Page 5 of Hollow House
“I’m working on something else, something that truly could be a big break,” I admitted.
“And are you going to share what that is?” he asked.
“Yes, but another drink first,” I replied, not quite ready to share my insane plan. Fuck, I should’ve just asked for the tequila straight.
We made our way through our drinks and on to our seconds.I opted for the strawberry margarita instead of mango on our second round. After a large gulp, I let out a deep sigh before readying myself for the conversation I knew I had to have.
“So, Hollow House,” I started.
He rolled his eyes, taking a sip from his drink.
“You provide all the sex toys for the party, right?” I guessed.
He glanced around like the patrons at the bar might overhear us, even through the loud music providing a bit of a barrier.
“Yes,” he answered.
“Which is why you didn’t want to discuss it at the shop?” I guessed.
“Do you know how many people would come looking for an invite to Hollow House if they knew?” he said dramatically. “We’d get nothing done. Do you know how many Hollow House followers we’d have hanging out at the shop year round? Would it be good for sales? Maybe. But we’d likely lose our top client, and it wouldn’t be worth it.”
“But people have to realize you’re the only shop in town that sells what Hollow House would need to host a party like that,” I said, not understanding how more had not come to that conclusion.
“Not when Jack complains year round that they don’t,” Felix said and smiled.
“What?”
“People have assumed. We just made it very clear they assumed wrong. Any work for Hollow House we do before and after hours. On Halloween, we deliver the items they need extremely early in the morning,” he explained.
“Which is why you’ll be back early tomorrow to help?” I guessed.
“Exactly,” he confirmed. “Why are you even asking?”
“Because I need to find a way in tomorrow,” I stated, like I hadn’t just said the most absurd thing I could.
Felix’s jaw dropped, and he set down his drink.“You can’t be serious, Sloane,” he said. A nervous laugh escaped his lips, watching and waiting for me to take it all back.
“Completely serious,” I stated. “That’s my way out. An article on Hollow House, the place the wealthiest and most influential people spend their Halloween. I would be the first to share the story from the inside.”
He shook his head, his hand now on his forehead in distress. His mouth kept opening like he was going to say something, but he stopped.
“So can you get me access to Hollow House?” I asked.
“No can do,” he stated.
Shit.
“Felix—" I started.
“Nuh uh, don’t Felix me,” he said. “I never suggested I could. I told you I could share what I knew, and I did.”
I glared at him, but after only a second, I backed down. If Felix could’ve helped me, I knew he would’ve. Never once had he turned his back on me. He was my most reliable friend, and if he didn’t have a way, that was that.
“Now, are you going to go over there and finally talk to that guy, or do I have to drag you?” he said, trying to lighten the mood and change the subject.
“What guy?” I asked.
“The one who’s been staring at you this whole time,” he answered. “Don’t tell me you didn’t notice?”
