Run for the Rum

The line wrapped around the garage. Gallons of rum spilled like rain from a cloud. The problem was not how much would be allocated, but how much they would have to raise prices after a certain hour.

“They’re bleeding us, Ben!” said Alice Reuger. Benjamin Cooper had been running this rum operation for two years and almost had his liquor license rescinded twice. But the money was too good so he ensured that he kept his business above board.

“We’re going to have to institute the price change early,” Alice suggested. Cooper kept doling out mugs of rum and allowing people to relax on the beach of Rehoboth, Delaware. The sandy atmosphere gave way to music floating on the wind like butterflies. Cooper kept going despite his reluctance to changing prices ahead of the normal time.

“Alice!”

“Yeah?!”

“We’re going to have to open up more cases. We’ll just have to keep the price!”

“Really? Why?”

“I’ve gotta make this money!”

Cooper smiled a clean one. His business acumen matched with Alice's and brought them millions of dollars each summer. With the conversion of the state of Delaware from having a consumption tax and not a federal, state, or local taxes, the pair found themselves in the midst of commerce.

Both of them knew that they had to sell the rum from the garage. They used thinking to keep all of the concerns of the business in order. The line never dwindled. The garage closed at ten pm as people partied on the beach under the moon and stars.

“We’re not running out of booze, just paper cups!” Alice hollered.

“Okay. We'll use plastic!”

“They’re gone!”

Cooper breathed. “Look, go over to the corner store and buy a thousand cups!”

“Got it!” Alice replied. Cooper sighed and sold so greatly.