Owl Eyes Motel - Lovers' Retreat

By Barbara Avon

Each room is its own unique story; each chapter, a room. Complimentary breakfast. Management is not responsible for lost luggage... or souls. 

 

Welcome! We are honoured to have you. Owl Eyes Motel is rich in history. Prior to its transformation, the building was a hospital, erected in 1901. A fire raged through its halls in 1920, leading to the deaths of many patients, as well as staff.  After remaining empty for many years, Mr. Milton Petrie acquired the property and transformed the hospital to its present glory. He resides on premises with his wife, and twin boys. With a background in hospitality, Mr. Petrie has made it his mission to treat all guests in a manner that is deserving with rooms catered to their specific needs. Set in 1986, Lovers' Retreat features more stories out of Owl Eyes Motel and includes a final chapter dedicated to our esteemed owner.  There's always room for the dead. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barbara Avon
• Release date: Oct 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223356332

Book preview

Dedicated to my husband, whose spirit nudged me in the ribs every time he spotted a typo, just like Danny did in life.

I can’t wait to see you again and permanently place the Do Not Disturb sign on our door.

I love you forever, my love of my life - 888. 

1

1986

(Room 111)

Dylan was fidgeting. It was a nervous habit he picked up after his stint as an acrobat with Zany’s Traveling Extravaganza. On the night he coveted, the night of his first solo performance, thoughts of his live-in girlfriend, Kaylee, distracted him long enough that he fell fifteen feet and shattered his collar bone, leaving him with a permanent disfigurement and strict orders to keep his feet planted firmly on the ground. Desperate for money, he was considering returning to his old job at the local library where he had been employed in the illustrious position as host to a bunch of toddlers for Story Time with Dylan. In his dreams, he could still hear the crack of bone that had caused him to vomit on stage. Freddy, the stagehand, had offered him a joint; the thought of which made him throw up again, and again – green stuff mixed with egg salad. When romance took a backseat, and Kaylee feigned a headache, he’d lie awake and curse quietly to himself. He cursed the fact that he couldn’t remember what he’d been thinking about that caused him to plunge through the air like bird droppings, making him wonder if he had suffered brain damage in the process.

Snow dusted his shoulders. He brushed it off and watched as it landed on the ledger before him, melting over his newly scripted signature. Kaylee had yet to sign. Instead, she was arguing with the midget behind the counter, the owner of Owl Eyes Motel, according to his nametag.  

I understand Miss Beckett, but comfort is one of our main priorities, and unfortunately, the room you booked is uninhabitable at the moment due to a recent... incident. The motel staff are working hard to restore it, but it will take a few days. I assure you that you will be pleased with Room 111. It is the only one that comes with its own private hot tub.

But it’s the middle of winter!

Actually, it’s February 14th. Not really the middle...

Really, Dylan?

Kaylee shot him a look that told him that he’d be better off conversing with a rag doll since his words were prone to fall on deaf ears. Swallowing his sentiment, he clutched her hand and squeezed.

Fine, she said, relenting. I wanted a room with a view, though, she mumbled quietly.

Wonderful! owner Milton Petrie exclaimed. Please sign here, miss. Here is your key. Room 111. That’s one hundred-and-eleven. Just through that door, and down the hall to your left.

Thanks, Dylan told the eccentric little man.

It is my pleasure, sir. Enjoy your stay.

Kaylee picked up a flyer from the desk and stuffed it in the pocket of her winter coat. She waited with her hands crossed in front of her while both men stood still.

Do you need help with your bags, sir?

No, Dylan told him, struggling with three overstuffed suitcases. I got it. Can you get the door, baby?

On it, Kaylee said, holding a thick, wooden door open. Her fuchsia legwarmers matched her fuchsia coat. Even her lips were painted fuchsia. In the three years they’ve dated, they had never been on a vacation. Dylan had shown her the advertisement in the newspaper that promised a retreat for lovers at all stages of their relationship with rooms catered to their needs and she was sure that there was a diamond ring in her future. When you know, you know.

How are they going to customize our suite if it was a last-minute change?

I don’t know, baby, but we’re here. Can you unlock the door?

Sliding the antique key in the lock, Kaylee gasped as she stepped over the threshold. Before them was a veritable Winter Wonderland. The king-sized bed was covered in a duvet as fluffy as a cloud imprinted with a giant blue, sparkly snowflake. Two dozen white candlesticks were placed throughout the room. On each nightstand, there were crystal bowls filled with blue, and red papier-mâché hearts, and outside on the private patio, the hot tub bubbled joyously and was surrounded by life-sized reindeer with eyes shaped like hearts.

"Oh,