Page 29 of Trick-or-Treated

“They’re both twice your age.”

“Don’t make this about my daddy issues.”

Hazel tilts her head. “What daddy issues? You never talk about your father.”

“Exactly. Because he wasn’t around. I met him once when I was six. He bought me cake and ice cream, took me to an amusement park. Gave me the best day. Then he was just…gone.”

Hazel softens. “Oh, Margo.”

She reaches her hand across the counter to take mine. I let her squeeze my hand and then pull away.

Thunder rumbles outside.

I frown, looking out the window as the sky darkens.

“More rain.”

“More like a monsoon,” Hazel comments as the bottom falls out.

Just what I need. Another reason for customers not to come in.

Hazel waits out the storm and we talk about the diner and her brother Trey, who “helps” by taking credit for everything she does. She doesn’t ask any more questions about Cole or Marcus.

Soon enough, it’s five o’clock, and I’ve had three customers. Not enough to even keep the doors open.

I bite my lip as I lock up, running to my car in the flood.

The rain better let up soon, or I’m in trouble.

CHAPTER SEVEN

GABE

The rain just won’t stop. I’m staring out at the storm from the safety of my cabin on the vineyard when I get the phone call.

Thunder cracks just as I answer.

“Rivera.”

“Yes, hello, this is Suzanne Richards, head of the Garland Falls Halloween Festival?”

I smile. They’re probably calling to ask me to provide some wine for the festival.

“Hello, Suzanne.”

She’s a grim woman in her fifties, involved with Town Hall and anything to do with Garland Falls. Pretty sure she’s on the committee for… well, everything. She’s involved at least indirectly in every event in town.

“I’m afraid there’s a… situation.”

My smile fades. “What kind of situation?”

“The rain isn’t supposed to let up until Friday and Smith Park is already flooded. We can’t have the festival there.”

“I suppose you can’t.”

“I was wondering… hoping, I guess you could say… if you’d be willing to host the event?”

Her voice is low and almost hesitant, nothing like the assertive tone she usually has.