Page 4 of Halloween with a Daddy
“Hey, Hannah. What does my schedule look like the weekend before Halloween?” I motion to her computer.
“Uh, just a second, Mr. Grim. I’ll look.” She clicks a few buttons and pulls it up. “You’ve got a couple of things on your calendar for Friday, but nothing in the afternoon. Saturday, you’re supposed to have lunch with Evan McIntyre.”
“Reschedule with the Scotsman.” I nod. “I’ll keep my appointments on Friday and take the afternoon off.”
“You got it!” She smiles and turns to make some notes.
Everything goes as scheduled as the days count down towards the weekend before Halloween. Out of an abundance of caution, I call Mark on Wednesday to confirm that he really wants me to come to his party. He does. Not only does he want me to come, but he’s ecstatic for me to meet some people he works with. He’s sure there might be some business opportunities there. I can’t help but admire the hustle. That was me at his age. I knew my family’s trust would not keep me going for the rest of my life, so I did what was necessary to be my own man. It cost me a lot, but it’s a price I’m happy I paid.
He does mention that he advertised the event as an adult-oriented Halloween party. Partially to keep the kids away, and partially because he wanted to encourage people to go wild with their outfits. That presents a conundrum for me. I’ve never been one for costumes. Mark is going as a zombie businessman, because he can wear one of his old suits and throw on some make-up. That doesn’t sound like going wild to me, but I’m not one to judge. I’m just happy to hear that Mark is doing well and living his best life.
I don’t go wild with my costume. Far from it. There is a vintage suit store where I live. Between what I find there and some modifications of my own, I put together a costume based on my favorite movie,Somewhere in Time. None of Mark’s friends will understand it, but I don’t plan to socialize much. I’ll arrive early, help Mark set things up, mingle with a few of his friends, and make myself scarce. That should be good enough for my nephew, and I’ll feel better being there in case something goes wrong. Plus, if the party gets out of hand, I can shut things down before any actual damage is done.
On Friday afternoon, I say goodbye to Hannah and tell her to take an early weekend since I’m doing the same. I call it a Halloween present, which she seems to get a kick out of. It’s rare for me to take time off, so she might as well enjoy it too. By the late afternoon, I make it to Grimwillow Manor. It’s no surprise the locals say it’s haunted. It looks quite daunting set against the landscape of an otherwise quiet little town.
I’m reminded of my childhood when I would beg my dad to go to Grimwillow Manor on the weekends when we still lived fairly close. He used to tell me he got letters from people who lived in Willow Grove, begging to tour the property. Some of the fascination must have worn off, because I’ve only got a couple myself, and they were from ghost hunters trying to boost numbers for their YouTube channel.
I understand why people get fascinated by it. I could spend years of my life behind those walls and never uncover all the secrets. That’s how it was designed generations ago when it was built. It was even part of the Underground Railroad once upon a time. There have been additions since then and they sealed some parts off. My family used to run Willow Grove before they found opportunities elsewhere and moved on. The only thing that remains of that legacy is Grimwillow Manor and the trust that forces us to make sure it’s well taken care of.
I wouldn’t call it a curse, but sometimes it feels like one.
Bethany
Mygrandmotherwasenviouswhen I told her the Halloween party would be at Grimwillow Manor. After the envy wore off, she was determined to help me find the perfect costume. I offered to recycle the Fairy-Tale Princess costume I wore to a party my first year of college, but my grandmother said we could do so much better.
She was right.
“It’s beautiful, grandma.” I look over at her. “This dress seems almost too fancy for a Halloween party.”
“It’s perfect for you, Bethany, and it was easy to make.” She leans her head against my shoulder. “Now you’ll look like the Lady of Grimwillow Manor, and you’ll feel right at home when you get to wander those halls.”
“I’m think I’ll be quite overdressed.” I look away to hide my sheepish expression.
“Nonsense.” My grandmother lifts her head. “If a gentleman doesn’t think you’re beautiful in this, then he doesn’t deserve you.”
“I know.” I look down and smile. “You taught me that.”
I can already hear Amelia ridiculing my costume as I carefully put it in the bag. That doesn’t matter, and I don’t care. I’m going to wear it proudly. It’s elegant and quite beautiful for something my grandmother made from a dress she’s had hanging in the back of her closet for years.
I take a moment to appreciate the dress one last time before zipping it up. I’d put it on, but Amelia is never ready on time. She’ll have me sitting on her couch for an hour while she hates something about what she’s wearing a few dozen times. If I know her, she hasn’t even narrowed it down to six costumes yet, much less decided on the one she’ll actually wear.
I say goodbye to my grandparents and get a few tidbits of information about Grimwillow Manor from my grandmother. It’s nothing she hasn’t told me before, but I’m sure she’s living vicariously through me right now. I wish I could take her with me. She’d be a lot more fun than Amelia tonight. I love Amelia to death, but she doesn’t have the fascination with Grimwillow Manor that my grandmother does. It’s just a party destination for her. We may be complete opposites sometimes, but she’s my best friend for a reason, and tonight is a good example. She may not have cared about my fascination with Grimwillow Manor, but she remembered it, and she’s the reason I’m going.
I pull up in front of Amelia’s house, knock on the door, and she answers in a panic. As expected, she’s still trying to figure out what to wear. She’s narrowed her options to three three. That’s progress.
“I just don’t know.” Amelia groans. “The bunny costume is great, and the devil costume shows everything, but there’s something about being a scandalous schoolgirl that’s sure to get lots of attention.”
“Go with the bunny.” I say flatly. “The ears are cute.”
“They are, aren’t they?” She looks at me and nods. “Okay, it’s settled. Come on, we’re having shots!”
“Shots? No. I thought you said there would be an open bar. I’m driving.” I lodge my protests as Amelia grabs her costume and drags me towards the kitchen.
“One shot! Then we’ll get dressed. I promise!” She looks over her shoulder with a wicked grin.
“Maybe you should wear the devil costume after all.” I sigh as she pours shots.
“Shush! I’m not that bad.” She grabs her shot glass. “We need a toast.”
