Page 2 of A Very Grumpy Halloween

Halloween costume party? That’s just what I need for my break, I think.

It’s well known in my family just how much I love Halloween and dressing up and I smile at the thought of getting to do it this year and hang out with all of our friends.

“I haven’t seen her yet,” I say, and Olive nods.

“I’m sure she’ll be by soon, or maybe she’ll text you.”

“Text who?” Lilou asks as she joins us at the counter.

“We’re talking about Vera’s Halloween party,” Olive says.

“Oh! Yeah, she was by a little bit ago. Told me to give you this,” she says, passing me an invitation.

I open it, smiling at the ghosts and bats on the card.

“Are you going too?” I ask Lilou, and she smiles.

“Maybe. If my boss will give me time off.”

“Of course,” I tell her. “Maybe we’ll close early that day so we can all go.”

“Yay! I already told her that Xavier and I would go. It should be a lot of fun!” Olive says with a wide grin, and I smile.

Fun. The word seems so foreign.

I frown at that thought, wondering when I became so sad and bitter.

When was the last time that I had any fun?

It’s been nothing but work, errands, and sleep for me for the last year as I tried to get this place off the ground. I know that I threw myself into work to try to distract myself from my grief. Not that it worked. I would go home after work and think about my parents. I would be stocking here at the shop or driving through town and randomly think of them. The ache in my chest has lessened in the last year, but I doubt that it will ever truly go away.

I shake my head, trying to shake off the gloomy thoughts as I focus on my sister and friend.

“We’ll all go together,” I say, offering Olive and Lilou a smile. “Maybe we can do a group costume!”

We debate ideas for a bit before Olive’s phone rings, and she waves goodbye as she heads home to her man. Lilou and I get to work then, and I smile as I restock some shelves.

My sister is right I am due for some fun, I think as I look up, my eyes locking on him.

Ryder Murray.

His friendly blue eyes twinkle as he smiles at me, and I swallow hard, offering him a weak smile back.

I can feel my face blushing and I reach up, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

Ryder Murray likes me. He’s even asked me out a few times, but I’ve never accepted. Mainly because of Wet and Wild and all of the work here, but also because I thought that he would get bored of me. I mean, the man looks like a freaking model, with his dark hair and piercing blue eyes, and I well… don’t. Not unless we were talking about a plus-size model.

The two of us seem like polar opposites. He’s not really much of a talker, and he seems more like a loner who prefers to be by himself. Whereas I like having people around and being social. Still, there’s something about him that calls to me.

I watch his tall frame as he continues down the sidewalk, and suddenly, I know exactly how I’m going to have some fun.

TWO

Ryder

Maple Baker.

God, she’s perfect.

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