George declines Whit's invitation to visit the brothel because he does not want to waste his hard-earned wages on debauchery. He and Lennie are saving for the future.
While George listens to Whit, he asks him how much the "entertainment" at Susy's place costs, and Whit tells him it is two and a half dollars [equivalent to nearly $30.00 nowadays]. George replies,
"Me an'Lennie's roll' up a stake...I might go in an' set and have a shot, but I ain't puttin' out no two and a half."
As the men talk, Curley comes in, looking for his wife; he looks around and asks where Slim is. George tells him that Slim is in the barn repairing one of the mule's hooves, and Curley rushes out. When Whit says he is going to the barn to "see the fuss if it comes off," George declines to go with him on this, also, repeating his statement that he and Lennie "got to make a stake."
Clearly, George and Lennie have something that the others lack: a dream for the future. This dream both motivates George's actions and provides him with a hope that the other men lack.
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