. “You pay for hers.”

“What if you're both right?” Sammy replied. “You both have your own advantages here.”

“Maybe double or nothing? We’ll figure that out when we get there.” Renee said.

“Hmm…” Sammy looked over the menu for a bit. “I kind of still wanna just have a Fruit Roulette though Festival does seem really interesting.

Renee and Valtenti both showed their guests and burst out laughing. “Okay Roulette is first on mine, so I'm still claiming victory.” Renee replied. “But I’ll just make her a Festival, on the house, it’s only fair.”

“What led to all the new creations?” Valtenti asked.

“I was just feeling inspired for once I suppose, or Maybe my family was just causing that many problems for me who knows.” Renee replied.

“If I may?” Nick asked. “I think you’ve started getting back to yourself a lot more than you seem to think, or perhaps notice.”

“What do you mean?” Renee replied.

“You made a drink just because we didn’t have one for a holiday, and miss Wolfe always given us pumpkins.” Nick replied. “And that principle of yours has yet to really stop, it’s nice to see it coming back.”

“Daddy, I…” Renee replied. “I think I was maybe a bit too young to understand what you’re talking about.”

“Probably so, but I believe I do.” Valtenti replied. “Let’s continue for a moment. What about Homesick?”

“A couple of customers would like something with a bit more punch, but hate spicy. Which I get, and think I kind of get it from Mike. I ask around trying to confirm a theory of mine that either you love sour and hate spicy, or you love spicy and hate sour. And when it turned out to be mostly right, I just figured why not add a sour drink to the menu.”

Sammy slams her empty mug. “And this one?”

“Would you like another first?” Renee chuckled.

“Yes!” Sammy replied.
Nick went into the back to make her another drink while Renee answered. “It’s our only solidly cider drink if the customer who came in is anything to go by. I served him everything we had, and he said they were fine, don't get me wrong. It just wasn’t what he was really looking for that night.”

“Absolutely loved this one though.” Nick said, as she served Sammy another one.

“Still not good enough to get to make a Shocking Apple though.” Renee replied with a pout. “Just because I made the first one of its kind for me doesn’t make it mine.”

“Renee,” Nick replied. “You being good enough at bartending is the last thing you should be going for if you’re trying to get me to make a Shocking Apple.”

“Perhaps when you’re more yourself again, you will begin to understand.” Valtenti tipped his hat and left a ticket. “Just what it is Nicholas is trying to find.”
“I think I already know.” Renee replied. “I’m just not there yet.”