Rabbit Hole Carnival: Underneath

“I didn’t order?” A young male replied, as a filled glass was placed in front of him. “Miss?”

“Yes you did.” Renee said. “And that one is on the house.”

“I.. okay.” Leo said, taking a swig, and then chugged it. “I want a refill later!”

“I’ll start a tab!” Renee said. “If daddy—” she coughed. “If Nick asked, tell him ‘leave it to Renee!’”

Several passed through the bar, and Leo talked to a few of them. A few drunk ladies among them. This one in particular was rather pushy.

“I’m not looking for someone tonight.” Leo said. “Now could you please leave me alone.”

“Why are you in a bar, if not looking for someone?” The drunk woman asked.

“There are several reasons people frequent a bar, miss.” Nick replied. “You however seem to need a ride home.”

“Pff. It’s paid for isn’t it?” The young girl hiccupped. “He is barely on his third glass, and still hasn't paid.”

“Young lady,” Nick sighed. “I was getting to asking about that, but you’ve been table hopping. As have your friends, and it's been causing several problems. I chose to leave Renee to the actual bar table, and I am rather frustrated as it is tonight. So—”

“Oh that girl! The one who chooses to flirt with some of the people she serves?! You have any idea how many people she gave a free drink to? That whore isn’t!—” The girl paused as Nick stared at her.

“Call my niece that again, and see what happens.” Nick said. “Leave like the rest of your friends.”

“14 by the way.” Renee said. “8 of them girls, which are not my type. 5 of them guys. 12 of them paid for their tab with a good tip, I might add. Which reminds me, you’re sure you're fine paying for 6 people?”

 “What? Of course not!” The drunk girl replied. “Who told you that?!”

“You’re friends.” Renee replied. “So maybe get some better ones, hmm?”

“My dad is gonna kill me!” The girl replied.

“Oh far worse than that, young lady.” Bruce replied, staring at his daughter. “Thank you for the call, Miss Renee.”

“Just a part of the job, Bruce.” Renee said.

“If you need to set up some kind of payment plan we can arrange the details tomorrow.” Nick said.

Bruce waved dismissively. “The bills is nothing I can’t handle. A fine even to you mister Shem.”

“You as well.” Nick tipped his hat, as Bruce left with his daughter. “You can close up as usual Renee?”

“Of course, Daddy.” Renee replied. “You can pay when you’re ready, Leo.”

“I never said my name…” Leo replied.

“You did to 4 of those girls actually” Renee said. “Bartender and a girl if you haven't noticed. Both of those pick up a few things.”

“When are you closing then” Leo asked.

“You could have two more at your rate.” Renee said. “Just pay it tomorrow if you need to. I’ll keep track.”

“Yeah okay…” Leo said, and finished his drink. “I want at least one more then.”

“Alright then.” Renee said, as she picked the mug up. “Oh and Leo? You see the best and worst of people in the bar. The drinks get heavy, the drunks make a mess, and people start to show you what’s really underneath.”

“Your point being?” Leo asked.

“That whichever girl ripped your heart out is an idiot.” Renee said, and walked back behind the bar.