Page 23 of Howl You Doin?
I glance around the parlor room at all the boxes awaiting the rest of The Staff. Everyone has a costume as per Mr. O’Doyle’s direction. Scrutinizing my dress once more, I wonder what kind of coverage the lace is going to be. I look down at my Guns and Roses shirt and sigh. This is my nightmare come to life.
“Oh, Anton is going to love this, eeek!” Maria squeals, holding the maid costume to her chest. At least hers seems to have more chest area. “Look how cute it is!”
My face pulls into a grimace at what she callscute. I guess it’s cute if you really like to cosplay.
“I don’t have the shoes for this. Are there shoes?” I ask, since I’ve really got to do something about my footwear supply.
Maria glances around at all the boxes that we’ve been opening and bends to look in another. “Umm, I don’t think so. Do you think there are more boxes coming?”
“No idea.” I inwardly fume.
More staff begin filtering into the room, their expressions curious and eager. I can’t honestly be the only one not into this, right? I watch as one of the younger waiters slaps another on the back, gripping his shoulder.
“I guess I’m going to take mine to my room and try it on. See you later, Whitley,” Maria says, before grabbing at Anton’s arm and pulling him along with her.
I sigh heavily, pick up the hefty box barely containing my bundle of frills, and make my way out the door.
“You have another here, Miss Whitt,” someone calls out, and I turn back to see who it is.
“Here you go,” Allan says, approaching me with a smaller box and stacking it on top of the one in my arms. “You’re one of the only staff who got two boxes.”
Shouts of laughter fill the space, and my agitation increases.
“Lucky me,” I deadpan and turn away, needing to get out of the room and away from people.
Twenty minutes later, I’m cursing Connor O’Doyle to hell and back for making me wear something like this. I don’t even own a dress, and here I am, wearing a corset and stockings.
My phone pings in my pocket and a frown pulls at my brows once I get a look at the notification. An email from O’Doyle Rules himself.
Subject: Gala Costumes and Team Meeting
Dear Staff Members,
I’m sure by now everyone has received their costumes and has tried them on, and I am excited to say there is more news.
Please be advised that the animatronics located around the castle, mainly on the first and second floor, are in the testing phases. They may startle you if you’re unaware. These tests will begin this afternoon but shouldn’t last terribly long.
A meeting will be held in the ballroom in an hour to provide further information on what will be required of you in the upcoming weeks, as well as information about the festivities afterwards.
Many thanks for your continued cooperation,
Mr. Connor O’Doyle
Maître d’, Castle Tepesh
I shoot him a brief email back and try to control my breathing.
Re: Subject: Gala Costumes and Team Meeting
Dear Mr. O’Doyle,
With the deepest respect, I’m afraid I must decline wearing a costume during my tenure.
Kind regards,
Whitley Whitt
Head Chef, Castle Tepesh
