Joshua was reading a book when he heard noise coming from the kitchen. He didn't even glance up as Davy walked into the living room after making his noisy entrance.

Davy kicked back in a recliner.

“Hey Buckwheat!”

“What's up, Batman?” Joshua still didn’t bother looking up.

“Your mom needs to go grocery shopping. How come you guys are out of ice cream?”

“That's because you came by and ate it all last night, remember?” Joshua turned the page of his book.

Davy thought for a moment. “Oh. So, how come your mom didn't get any last night?”

“It was too late by then. The stores were already closed. Besides, she's at a CPA seminar for work. A bunch of financial people. She won't go grocery shopping until Friday.”

“Rats.” Davy thought some more. “Well, how about a cookie? Can I get a cookie?”

Joshua considered this. “Sure. We might be able to spare one if you're good.”

Davy sat up in the recliner. “Really? Hey, if I promise to behave, will you give me a cookie?”

“Sure, I guess I can do that.”

“OK. Let me see the cookie first.”

“That hinges on whether or not you behave.” Joshua shook his head.

“Yeah, but I want to see solid proof of the cookie.”

“You'll get the cookie if you behave.”

“OK,” replied Davy, nodding in agreement as he brushed his long blonde ponytail back over his shoulder. “I'll see your cookie and raise you two more.”

“Two?” Joshua snorted. “I said I would give you just one.”

“I'm raising the stakes in hopes that you lose so I'll get three.”

“You're bluffing,” laughed Joshua as he put his book down. “You don't have any cookies.”  

“What makes you so sure?”

“If you did,” replied Joshua with a smile, “you would have eaten them already.”

“Oh yeah? Well, maybe YOU'RE bluffing and don't have any, either!”

“Don't worry. I have one.”