Rabbit Hole Carnival: Reserved

“Everything alright?” Nick asked.

“We’ll manage.” Cel replied.

“What was I expecting…?” Renee said.

“For it to be okay to come home. I think?” Nick said. “Knowing them at least.”

“Doesn't that always just not happen?” Cel asked with a laugh.

“It’s not funny.” Renee said.

“I for one find what you said hilarious” Cel replied. “All the more so, because he didn’t see his daughter capable of saying it.”

“This I got to hear" Susie said as she walked in.

“You do seem to find a way with words.” Joshua said, and sat down as well.

“The talk didn’t go well then.? Cody asked.

“It went as thought as it was going to.” Renee said. “It just also ended with some being told his lugnut self needs to leave me alone.”

The collective ooo filled the bar as Renee told the story

---
“Starting to feel like we should go” Renee said. “Really not feeling like sticking around.”

“Honestly? Decent call.” Cel replied. “All this work, and they can’t be bothered to show up on time?”
“Have you ever heard of Traffic?” Adam asked.

“You ever heard of texting?” Renee said. “Oh wait, clearly not considering you left me at a gas station.”

“Oh  my god that was one time!” Adam said.

“I was four!” Renee replied.

“I’m not going to pretend I’m surprised," Cel said. “We’re here, so what is it you want?”

Adam took a deep breath. “He’s struggling.”

“Adam, you can’t be serious.” Renee said. “You did not drag me out here—”

“Struggling like drying, Renee.” Adam said.

“Then I hope he rots!” Renee replied. “At least then I’ll be done.”

“You don’t mean that." Adam replied.

“I’ve known Renee for a long time,” Cel said. “She definitely does.”
---
“So yeah.” Renee replied. “That was what he wanted.”

“You have any regrets?” Nicked asked.

“None that I can think of.” Renee said.

“I'd pay so much for the look that must have been on his face.” Susie Said.

“Probably something like the look on mine.” Joshua said.

“Worse.” Renee replied with a chuckle.

“From what was said anyways." Cel said

“More de-tails” Susie said.

“Gonna need popcorn for this one” Cody replied.

“So after that we argued for a bit longer, and honestly I feel bad for the waiter who had to walk to us. After like 10 minutes we were making way too much of a scene. Cel had stepped anyway to get some take out. So we did at least get something to eat. Mom called after Adam drove away. We elected to just eat in that parking lot. No way either of us should have been driving.

Nick listened with rest, but walked over to hang up a close sign. For tonight the bar was reserve for his niece, and her friends.