Page 22 of Bony Bony
“Ooh,Ilike the sound of that,”Ireplied. “Oneday…”
“You’dlove it,Gianna, for the swimming alone.Theyhad a pool right on the ocean near our hotel on the waterfront inPontaDelgada.Toocold for me, butI’msure it wouldn’t stop you.”
“Swimming, eh?”Thatcaught my attention.EspeciallywhenIcould venture into the ocean in siren form and explore.
“Andthe food.”Brunoraised his fingers to his lips and mimicked a chef’s kiss. “Delicious.Sebastianwould love it.MarcusandIloved sitting along the ocean to people-watch while we had a bite or grabbed a drink.”
“That’sa good idea,”Isaid. “SebastianandIcould use a romantic getaway.”
“Youshould go,”Kyliesaid. “We’llcover things here.”Sheturned back toBruno. “Soundslike you both had a great time.”
“Indeed.I’dgo back in a second.”Hecocked his head. “Anythingnew here?”Whenhe noticedMr.Bonessitting in his spot near the graveyard, he quipped, “Iwasn’t gone that long and left a patron thirsty, didI?”
“No.”Ichuckled. “That’sMr.Bones.He’sthe inspiration for an upcoming event we’re planning.”
Brunomade a sound of acknowledgment while he nodded. “Supernaturalspeed dating?Finallya guy who listens?”
Ilaughed whileKyliereleased a sardonic grunt. “Thatwouldn’t be a bad idea after some of the datesI’dbeen on.”
Brunotouched her forearm. “That’swhyIkeep telling you to sign up for speed dating rather than working the bar at them.”
“Noway, they’re much too much fun to watch.”
“True,”Iagreed. “There’snothing so entertaining as witnessing awkward conversations between strangers and attempting to read the subtext of what’s going on.”
“Wecan’t all find love the way you two have with your partners.”Kyliegrunted. “Someof us might be meant to be alone.”
BrunoandIexchanged a glance.Kyliejust hadn’t met the right person yet.Butmaybe we could help…
No,Ishouldn’t meddle in my staff’s love lives or lack thereof. “Anyway, so what we have planned is aHalfwaytoHalloweenparty.”IgaveBrunoa quick rundown. “It’sa chance to have some fun dressing up.”
“Andmaking bank.”Kylierubbed her thumb and index finger together.
Brunoreplied with a sage nod. “Ah, yes.Greatnight for tips.”
Whilewe set up for the night ahead,Ishared more about the party whileBrunogushed about the trip.Itdefinitely sounded like somewhere fun.Withhow muchSebastianandIworked, we could use a vacation.
Iheaded into my office and updated the website with the newest event.ThenIshared it on social media and sent out an email blast to our subscribers with a link to buy tickets.Asthey started to sell,Isat back in my chair, pleased with the initial response.
WhenIchecked my email the next morning,Iwas excited to see more registrations had come in.Nota bad idea after all.
Ireturned to the main area of the club.Mr.Boneswas seated on a stool at the bar, leaning forward over it with an empty shot glass nearby, like he had passed out.
Ijumped back with a gasp, just as startled asIhad been yesterday.ButnowIwas on to my staff and their hijinks.Theywouldn’t get me again with their little prank.
ZANE
Iglanced away from the enchanted mirrorMaxhad let me borrow and leaned backward in the desk chair.Themirror stood on top of a desk in the house we’d rented while we were in the area.I’dneeded a change of scenery for inspiration to write new songs asI’dbeen having a hard time coming up with anything new.Sofar, the inspiration wasn’t coming, but perhaps it would ifIfound a muse.
Themirror’s silver frame was carved with intricate, swirly designs.Lightdanced on its surface, reflecting the red and purple ones shining down inGianna’sclub.AsIbroke from the viewpoint through the skeleton’s eyes, colors swirled and faded from the mirror’s surface.
Thatbone bag thatMaxhad bespelled to spy onGiannahad some kinks to work out, mainly with its penchant for drinking until it passed out after the club closed.Yet, it still had its use.Itgave me a clear view ofGiannawhile she was at the club asIcould watch through its eyes using this mirror.
Whenshe was alone there, she’d often talk to herself, sometimes singing or twirling around.Herenthusiasm about an upcoming party brought out her sparkle.Sheencouraged many who came into the club to buy a ticket for the event.Shewas good.Notonly did she have charm but a charismatic appeal in marketing.She’dhype the exclusivity of the tickets and how they’d sell out quickly.
Oneday, she declared, “Wesold all the tickets!” to her staff.She’dsquealed in glee and danced along asPatBenatar’s“HitMewithYourBestShot” played on the speakers.
Ifshe could sell out an event at her club, she could sell out tickets for our shows.Thatskill was yet another advantage in having her join me.
