Page 8 of Halloween with a Daddy
“I don’t know her, but that outfit is something else.” He chuckles. “Do you have a thing for schoolgirls?”
“No, but she’s wearing it well.” I finish pouring my drink and hold on to the bottle. “I’m going to find somewhere a little less crowded. You’re about to have your hands full with the devil-girl, because she’s already spotted you.”
“If things go right.” He nods a few times and waves to her.
“Be careful, kid.” I sigh and pat Mark on the shoulder. “I’ll be upstairs if you need me.”
“If anyone shows up dressed like Jane Seymour, I’ll send her your way.” He winks at me before walking towards the new arrivals.
I knew he remembered the damn movie. He was just busting my balls.
Whatever.
I take in the sight of the gorgeous girl in the schoolgirl outfit for several seconds before I push through the crowd between me and the stairs. Once I’m at the top of the stairs, I look down at the crowd, getting a better look at the costumes. Mark has approached the new arrivals, and the devil is doing her best to flirt with him, while the schoolgirl has wandered off. She seems more enamored by Grimwillow Manor than any of the guests. In my younger days, I would have given her the grand tour all the way to my bedroom, especially in that outfit.
Still, she’s fucking gorgeous. The outfit only looks good because she’s wearing it. Her amber hair hangs around her face in dangling curls, but the style doesn’t look like it goes with her outfit. I saw someone wearing a similar costume earlier, but the top was different, and she had pigtails. She didn’t hold my attention at all, but it’s hard to look away from this girl, even if the costume is more modest.
“Fuck.” I sip my whiskey and shake my head. “I need to find somewhere quiet to spend the rest of my evening, or I’m going to be staring at her all night.”
Despite voicing my concerns to nobody other than myself, I don’t look away. I watch her move around the party, visibly annoyed by the other guests as she takes in the majesty of Grimwillow Manor for the first time. I remember when I had that same curiosity brewing in my veins. But this is a party and she’ll probably lose interest a lot faster than I did.
I watch for a little longer and she lifts her head, noticing my stare. I give her a brief nod, smile, and raise my glass to acknowledge her. She flashes a beautiful smile in return that lights up her entire face, and I see an emerald sparkle in her eyes. That smile. Those eyes. I could get into a lot of trouble if I stay, so I decide to make my escape.
I sip my whiskey, walk down the hallway, and open the door to the library.
This used to be my favorite room when I was a kid. I used to spend hours in here looking over all the old books and occasionally, I would take a couple home to read, but they were usually too advanced for me. I put my bottle of whiskey down on the ornate desk and sip my whiskey as I wander around the library.
Maybe a good book will get my mind off the party downstairs.
And the beautiful girl that is more tempting than I care to admit.
Bethany
GrimwillowManorismoremajestic than I imagined.
The pictures don’t do it justice at all, not that there’s many of them. I spend at least a good hour exploring the downstairs area where the party is before I walk over to get a drink. Beer seems like the best option since I’m driving. A couple of guys try to talk to me, but I barely entertain the conversation. I’m too enamored with everything I see, from the marvelous architecture to the old paintings that adorn the walls. I’d love to know the story behind every single one of them.
During my exploration, I spot Amelia outside on the patio, and she’s alone, so I decide to join her. Once I walk outside, I realize it’s not a patio, but a rather grandiose courtyard with columns, archways, a stone table, and stairs that lead to a pool. That area is closed off, with a large iron gate blocking the way and a heavy lock to make sure nobody opens it.
“How did things go with Mark?” I walk up beside her and lean against a column.
“We flirted some, and he loved my costume.” She grins and offers me a cigarette from her pack.
“I’m alright.” I shake my head and decline.
“When you finish that beer, you’re going to be hunting me down.” She puts the pack in my hand. “Just keep what’s left of that one. I’ve got another in my purse.”
“Fine.” I sigh, but take it from her. “Remind me to give these back before I drop you off tonight. My grandmother will have a fit if she finds them.”
“Just tell her you took them from me because I’m trying to quit.” Amelia shrugs and adjusts the horns on her head.
“Blaming you for everything stopped working in high school.” I look down and laugh. “She caught on.”
“So did my mom.” Amelia laughs as well. “So, how about you? Find any hot guys to flirt with?”
“I’ve been too busy looking around the house.” I shake my head. “We both know I’m not here to find a boyfriend.”
“Well, I’m still keeping my options open.” Amelia reaches into her purse for some breath spray, quickly checks her make-up, and turns towards the door. “I’m going back inside. There is a guy in a Chippendale’s costume I want to talk to.”
