Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 20818 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 104(@200wpm)___ 83(@250wpm)___ 69(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20818 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 104(@200wpm)___ 83(@250wpm)___ 69(@300wpm)
With a satisfied nod, I move on to the next item on my list. I dial Romi, my ever-dependable bar manager. If anyone can help orchestrate an evening to remember, it’s her. As the phone rings, I mentally map out what the speakeasy will look like for our private dinner. Dim lighting, a soft jazz playlist, and an enchanted menu should do the trick.
Romi picks up on the third ring, sounding far more awake than I feel. “Morning, big bad boss! What’s up?”
“I need a favor.” It’s not really a favor, but I know you catch more bees with honey than vinegar. “Could you make sure Scared Shotless is prepped for a private dinner tonight? Everything top-notch and special.”
There’s a pause, and I can practically hear the wheels turning in her head. “This for the Catwoman from last night?” she asks, a teasing lilt in her voice. “Shane already told me you seemed pretty taken with her.” Goddamn. The gossip in this town is legendary. If you fart in church on Sunday morning, the entire town knows by the time you get to the Skillet Skeleton Diner for Sunday brunch.
I chuckle, glancing out the window at the already-lively town gearing up for another day of perpetual Halloween. “I plead the fifth.” It’s a way of life for me. “Think you can work your magic?”
“Consider it done.” She chuckles. “I’ll make sure it’s perfect. What are you thinking for the menu?”
“Something memorable,” I reply, imagining a table laden with delicious treats. “Maybe start with pumpkin soup and some kind of seasonal salad. Then, something fun, maybe themed tapas, and finish up with a killer dessert. Just make it feel like it’s woven with Halloween charm.”
“You’ve got it,” Romi says, and her enthusiasm echoes through the line. “I’ll even throw in a few surprises to keep things interesting. Don’t worry, we’ll dazzle her.”
We hang up, and with the preparations in capable hands, I take a moment to savor my coffee. I feel a buzz of anticipation as I think about the evening ahead. There’s a sense of new possibilities that makes my old routine seem far behind me. It’s refreshing, this dive into the unknown, driven by something as simple and complex as a potential romance.
I spend the bulk of the morning going over some bar logistics and checking in with the suppliers for tonight's special stock. As I handle the day-to-day shenanigans of owning and running a bar, there’s an undeniable thrill that keeps nudging at the edge of my mind—an eagerness for the hours to pass so I can see Kat again.
By midday, I stroll down to the bar, taking in the sights and sounds of Midnight Falls in daylight. The decorations feel less haunted now and more nostalgic. There are several nods and waves from the usual patrons and townsfolk who take part in maintaining this year-round whimsy.
When I arrive at Trick or Treat, Romi greets me with a knowing smile. “Everything’s set for tonight,” she assures, handing me a clipboard with the evening’s plans and supply lists. “You’re going to knock her off her feet.”
“Good,” I say, surveying the main floor. The bar’s already taking on its nightly glow as staff weave between tables, putting final touches on the décor. “I appreciate this.”
“Don’t worry about it.” She waves a hand dismissively. “Seeing you actually excited about someone makes this worth the extra effort.”
Her words linger as I go through the afternoon’s motions. My anticipation grows more palpable. This isn’t just about seducing someone over a fancy dinner. These feelings coursing through me are way the fuck more than I’ve allowed myself to ever feel. Living in the world I left behind taught me vulnerability is a luxury you can’t afford, but here, now, it feels like exactly what I can’t live without.
Hours later, as the sun dips below the horizon, blanketing the town in its signature eerie twilight, I find myself checking all the preps one last time. The speakeasy concealed beneath Trick or Treat is glowing softly with candlelight, casting shadows that dance playfully across the walls. The stage is set, and everything’s as perfect as I could hope for. All that’s missing now is Kat’s infectious laughter lighting up the room.
As the clock edges closer to our agreed time, butterflies flutter unexpectedly in my stomach. What the fuck? I wipe a small bead of sweat from my forehead and realize I’m antsy about a woman for the first goddamn time in my life.
I wanted to pick her up for our date, but my stubborn little kitty refused, whispering something about preserving the mystery and making her dramatic entrance. So, here I am, standing at the foot of the stairs leading down to Scared Shotless, feeling like a teenager waiting for his prom date.
Romi and the team outdid themselves in preparing the VIP room. Shadows from flickering candles dance along the rustic stone walls, and soft jazz plays low and smooth, creating a sultry atmosphere. The main table underneath the antique crystal chandelier is set with black linen placemats, and the centerpiece of our private table is an elegant arrangement of sunflowers and deep red dahlias with a gold skull tucked away inside it.