Rabbit Hole Carnival: Not for Sale

The bell rang right on queue. “Evenings boys.” Renee said. “We’re still not for sale, but perhaps you’d like to buy something this time?”

“Ah, what the hell.” Steve replied. “I’ll take a Festival. You Joe?”

“A Memento sounds lovely.” Joe said.

“You want the Festival double mix or no?” 

“What?” Joe asked. “He just said—”

“Joe,” Steve said. “It's right here doesn’t it? My mistake. What makes people taste it differently?”

“Dunno,” Renee replied. “Even me and Daddy tasted it different honestly. I say it brings the flavor, and he says it’s more of an omnifruit taste. So it must just be a person to person thing.”

“Fascinating,” Joe said. “A recipe like that could change the world, you know?”

“I’ll be right out with the drinks.” Renee replied. “Daddy! That company I told you about is here!”
“Well, you gentlemen are punctual.” Nick said as he walked down the stairs. “Here I thought she was exaggerating a bit.”

“Oh! You have a very smart girl.” Steve said. “Our apologies . We thought we had bad timing.”

“So you show at this exact moment to do this 5 times in a row?” Nick asked. “You were shown the deed to place yes?”

“And it says she is in charge, it does indeed.” Joe said, as both got a bit hot under the collar. “But we simply figured that it was a ceremonial action. I mean she was tossed out, and disowned, no? Best make her happy.”

Steve gave some hand singles behind his back. Joe knew them well. (Well done. Glad you're my partner.) “Yeah, I mean you don’t wanna leave with nothing, right?”

“Drinks!” Renee came back and gave them both what they ordered taking a swig of a Shocking Apple herself, “And yes, daddy that is yours.”

“I see why you insisted we shop early.” Nick said, taking a swig of his Planted Beanstalk. “Just how long have you two been pestering my niece?"

“Pestering isn’t a word one should use lightly.” Joe replied.

“Listen, this property is nice. The drinks are great and unique.” Steve said. “Like my research partner said she was all on her own after you’re gone. Surely you don’t wanna leave a gal alone  with just one property.”

Joe single behind his back (it is now my turn to be impressed.)

“She can do with this business with this whatever she wants.” Nick replied. “Which is already in my will. So you unless gentlemen how some other snake oil you’re selling. Get out and don’t come back.
Steve and Joe left both clearly talking about their not next, and complimenting each other. Stopping someone at the entrance.

“Renee already told me, and I and my mom. Are already covering this” Cel said. “The Twilightshield should be marked off your list too. As should most of this town knowing this bar. So get out and go find somewhere else.”

“Did you mean that?” Renee asked.

“Renee you know I have connections every—” Cel said.

“Not you. I’ll get a white owl in a minute.” Renee said. “Do you actually have me a sole owner of this place in your will?”

“Who else would I leave it to?” Nick replied. “Can’t leave it to your brother. Can’t leave it to my brother. Someone has added more to the drink menu than I ever could.”

“I… what do I do with it?” Renee asked.

“Whatever you want when the time comes.” Cel replied. “My uncle lets me proofread things sometimes.” Cel Replied.

Renee served her a white owl, and the two got to talking. Nick quietly shifted the sign to close. His Niece had been robbed of enough fun for her lifetime. One day wasn’t going to hurt things.