Page 17 of No Bones About It

Honestly, I’m hoping a big storm hits so I can get some alone time with my skeleton and have another makeout session instead of falling into bed exhausted each night. Even when I’m not taking pictures, we’re never alone.

The neighbors are grumbling, but the influx of visitors is also pumping money into the local economy so the town is happy to help out. They have officers patrolling regularly, and often we need someone to direct traffic at the closest intersection.

I swig down the last of my coffee and start my new daily routine. First, I peek out the living room blinds to see what today’s line looks like—still around the block. Then I walk through the garage and out into the yard.

The Spooky Bitches are already getting tables and chairs set up under the tent and the new merch displays. Although they initially wanted to volunteer, since the volume never died down, I insisted on paying everyone for their time. There is a rotation of them now, popping in and out to help. Dawn has it all taken care of, from scheduling to payroll. I just hand her a chunk of cash from each day.

The new merch is also selling like hot cakes. I didn’t love the idea at first, but once I saw vendors walking up and down the line outside, hawking their t-shirts and trinkets I figured I might as well sell official designs that I actually liked.

I was also able to partner with some of the local businesses to create licensed designs that I’m selling both here and at their stores. It’s a win-win for everyone.

I shove my hands into the pocket of my “We heart BJ” hoodie. With the weather definitely turning, the early warmth of October giving way to Fall, this sweatshirt is a particular favorite. The Spooky Bitches had an incredible amount of talent between them and, in addition to helping with the day to day activities, were also responsible for running the website, social accounts, merch design, and probably a few other things I could no longer keep track of.

Despite the early morning hour, the sky is already darkening. My lips tip up at the thought of a nice Fall storm to chase away the crowds and leave me with some much needed private time with my skeleton boyfriend. Skelly-friend?

Right on cue, fat rain drops began to fall, and with them, the temperature plummets.

I pull up my hood and duck under the tent. The rental crew is putting up the final touches. They zip on the thick plastic walls, and I already feel warmer without the biting wind and chilly precipitation.

Not only did the tent provide some shelter, but it’s also now blocking the street view of BJ. I exhale a breath, and my shoulders relax, tension I didn’t realize had been wound tighter than a spring finally uncoiling.

I thank everyone who helped to move the hay bales and decor in from the rain and then tell everyone we’re taking a day off. As helpful as the Spooky Bitches have been, even they look relieved.

Once everyone is finally gone, and my yard is blissfully empty for once, I rummage around in the garage and pile my supplies into the wagon so I only have to make one more trip out through the rain. I make a mad dash with the wagon back inside, then run to open the back flap.

I undo the industrial zipper and call out, “Mr. Bonejangles! Come in out of the rain.”

He doesn’t move, doesn’t even shift his eyes to mine.

For a second I wonder if I imagined everything, but then I hear it—the thudding bass of a passing car. As soon as it fades away, he springs into action, faster than he moved before. I hold back the flap as he ducks under the tent. It’s large, but he’s still too big to stand up inside except at the center pole.

“Good thinking, BJ. You remembered what I said, no one else can see you move,” I say, smiling up at him. “Hang tight, I’ll get us set up.”

First, I get the portable heater started. Then I lay out a large tarp, followed by some moving blankets. I don’t want to waste a moment of our time together. Next, I unpack my old sleeping bag and lay it on top.

With a shy smile I ask, “So, want to sit with me?”

He nods, and a thrill goes through me at our first communication. He comes over and sits on the blankets, then motions me over.

I stand there for a beat, then say, “Well, BJ, now that I have you to myself, what am I going to do with you?”

His eyes change, and although he has no lips, I can see that he is smiling.

“I mean, I guess we will have to see what happens,” I say playfully although I know exactly what I want to happen.

Walking to the edge of the tarp, I toe off my rain boots and then crawl across the sleeping bag to sit next to him.

He narrows his eyes at me and scoops me up in his giant bony hands.

I let out a shriek as he deposits me in between his legs, then moves to sit criss-cross-applesauce, caging me in.

Laughing, I say, “Alright, big guy. I see exactly where you want me. I was hoping you could help me pick out some new outfits for you. Things have been so crazy I haven’t had much time, but we need some new photo props, and I wanted you to have a say in what you wear.”

He nods but then holds up a finger at me.

“One?” I ask.

He nods.