Lost Chips, Lost Words 

lacklusterfatale:

ringxdingding:

lacklusterfatale:

Waking up nauseated was never the way Rhoda wanted to begin a new day. Always in the aftermath she would lay in her bed–she liked the way the word ‘her’ made her feel as though The Lucky 38 was her home. And, this was truly her room. Now with a burning cigarette essentially resting against her lips, Rhoda dwelt on the previous night. She, personally, wouldn’t call it one of her worst nights.

But truthfully: it teetered on being so.

Rhoda recalled atomic cocktails, many of them. A slick, cocky man in a checkered suit…checkers. This almost triggered the sound of a bullet ripping through her head, leading to the name Benny. Last night she interacted with Benny, must’ve got that little chip and left. That’s right! Rhoda could recall more. In the night filled with Vegas lights she hollered about her success to a awaiting Victor. Who, while pleased with his partner’s success told her to calm down. She sloppily kissed his screen.

…again, definitely not her most proud night. 

Rhoda sat up, ready to make herself get on with her day. Forgetting all about her pact with Benny; she would give the chip back to Mr. House, he would pay her, she would go back home to her little boy. Simple as that. But, where was the chip? Panic came over her as she looked at the sheets, under the sheets but never under the bed where it actually laiid in its silver glory. 

“Shit…” in the midst of her bewilderment, her cigarette dropped onto the flawless bed cover, she had to act quick. “Shit!“ 

Calming down, Rhoda tried to behave logical. Maybe she dropped it outside the Lucky 38, or maybe (she hoped so much) she actually did not get the chip. But that would mean she would have to see Benny again and sh–she could do it. It would be better than explaining her foolish actions to House. 

Rather than something exquisite, for this daytime travel she sported her favorite casual blue dress. She would pretend, she would act that she was headed in for the Ace’s morning show, or that she just wanted to…ugh, flirt with Tommy Torini or something. Yes, that seemed valid and passable enough. 

And like that, Rhoda was out on the Strip. Not knowing the chip was closer than imaginable.

Benny’s day would’ve started a few hours ago.
Solving some guest complaints, as well as
       Tommy’s bitching about the lack of acts.
Just an usual morning,
    With the addictional satisfaction of the night before.
He was waiting for the lady to strut in any second now.
    After all, he gave her the ‘’Platinum chip.’’ 
 — Wich was actually a casual ‘the tops’ chip.

        He just had to give her something,
 To be sure she came back, sober.

Speaking about wich, Benny strutted to the bar.
   ordering himself the usual morning whiskey.
Puffing on his cigarette as he waited on the drink.

Rhoda felt a strange sort of thankfulness at the sight of Benny. Judging by his face, Checkers looked like he had nothing big going for himself. Now she would skip conversing with Tommy and skip the pretending of caring about (what was apparently) repeated performances.

As if bracing herself for preparation, she pouted. Her teeth clicked against the wall of her mouth. Ok, now she would move to her destination. 

“You look different without guards.”

Benny showed a quick smile as the lady arrived next to him.
   exhaling some smoke before replying.
‘’ You look different sober.’’ He shook his head,
Tapping his cigarette out, a smug expression on his face.

  ‘’ Baby, the barkeeper is strapped, i am strapped.
      Now, why are you here kitten?’’