I arrive at the Bookstore and turn off my car. The drive over gave me time to think about everything that has happened today. I feel a thrill of anticipation for tonight. This will be the best Halloween I’ve had in a long time. Normally, I go with a friend or with Jacob to the party. Tonight, I have no one to worry about except myself.
As I push open the heavy door of my store, I am instantly comforted by the familiar scent of old books and cool air. Nova jumps off the chair next to me and circles my feet, her green eyes staring up at me. Normally, when I leave for the night, she doesn’t see me again until I open the store the next day. “Looks like we are roomies for the night,” I say as I reach down and run my hand along her soft fur before making my way to the office in the back of the store.
I have owned The Black Cat Bookstore since I was eighteen and lived in the back for a year until I could afford the down payment on my house. I had the room set up as close as I could get to a bedroom. Since moving into myhouse, I’ve made it my office. I added an old sofa I found at my favorite thrift store, my desk, and a few bookshelves. Now that I think about it, I shouldn’t have given them until morning. My back will be killing me from sleeping on this couch.
It was always my dream to own a bookstore. The day I turned sixteen, I got my first job at a small diner on the outskirts of Salem. I worked every shift I could pick up after school to save money to buy a building in the town square. A few months before I turned eighteen, I was walking with a group of friends and noticed a for sale sign on the door here. From that day, I knew this was the building that would make all of my dreams come true. After picking out the name of the store, it didn’t feel right to not have a black cat. The day before the grand opening, I went to the local shelter and picked out Nova. Honestly, that was probably the best decision for the store. I think most of the customers that come in here just stop by to see her.
I set my stuff on the couch and dig around in my bag for my wallet so I can go across the street. I don’t want to go to the costume shop right before they close and be completely out of luck finding any good costumes.
The sound of leaves crunching under my combat boots as I make my way across the street to the little costume store helps my body relax. I was just here last week picking out the costumes for Jacob and I to wear tonight. This time I am going in there with a completely different idea. I want something sexy, fun, and risqué.
I pull the door open, and I hear a little bell chime above my head. “Welcome. Is there anything I can help you find?” I turn my head to the left and find a girl in the zombie bride costume from Mean Girls behind the counter with a big, bloody smile.
“Uh, yeah, I know it’s kind of last minute, but I’m looking for something sexy to wear to a party tonight. Where should I look?” I ask.
She points her finger to the back corner of the store. “Everything for women will be over there. Good luck finding anything, though. We had a large group of women come in about an hour ago and they almost cleaned us out.”
Great, maybe this will be harder than I originally thought. “Thank you,” I say, walking in the direction she pointed.
This corner looks like a tornado has come through. Most of the costume bags are lying in a pile on the ground. I bend down and start throwing costumes to the side.
By the time I get to the bottom, I have lost all hopes of finding something for tonight’s party. I stand up and make my way back to the door. Maybe I should just stay in tonight and watch scary movies on my phone. “Ma’am, you couldn’t find anything?” I hear the girl ask as I place my hand on the doorknob.
I shake my head. “Nope, nothing like what I was looking for. Thank you though. I hope you have a good night.”
She holds up her finger and says, “One second, I might have just the perfect outfit for you. What size do you think you would wear?”
I look down over my body. I’ve always been a bigger girl, so it would be a miracle for her to have something last minute in my size. “Uh, plus size.”
“Perfect, don’t leave yet. You’re not some crazy robber, are you? Can I walk away from the register and the money still be here when I get back?” She quirks her eyebrow at me.
I can’t help but laugh. “Well, if I was a crazy robber, it wouldn’t be too hard for you to find your money. I own the shop right across the street.”
She gives me a huge smile and runs through the curtain to the back of the store. I really hope her version of sexy isn’t what she is currently wearing. I would rather go tothis party wearing nothing at all than show up single as a zombie bride.
“What do you think of this?” She asks, pushing the curtain aside and stepping out with a costume bag in hand. “My best friend was supposed to come close down the shop with me tonight and change here, but she got sick last minute. If you want it you can have it!” She reaches out and hands me the bag.
“Oh my god, this is perfect! Mean Girls is honestly one of my favorite movies and this looks exactly like what I was looking for.” I look down at the bunny costume Regina George wore in the movie and smile, “Thank you. How much do I owe you for it?”
She waves me off. “Don’t worry about it, girl! We bought these costumes like six months ago. She won’t be using it tonight, so I would rather you put it to good use.” She winks at me and returns back to her spot by the register.
“Well, okay. If you ever want to stop by the store, I can throw a few discounts your way for saving Halloween for me.” I smile at her and push the door open. Maybe this night won’t turn out so bad. I mean, who can resist the bunny outfit?
Chapter 3
Aria
The building is already filled with people, and loud music plays as I walk into the parking lot at seven. Finding a parking spot would have been nearly impossible at this time, so I’m glad my shop is just a couple of blocks down from the party venue. Empty beer bottles are already scattered across the ground, and I think this is the earliest the party has started since my first year.
As I walk through the double doors, the entire room is bathed in a glowing red light, with fog lingering in the air. I love that this party always goes all out on decorations, lights, music, and, most importantly, the bar. My plan tonight is to drink as much as possible and have so much fun I don’t even think about Jacob and Amelia.
I walk over to the bar lined with a few people on barstools, and the cute waiter walks up to me. “Hey beautiful, what can I get for you?” He bites his lip and his eyes scan my body. I guess this outfit turned out to be the perfect choice.
“I’ll just get a crown royal and sprite to start with.” I sit down on the only empty stool and lean over the bar. “Make that with an extra shot of crown.” If I’m drinking alone, I might as well drink enough for a couple, right?
“Coming right up, sweetheart.” I can feel my cheeks heat at the way he says that. His thick Jersey accent sends chills down my spine. I’ve heard accents like his on TV, but never in real life.
I look around the room, not seeing anyone I know yet. I had hoped to find a group of people I could hang out with that I’d met at the store or around town. After Jacob and I got serious, most of my friends continued their single lives and forgot about me. All except Amelia.
