You ask Louise

"So, Lou, what do you recommend to drink?" you ask.

Louise smiles, and seems more than happy to indulge you on what's best to drink. "Well, our cute little bartender here, Pam makes a very good Bloody Brain. You should try it."

"Sounds fascinating" you say with a sparkle in your eyes. "I've never tried one before. There's definitely a first time for everything. I'll try one!"

"Two Bloody Brains?" inquires Pam.

"Of course!" answers Louise. "The day is late, and the night is coming on strong. We're here to party! WOOOO!" She starts waving her hand in the air as she dances around in a circle. You can't help but laugh, and neither can Pam. "Okay" says Pam after she regains control. "I'll be right back with two of the best Bloody Brains you've ever tasted."

Pam leaves and comes back after a few minutes with two tall glasses filled with a strange looking concoction that does remind you of a brain floating around in blood. You take a sip and smile. You can taste strawberries, a hint of lime, and grenadine. The floating brain pieces you recognize as Bailey's Irish Creme. "It's very good! How much do I owe you?"

"Both are already paid for" smiles Pam. "Those two gentlemen over there in the corner told me to tell you both your money's no good, as long as you come over and thank them properly."

"Oh? Did they now?" Louise asks. "What a pleasant surprise! Come Liz, let's go thank them properly." She grabs you by the hand, and leads you across the room to where Pam said the men were sitting. You get there to see the ugliest, fattest men ever created by human parents. Even their double chins have double chins! They look you and Louise up and down, and smile wolfishly at you. Even Louise's jaw drops open as the words she was going to say retreated back down her throat in obvious fear and revulsion.

"Ladies! Sit down, please. Join us!" says the one closest to you. "You both look smashing to say the least. My name is Phil Glass. Perhaps you've heard of me? I'm a very rich and famous broker from London. And this" he says, pointing to his friend seated next to him. "This is Toby Finnerman, my friend and colleague. We own Glass and Finnerman Limited."

You look at Louise who's still not sure what's going on. you know the polite thing to do would be to indulge them, and join them for at least one drink. You nudge her with your elbow, and sit down. "Thank you for buying our drinks" you say as you sit down. "My name is Elizabeth, and this is my best friend Louise."

Louise smiles as she sits. She looks over at you as if to ask what the fuck are you thinking?, but she refrains from saying it out loud. Instead, she is polite and cordial as she smiles and says "Yes, thank you very much for the drinks. It was a lovely gesture."

Phil rubs his fat hands together. "So, ladies. Do you like to gamble? I hear tell there's games happening on the lower level. Would you care to join us at the blackjack table? Or do you fancy poker?" He bends over the table, and whispers "They even have an opium den down there, I'm told. But it's not just for opium. We have lots of time, and lots of money to spend, especially on two gorgeous ladies like yourselves. Will you join us for a bit?"

You look at Louise, and Louise looks at you. You're both searching for guidance from each other on this one. They've definitely caught you flat footed. You're about to open your mouth and say no when you hear Louise say "Sure! We'll join you!"

"Splendid!" exclaims Phil. "Lady luck is certainly smiling on us tonight."