Rabbit Hole Carnival: Red and Black

“I just don’t understand some people.” Susie replied.

“Your brother paid for the reservation, so could you at least try to enjoy it?” Renee asked.

“I doubt it.” Joshua said. “Not that I disagree. Whenever I was given something I didn’t like it was always to get me to be quiet in some way or another.”

“And the fact that all five of us were invited?” Cel asked.

“He’s too lazy to remember what she likes, and figured if her four friends come she will too.” Joshua replied. “Surprises he even remembers two of us, if Susie’s reaction is any to go by.”\

“He didn’t.” Susie said. “Mom had to hint at it over the phone.”

“Well he still ended up getting five spots, right?” Cody replied. “We should at least make this time together fun.”

“I agree.” Renee said. “You all made my birthday fun. I think I should return the favor.” She waved at a staff member.

“Renee what are you doing?” Susie asked.

“Asking what kind of bet it would take for me to be able to serve our bars drinks here.” Renee replied. “What does it seem like I’m doing?”

“Renee.” Cell said while laughing. “There’s no way that’s gonna—”

“Would 4,000 cover it?” Joshua asked, and everyone turned and just stared at him. “What?”

“Jojo that’s…” Renee trailed off.

“Not what you meant by a little extra cash?” Joshua replied. “I figured, but I still know you, and you always do something around 4,000 dollars in cash wild.”

Cody and Susie burst out laughing, and Cel chuckled a bit as she was the first to speak up. “I don’t know how he made that calculation, but that does sound about right. I guess we need to speak to the manager?”

“Well I’m not sure I'm in the mood.” Renee replied, crossing her arms.

“Aw, Renee.” Cody said. “Come on, everyone will love the drinks. Is Nick bringing the supplies?”

“I was wondering what this big favor of yours was gonna be.” Ben, the manager, replied walking up with Nicholas.

“Could we all slow down?” Susie replied. “My parents were very clear. I'm supposed to be using my brother’s gift, and we can’t just sneak to Renee and Nick’s bar and say we used the tickets.”

“Exactly.” Renee replied. “So we’ll have some Rabbit Hole drinks and gamble together. Which is us using your brother’s gift and mixing it with something you like.”

“A little like a good drink.” Cel nudged Renee. “Renee we all love your wild ideas, okay? And I’m sure Nick likes having such a creative mind around.”

“Yeah, that was another thing.” Susie replied. “We should all know better than to poke fun at Renee that way given what she’s gone through.” Susie hugged Renee. “Thank you, and I absolutely love the idea. If we're allowed to do it.”

“Keep the money. We’re splitting the profits a bit tonight. I’ve been hearing about that place a lot, and I'm a little curious to see some of its handiwork myself.”

---SEVERAL DRINKS LATER---

“All on red!” Renee shouted, and slammed a handful of chips down

“All on black!” Joshua replied, slamming an equal number of chips down.

“I’ll take odds.” Cody replied. “The other girls well eventually take even.”

“Hmm.” Cel stared at the board. “Reveal your secrets. Odds? No Evens. No you’re lying to me! Odds! Wait, you're trying to throw me off. I’m on to you. Evens!” Cel slammed her chips down.

“You know what?” Susie said. “This whole day still owns me.” She picked up a simple five chips. “Green 00.”

Everyone but Cody collectively ooo’d, and all watched as the wheel spun.

---NEXT MORNING---

“Ugh.” Cel got, and Susie handed her tea. “Thanks Cody for whatever you did last night.”

“Brought Daddy over to us.” Renee replied. “After our little roulette battle.”

“I haven’t had that much fun throwing money around in ages.” Joshua said. “I have no idea how much I lost but it was well spent.”

“Only a 1,000 actually.” Cody replied, handing the rest back to him. “You were just starting to drink before you paused, and gave it to me.”

“As wise a decision as ever.” Joshua replied.

“Yeah we actually did win quite a bit.’ Cel said.

“Mhm, we just spent it all on blackjack after.” Renee said. “We should do it again sometime.”