1. Romi

Chapter 1

Romi

In the dimly lit back office of Trick or Treat, I'm sorting through an alarming stack of invoices and receipts because it's just about time to pay the Piper—I mean, the distributor. The office, which I graciously refer to as my lair, is decked out with cobwebs, plastic spiders, and a towering pile of pumpkin-scented candles. It's Halloween central back here, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Tonight marks the second night of our Thirteen Nights of Halloween celebration at the only bar that could make Tim Burton's dreams look like a half-hearted attempt at being spooky.

In Midnight Falls, Texas, the residents know how to celebrate Halloween like it's a second religion, and Tony, our illustrious owner and former "let's not talk about it" kind of guy, is the mastermind behind it all.

I'm mid-tally of our ghost-themed tequila shots from last night, which were a raging success if the empty bottles of tequila in the recycle bin are anything to go by, when a familiar, gravelly voice wades into my kingdom of clutter and candied chaos.

"Good afternoon! Need a hand with the daily paperwork hell?"

Tony, the big boss with a voice that can charm or threaten depending on his mood and a smile that says he's up to no good, stands there in the doorway. His massive frame casts an almost theatrical shadow. I'd bet a month's salary that the leather jacket he's wearing costs more than my car. He's got that classic Godfather grin, and I can't help but smirk back.

"Not at all. I'm actually almost done," I quip, swirling a pen like a wand.

He lets out a hearty laugh, the kind that rumbles through the room like distant thunder. "Great."

Tony saunters in, taking a moment to glance around at the Halloween paraphernalia that looks like it had a few too many shots itself and exploded all over the room.

"I see you've been busy making this place look like a witch's den," he says, eyeing a particularly large rubber bat hanging from the ceiling. It swoops down every time the door opens, which, in my mind, is the perfect greeting.

"It's called ambiance. And maybe a little warning to the employees not to mess with me."

Tony chuckles, settling into one of the sturdy leather chairs opposite my desk.

"Just making sure my star manager doesn't need anything before the nightly festivities begin. Also, you know, making sure you're still standing after last night. I heard Scooter and Brenda started a ‘Thriller' flash mob on the dance floor last night." Those two regulars are always ready to add to the mayhem.

"Well, Scooter's definitely something at the moonwalk, and Brenda managed to turn it into a two-step halfway through. They kept the slightly plastered crowd entertained, though I suspect the allure was more about how long they'd stay upright."

Tony nods appreciatively, rubbing his chin like a proud dad. "Our Halloween extravaganza is already the most popular event in town."

"In a town that celebrates Halloween year-round, we couldn't lose," I add. "Especially with the costume contests and that ‘Bobbing for Bloody Marys' game you dreamed up. Add in the haunted speakeasy hidden behind the floor-to-ceiling bookcase and you've got the perfect combination for this town."

Tony glances over at me and asks, "What about you? How are you holding up with all the craziness?"

"So far, so good, but I might have a different opinion once Halloween is over. I might need an extra day or two off the first week of November to recover."

"Consider it done," Tony says, getting up from the antique chair with surprising grace. "Let me know if anything changes. Oh, and don't forget about the ax juggling contest tomorrow." He shakes his head like he's still a little shocked we managed to talk him into the crazy stunt. We hired professional jugglers and a horror movie special effects designer to make sure the event is one to remember. Of course, none of our patrons are aware it's all staged.

"I'll save you a spot," I tease, watching him retreat back toward the haunted cacophony of Trick or Treat's frontlines.

"That won't be necessary. Just let me know when it's over."

Once I wade my way through the paperwork catastrophe, I decide to check out the main bar and make sure everything is going okay since the bar opened an hour ago. While I love my bat-cave lair, out there is where the magic-slash-pandemonium happens.

The bar is as packed as ever. There's a medley of witches, vampires, and what looks disturbingly like an off-brand Joker blending humor and chaos. It's only eight pm, but the partying is in full force.

And there, in the middle of it all, is my team, orchestrating the chaos beautifully. Shane, the head bartender, is doing his best zombie bartender impression, complete with a 'need brains, have beer' apron. Shana, the head server who moonlights as the queen of mischief, is adding the final touches to what could best be described as a creepy carnival setup.

"Hey, Romi!" Shana calls, drawing me over. "You're gonna love this. We managed to get the ancient fog machine we found in the storage room set up so it looks like the drinks are floating through a cemetery."

"Brilliant." I grin, taking in the sight of wispy clouds rolling along the bar top. "They go perfect with the glow-in-the-dark tombstones."

"Here's your poison." Shane hands me my usual Diet Coke with a splash of cherry syrup.

"Thank you," I call over my shoulder as I wander over toward the stage where tonight's karaoke monsters are lining up.

It's nights like these I love most, even if it means less sleep and more challenges. What other job lets you mix goblins with martinis and get paid for it? Tony often jokes that if his former job had this many costumes and candy corn, he might never have switched over.

As the night rolls on, I remember why our quirky town of Midnight Falls feels like home. It's more than the full-moon weirdness or the jack-o'-lantern streetlamps. It's this—people coming together, pouring into Tony's grand vision with a dash of my offbeat management style. A place where even ghosts can order a pint.

By closing time, I've lost count of the karaoke vampires serenading the room with off-key renditions of ‘Monster Mash'. I have the best job ever!