Page 3 of Halloween with a Daddy
“Yeah, go ahead.” I nod to her and close my laptop.
“Sure thing.” She smiles and pulls my door closed, leaving it slightly ajar.
My brother-in-law, Frank, is a good man. He’d have to be to get past me and marry my sister. I might be her younger brother, but I’ve always been protective of her, even when I was just a kid and she didn’t need my help. Now she probably worries about me more than I worry about her. She has a beautiful home, a great job, and two kids to round out a perfect life. Meanwhile, I’m in my late thirties and too busy with work to even date anyone, much less settle down to raise a family. Maybe there’s a certain stubbornness that goes with it, because if I am blessed with a son, he’ll have to make the same decision I did.
“Edgar!” My brother-in-law walks into my office and extends a hand. “Thank you for agreeing to see me on such short notice.”
“Of course, Frank” I give him a firm handshake. “But you could have just called me directly. I’ll always make time for you, Elly, or the kids. Please, have a seat.”
“Thanks.” Frank pulls a chair close to my desk and sits down. “The kids are the reason I’m here. Well, Mark to be specific.”
“Oh?” I tense up. “Is something wrong?”
“No, he’s perfectly fine.” Frank wafts a hand. “His new job is great, and he’s making a good impression on his boss, from what I hear at least.”
“I still think he should work for me, but I respect him wanting to be his own man.” I nod and lean back in my chair. “What’s does any of this have to do with Grimwillow Manor? I thought that was what you wanted to talk about.”
“It is.” Frank looks down and sighs. “You will not like this, but I told him I’d ask, so here it is. He wants to know if he can throw a Halloween party there.”
“Fucking hell, Frank.” I growl under my breath. “I have to pay for all the upkeep, and if Mark throws a party there, the place is liable to get wrecked.”
“Grimwillow Manor means something to him, Edgar. He respects the place.” Frank tries to sound reassuring. “You know how much of a mystery it is to the people who live in Willow Grove, and Mark wants to show it off to his friends. Could you imagine going to a Halloween party there if you’ve never been inside before? He won’t even have to decorate.”
“I don’t like this.” I put my thumb and forefinger on my temples, then run my hand down my face.
“He’s your favorite nephew.” Frank says cheerfully.
“He’s my only nephew.” I grind out my words, but soften my tone. “I’ll think about it.”
“Could you think about right now?” The cheer disappears from his voice and he grimaces. “He might have already told his friends the party was going to be there.”
I stare at Frank as he sinks into his chair. Fuck. I want don’t want anyone screwing around with Grimwillow Manor, much less a bunch of twenty-somethings who are only interested in party favors. But, I hate to disappoint my nephew. Mark has a level head on his shoulders these days. If I don’t have children of my own, then Grimwillow will be his birthright after I’m gone. The trust agreement is archaic bullshit, anyway. Grimwillow should have been as much Elly’s inheritance as it is mine, but she isn’t the one who has to pay for the upkeep, and the trust won’t last much longer.
“Okay. I’ll let him host his Halloween party at Grimwillow Manor, but I’m going to stop by the next day, and if they trashed the place…” I don’t finish my threat, but I can tell Frank gets the message.
“Actually, I can do you one better.” Frank leans forward, happy that he’s getting what he came here for. “Mark said that he’s inviting quite a few people from work, and he said you’re welcome to come to the party.”
“To what?” I scoff. “Chaperone?”
“No, I don’t think that’s what he had in mind.” Frank chuckles. “You may be his only uncle, but if you weren’t, I’m sure you’d still be his favorite. You were the one he came to when he thought he got his girlfriend pregnant.”
“Because he knew you and Elly would kill him!” I chuckle as well.
“Come on, Edgar. You know what I mean. I’m his dad and I’ve had to piss him off a few times for his own good. You’ve got a unique relationship with him.” Frank shrugs a bit.
“I’ll think about it and don’t you dare tell me to think about this one right now.” I narrow my eyes and growl under my breath. “Is the party on Halloween night?”
“No, it’s the weekend before Halloween. Saturday night. Don’t worry about giving me an answer right now. You can take all the time you need.” Frank smiles and leans forward to stand. “Thank you so much. You’re probably going to get an awesome Christmas gift from him this year.”
“I better!” I stand up and shake hands with Frank. “Call me sometime soon and let’s get together for a drink. There’s no reason we have to wait for a holiday to see each other.”
“I’ll do that.” Frank grins. “My treat.”
“Sounds good, man. I’ll talk to you later. Say hello to Elly for me.” I give him a wave as he walks towards the door.
I sit back down and open my laptop, contemplating my conversation with Frank, as well as the invitation from Mark. Willow Grove isn’t that far away. I could get there in an hour if traffic is favorable. I don’t know if Mark invited me to be nice, thinking I wouldn’t show up, or if he’ll be upset if I skip it. It has been a while since I’ve been to Grimwillow Manor. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to stop by. Hell, maybe I should spend the weekend there. I used to do that a lot when I was younger and needed to get away, but I’ve been too busy for that lately.
I stand up from my desk, walk to the door, and open it enough to speak to my secretary.
