THE HALLOWEEN ROMANCE

By SANDRA GORCZYNSKI

Once upon a time, An old motel was renovated and brought to life after so many years, It was owned by a young man. His sister and friends also helped him with the project and he hoped to launch it on Halloween night. But that night so many things happened that changed their lives and relationship. They tried all they could to fix things back to

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sandra Gorczynski
• Release date: Jun 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088151983

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Dominic! My sister Hannah, who was three minutes older, exclaimed, "You got mail.

I graduated over four months ago and am still looking for a decent job. I partied a lot in college but still got excellent grades. My problem is that I want to be a video game illustrator. I don't want to write the games; I want to do the artwork for the games. That's a hard industry to break into. This has been a common occurrence recently as I sent many resumes to prospective employers over the four months.

I've received several offers for work that I would prefer to not do, but it's better than nothing, so I hope to do better. I may have to work on user interfaces or designs for printing businesses or writers.

I quickly open the letter, hoping it isn't a rejection, but wait, this is different; it's a letter from a college friend. I sit down on the stairs to read my letter. OK, let me try that again. I TRIED to sit down in peace and read my letter. I run down the stairs, past my sister and her friends.

My sister's sassy friend Rose replies to me, Another rejection letter? Loser can't find employment?

The adorable pal Martha is kind and says, "Rose, don't be rude to Dominic. He is entering a competitive field. My younger sister draws better than you do, from what I've seen.

Sorry, Rose, you're not artistic. Hannah chuckles. In any event, we still adore you. Dominic, what's the verdict? A employment offer did you receive?"

I've read the letter again to make sure I understand, "Um. Uh. It's... A job is not at issue. John, a friend from college, sent this to me. His family is well-off. He is converting an outdated motel into a theme hotel. He needs a little last-minute assistance to get moving. He wants me and as many of my friends as I can to travel there, assist with the setup, and attend a party on Halloween night before he opens on November 1 for the Christmas season. It will be themed on the 1960s.

That's kind of cool, says Hannah in reply. What location is it in?"

I examine and say, It appears to be south of here, roughly 90 minutes south of Los Angeles, a city called Agra. Oh, real estate on the beach. It had to have cost a fortune. It sounds enjoyable. I'm considering doing it. Want to accompany us?

Oh, I don't know, Hannah says, refusing to say. Watch how Zander and I perform. I like him, but he has a bad reputation since he can be a little forceful. Perhaps I should upgrade. If I have time, I'll accompany you.

What about us, Martha queries? Will you leave us here while you go out and have fun on the beach for a week?"

Hey, Hannah, I'm not even sure whether I'm going. Ohhhhh. She laughs, "You like Dominic and want to go with him.

NO! shouts Martha. I am dating someone. It's just that everything has been monotonous here with the same people and places. I believe a change would be pleasant. We ought should all leave.

CHAPTER 2

Hey, Rose objects. I'm not interested in going with your idiot brother. It's just the two of you.

Yes, Hannah chuckles. An empty beach for us. Men can be seen wandering around naked. Beer. An event. Yes, you should remain at home. We need more men.

Hannah and Martha can't stop laughing when their buddy Rose loses her cool.

Fine, responds Rose. Laugh loudly. The only car that can transport us and our belongings there is the one I own. Dominic's automobile might fit you, but there is no way you could fit seven days' worth of clothing, costumes, plus gowns for going out at night.

OK, we'll bring you with, says Martha. Additionally, we require all the assistance we can get to prevent Dominic from embarrassing himself at the party.

They never let me forget that I overdrank and puked on my bed, thinking it was the toilet. Geez, one minor infraction. Hannah makes her way back to her room.

I'm giving them a free weekend, and nobody cares enough about me to keep me company. Damn, that's cold. I hope they're ready to help this week. I will not do all the work and wait on them like a butler.

They stop at a rest area two hours into the journey because they had coffee this morning and it was time to let it go. They pull in first, followed by a car with guys, and then me. My sister and her friends dash into the women's side restrooms, while the guys and I do the same on the men's side.

On the men's side, there is a long trough where we all use to pee.

Hurry up, the boy on the end tells his friends. We intend to catch the babies who entered just before us.

One has big ones, reads the next. I'd love to take them for a while. I'll bet I can easily rip that shirt off.

Great concept, says the first. Let's remove each and every shirt.

I swiftly complete the task, forego washing my hands (yes, I know it's filthy), and return to my car while opening the trunk.

These guys are going to be mighty sad. I have a wicked fastball and a five-gallon bucket of balls and a target that I pitch at. I used to throw two buckets of balls every day. I didn't get drafted, so there's no need to practice anymore. The three guys wash and dry their hands while they wait for my sister and her friends to emerge.

My sisters come out talking to themselves and ignore the three men; when the first man reaches out to touch my sister's shoulder to move her toward him, the youngster is hit in the arm by a baseball; and I have three in my hands and the bucket on the picnic table.

The three mothers and the three boys are all transfixed, staring at me. He yells a high-pitched shriek of pain. I pick up another ball.

I was in the bathroom as you described how you would rip off my sister and her friend's tops and bras so you could molest them before running off, I said to the group. The following one comes at you overhand. Your windshield and taillights will be the next to go if you don't leave right away. Your quarter panels might take a serious beating from me as well. Get over it, kids.

The first boy, who is the furthest away from me, charges me. He stumbles when I hit him high in the shoulder with the first ball, and he bends over when I strike him in the belly with the following one as I pick up two more balls.

I was nice and avoided his face, I grin at them. I was picked by the Marlins and have laser-like accuracy. Anyone else want to give it a shot?"

The third person is picked up and assisted in walking back to their car by the two pals.

As he passes, one of them, who has a sense of humor, remarks, "Lucky bastard. Marlins are awful. Next year, you'll be making pitches.

As I respond, I chuckle and say, I was sad; that meant I would never win a pennant.

It's more habit than anything, and I pick up the balls I tossed. Martha has one in her palms and drops it in my hand as the two boys laugh as they hurriedly load their friend into the car and drive away.

Hannah and Martha laugh their asses off at my bewildered expression as they sprint after their buddy and are on the interstate heading south while I am still Standing there wondering what just happened. Rose shocks me by rushing over, slapping a kiss on my cheek, and fleeing to her car.

Oh my, this place is amazing; on this stretch of the highway, the main office is away from the road but close enough for easy visibility; it has a wrought iron fence along the front and sides of the property; the fence alone must have cost a mint when it was new; it's got to be a six-foot-tall fence with the points on the top.

To either side of the house/office is a line of rooms with parking in front; the rooms have the Standard single window and door per room; the rooms line the sides and then turn towards the highway so that the whole place forms a big U.

The house/office is huge, far more than just the office and a place for the owner to live, it's three stories tall, and there must be rooms inside, a restaurant, and then a pool or beach behind the large building. I have no idea what it's called. There is a circle drive with an overhang from the house to protect customers in bad weather.

The front door flings open, and my friend John runs out to shake my hand. Usually the quiet loner who watches people, I think he might be doing speed right now. As my sister and friends arrive, I can see the disappointment in their eyes. This place is a shithole.

CHAPTER 3

What do you think? exclaims John with excitement."I just closed four hours ago. Thank God he didn't wait for a response. This is entirely me.

He gives each of us a hard look before laughing out loud.

Ok, I've calmed down. I realize it doesn't appear to be much right now. People will begin work on the fences, painting, cleaning, and retrofitting the cupboards, worktops, and restrooms tomorrow. The red and white checkered floor will give the eatery a 1960s vibe. Additionally, all of the music will be from that era.

"So, why are you here? They install a bed; it needs bedding. They install a table; it needs place settings. They install a TV; it needs to be hooked up. They deliver towels; I need to set them up in the bathrooms. I need floors, bathtubs, and windows cleaned. Electricians are working on lamps and electrical issues.

Damn, you got a lot of help. Can we cook in the kitchen yet? How about I take you out to supper tonight, and we can get an early start tomorrow.

John turns to face me while shrugging his shoulders.

In response, Martha replies, I think we will take that as a no. Tonight, after dinner, we will all clean the kitchen. We're going to make a big breakfast in the morning because there is a lot to do.

Martha is greeted with a smile from John, who says, The boss has spoken. Let me show you to your room, and then we can look at the kitchen.

Rose immediately inquires, Room? As in singular? Four of us and ONE room? You're kidding me, right?

The only clean room with a working bathroom was used by the previous owner; I gutted the room for you and installed a king-sized bed. I need to find sheets, a blanket, and bath towels still; they must be around here somewhere. John is afraid to answer, "I am sleeping in a one-person tent out back. Everything else is stuffed with junk or new stuff that just arrived.

A king-sized bed is huge, says Hannah. I'll be sharing a bed with Dominic. It won't kill me because we do it at our cottage. You two will have lots of room as a result, and Dominic won't be visible. We'll be alright. This historic building also has a unique appearance. We probably won't want to be by ourselves.

Embarrassedly, Martha says, "He's your brother. I don't mind sharing a bed with him.

This talk, Yeah, like he's all that, is intolerable to Rose. Let's look for some linens and towels before going to dinner. There is a lot for us to do tonight.

In the two hours, a lot of boxes were moved, and the others were opened, so we had towels and bedding for the night. The majority of the boxes are in two rooms, so it's a matter of opening them and moving them to a better staging area for later or, in some cases, just marking them. I end up hauling a bunch of boxes down to the kitchen and dining room.

This area doesn't have much; it's rocky, and there isn't much beyond the highway other than our area. Much of the coast has eroded until it ran into rock. The motel is an outcropping of rock, making it unique in this area. If we stop at 2 AM, we can shower and hop right into bed. Right now, we go eat.

Before locating a suitable restaurant, we traveled ten miles; it was older, run-down, and the patrons were even more run-down; it had a jukebox, but all the music was country; and there were a few visitors, but they seemed frightened to be there.

Whatever you want, it's on me, says John. Drinking will make you more relaxed. Any recommendations for a couple appetizers I should order?"

The suggestion from Rose was Potato skins.

Cheese sticks, said Martha.

Calamari, said Hannah.

Hannah, does this place seem to even know what that is? John chuckles."

Hannah says, Hush puppies.

John turns to face me, and I respond, "I believe you received your order. I agree with all of the suggestions.

While we continue to peruse the menu, the waiter orders our beverages and appetizers.

I would have preferred the salmon, but there is no way I could trust them to cook it delicately, so instead I had a club sandwich.

Calamari is just squid, a fine delicacy, the waitress remarks as she turns around to go. But you were right, we don't provide it, and you made the right decisions. This restaurant's youthful chef either overcooks or undercooks nearly everything. I'll return soon with your appetizers.

John called that one, says Hannah with a smile.

Well, someone in this room knew what it was, Rose says. The menu was simply wrong. Seafood restaurants are where I love to get my seafood. They are aware of how important cleanliness and freshness are. I was dating the restaurant's chef. I was never able to kiss him again after witnessing what he did.

All in all, it was a lovely evening catching up with my friend and watching the three women jockey for a position to date him. It's an odd feeling seeing your twin sister look at another guy who is my friend with the intention of fucking him. I was amazingly jealous and desired to stop him at all costs. Hell, I'm usually not even jealous of my twin sister.

Everyone knows I like Martha and everyone knows she doesn't reciprocate the feelings. She's nice to me but never goes out of her way to include me or talk to me. That, in and of itself, tells me all I need to know. John is a quiet guy. He makes me look like a party animal. I'm also much braver asking girls out for him than I was myself. Right now, he's showing no hints of sharing.

Hannah and I used to be the closest friends either of us had, but over the last few years, she has been drifting away from me. I can't put my finger on it, but she doesn't talk to me as much or about her deepest thoughts as I do. It's like she's keeping me away from her; that hurts over time. Martha is at least civil towards me. Rose can be a real bitch.

Dad claimed it was better as far as he was concerned because we were too close anyhow; Mom understood but didn't seem to care about how I felt; Mom encouraged me to ignore it.

It was a spectacular sunset before turning black outside; the mood is almost gone, but the stars are out; we had a good look at them in my convertible; I drove John back to the motel as the girls followed us in the dark evening.

CHAPTER 4

John may have thought the bathroom was clean, but Martha had different ideas; she wanted to thoroughly clean the shower. Once we got back to the motel, Hannah and Rose took the dining room, John and I took the kitchen, and Martha took our room and bathroom.

Their major work was scrubbing the floors and finding the rest of the boxes for there and the kitchen; there was just one table and a couple of chairs in the dining room.

John and I had a ton of cleaning to do. The previous owner bought nice equipment, all professional NSF certified (mostly stainless steel and easy to clean), but they never cleaned it. Everything was covered in layers of dirt, grime, and grease. By two in the morning, we were both exhausted. However, the house was spotless. At this point, we could pass the health department inspection.

Each of us has a garbage bag and ties for our dirty clothes because we know we're going to get dirty and smelly and we don't want those items touching anything else. It's like a hazmat setup. I groan as I get into bed because Hannah didn't leave me much room. Even I could tell the difference. I took a hot shower, threw on boxers, and got into bed.

I didn't say anything, they all complained and told me to shut up. I was about to go asleep when I heard... chains? It sounds like someone is dragging chains down the corridor. Who can even pull those? They sound like enormous, heavy boat anchor chains.

Dominic, shut up, Rose yells at me.

I mumble in response, How am I producing a chain sound in bed?

Ignore it and go back to bed, says Hannah, who is largely sleeping. The only thing is the air conditioning.

I close my eyes, but I remember hearing a scream since I later awaken in a perspiration.

You heard it too? I overhear Martha asking."

I panicked and said, "Nooooo. I didn't hear anything, um.

The snarky Martha asks, So why are you awake?

I'll be honest: I believed I heard something. I believe it to be a cat.

That was no cat, Martha grits as she turns over.

I feel Martha's hand around Hannah; I try not to laugh because I think Martha is placing her fingers on Hannah's nipples, pinching and then pulling u. I wake up feeling like I only had a few hours of sleep; my eyes are open, but I'm not moving. Hannah has a leg over mine, which means she's facing me. Oh yeah, her breasts are pressed up against my back. She also has an arm around my shoulder.

Rose says, "Are you playing with