Jack: For the children.
Jack: Just the children.
Jack: Right?!
Jack: Clyde, come on.
I waited in my dark vehicle, grinning down at my phone like a maniac.
Jack: Well, what are you dressing up as?
Me: Princess Peach. It’s a huge hit.
I did it every year.
Me: I’m sure we can think of a good costume for you.
Jack: How about a bartender?
Snorting, I replied,Nice try. What about a chef? Oh, or a doctor. Scrubs would be super easy. Or a cowboy.
Jack: I think I have an idea. Something you’ll probably like.
Me: Oh yeah? Is it gray sweatpants?
Jack: No, you pervert. Calm down.
I giggled before finally starting my car and turning the heat on. It was chilly tonight, but I’d been distracted by Jack’s messages.
Me: Well, are you going to tell me?
Jack: Nah. It’ll be a surprise.
“You were not kidding about that Princess Peach costume.”
I grinned at Jack as I waved goodbye to the little girls dressed as Snow White and sat back down beside him again. That was probably the tenth picture I’d gotten up and posed for.
“She’s a fan favorite,” I replied with a sly look in his direction.
I’d nearly tripped over my own feet when I’d found Jack at the Magnolia booth on Main Street. He’d dressed up alright, and just when I thought he couldn’t get any sexier, a tall, brooding pirate awaited me.
He’d let the scruff on his cheeks grow in a little thicker this week. With a red bandana tied around his head and a fake earring in one ear, he definitely looked the part. The tight black pants didn’t hurt either.
We’d been handing out candy for over an hour. The crowds would eventually thin out as it got closer to sunset, with the older kids heading back home to trick-or-treat in their own neighborhoods. But this event was great for the little ones. The whole street had been blocked off for the festivities. There were bounce houses and food trucks, and plenty of tables and businesses to visit.
It had been fun interacting with the community. I’d seen a ton of students—current and former.
Just then, several of the soccer girls came bounding up to the table. Jamie was dressed in all black as a dour Wednesday Addams. The effect was ruined when she smiled widely at us,black lipstick framing her white teeth. Tori and Rosie joined her. Rosie wore a Bride of Frankenstein costume. And Tori was painted gold all over—even her face—and I wasn’t sure why.
“Hey, girls!” I greeted. “I love your costumes.”
“I’m the World Cup,” Tori said proudly.
“Of course you are.” I smiled.
“Coach Jack, you make a really good pirate,” Jamie offered.
“Word,” Rosie added.
