A smile tugs at my lips as I walk into my apartment. This is Halloween plays from my speakers and Ellie must have picked up a candle because something that smells like pumpkin spice and vanilla permeates my apartment. I set my backpack down and walk down my hallway to see Ellie singing along and curling her hair in the hallway bathroom. She smiles at me from the mirror.
“Your costume is hanging up in the closet.”
I hurry to the closet, my curiosity getting better of me. I open the garment bag, and a loud laugh escapes me. What hangs in front of me is an exact replica of the pirate costume I wore in college. Plastic parrot included. I see Ellie’s handwriting on a post it.
Please wear the eyeliner. It completes the look, It’s also super hot.
Chuckling, I change into the pirate costume. This is what poor Jason has been up to the past day and half. I decide to give him an all expenses paid vacation as part of his Christmas bonus. He’s really putting in the work.
I quickly dress into the itchy costume. Freshman Archer really didn’t splurge on his costume. It was more about the vibes and the booze at that point.
Affixing the parrot to my shoulder I walk to the hallway, needing to borrow Ellie’s eyeliner. Because who am I to deny the people what they want.
I stop dead in my tracks. Ellie’s in her Ghostbuster’s costume. Albeit it’s not quite as revealing as the one in college. I fucking hope she has one similar to what she wore in college for later. If not, me and my caveman brain make a note to find one. For photo recreation purposes of course.
Ellie smiles and hands me the eye liner pencil and
I try not to stab myself in the eye. After several painful attempts, Ellie takes pity on me and has me sit andshe applies it for me.
Eyeliner is applied and I’m carrying down the boatload of candy Ellie’s bought for the kids. I catch her blowing out the candle before grabbing her purse and another tote of candy.
“This is a lot of candy, I know we’re expecting a lot of kids, but the team takes care of the candy we pass out.”
“Oh! I’m not going to be at the Wolves tent. Sadie, Leanne, Jess, Katherine and I are going to be at our school tent. Dani is taking her kids so she won’t be working with us this year, but I think we will have plenty of help.”
It dawns on me that she’s been in my orbit for years. Trunk or Treat, the various Mexican restaurants and coffee shops that she frequents. Our paths intersected and yet it took a drunken DM to get us to collide.
“Oh! Well, I’ll make sure to visit.”
“Yes, you can make me look super cool in front of my coworkers. Who by the way, have no idea we’re together unless you count Sadie, but she’s basically my other half so I don’t count her.”
Chapter 28
Elle
It’s once again freezing, but I came prepared this time. I dressed in layers and remembered hand warmers this time. Archer walks with me up to Trunk or Treat, it has grown ever since the Wolves got involved. Wolves have a huge tent where the players interact with the community at the far end of the parking lot. Various sponsors have tents spread across the space. Families who volunteer their time and candy have their cars set up and decorated for the event. Not too far from where the Wolves are set up is my school’s tent. I smile knowing that I will be able to watch him be cute with the kids.
“This is where we have to part ways I’m afraid.” Archer mutters as he presses a kiss to my temple.
Sadie makes an exaggerated “Awww” and I turn to see her grinning. “Hi Archer!” She sing songs. Her blonde hair done in Princess Leia buns and a matching dress.
“Hi Sadie” He mimics back.
“Eleanor” Jess delights. Jess has always called me Eleanor even though it’s not my real name. It’s our inside joke. “Who is this tall drink of water that has accompanied you to our fineestablishment?” She drawls.
I resist the urge to roll my eyes at her fake southern accent. “This is Archer. He’s my—”
“Boyfriend, great to meet you all.” Archer says, shaking my coworkers’ hands.
“Okay, I will be grilling you about every aspect of this.” Jess whispers to me as Archer continues to shake hands with everyone.
“Would you be able to come back and take a picture with us later?” Henry, my principal asks. “I would love to be able to post it to socials.”
“Of course.” Archer replies, gracious as always. Giving me one last smile he heads off to the Wolves tent.
As soon as he’s out of earshot the inquisition begins.
“Okay Elle, what the heck!” Katherine hisses. “You’re dating the Wolves QB and you failed to mention it?! How long has this been going on?” Katherine practically yells before turning in on Sadie. “How long has this been going on?! You’re not innocent either, I know you knew!”
