Page 118 of Trick or Tease

He tried to storm off with whatever dignity he had left, but the universe apparently had other plans. That same black cat that had been crossing my path for weeks came streaking out of nowhere, weaving directly between his legs. Ron went down hard, arms windmilling as he pitched forward face-first into a pile of horse shit, probably from the Headless Horseman’s last gallop past.

The splat was magnificent.

The crowd erupted in laughter and applause. Ron struggled to his feet, stains painting his face and expensive suit, his dignity completely shattered. He limped toward his town car without another word, leaving a trail of laughter behind him.

I felt Billy’s hand on my shoulder. When I turned, he was grinning at me like we were kids again.

“Thanks, brother, for sticking up for me,” he said, pulling me into a fierce hug. “I knew the real Garrett was still in there somewhere.”

“I’m sorry,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “I’m so fucking sorry, Billy. I almost⁠—”

“But you didn’t,” he interrupted. “That’s what matters. You chose us when it counted. It just took you a while, you dick.”

I laughed. “No one said I was the sharpest knife in the drawer.”

He stepped back, still gripping my shoulders. “So, you want a job? Because I’m pretty sure you just got yourself fired.”

I laughed again. “I think you’re right.”

Someone, Jake, I thought, let out a loud whoop.

“Show is over,” Lucy said. “Let’s get back to having some good old-fashioned fun, people!”

Billy shook his head, that grin still plastered across his face. “Well, I think you just sealed your fate. We’re going to have to get you some new boots.”

I groaned and shook my head. “Cowboy boots take forever to break in.”

“Work boots will be fine,” Billy corrected with a laugh. “Can’t have you slipping around in horse apples like your old boss.”

The thought of trading my Italian leather for steel-toed work boots should have horrified me. A week ago, it would have. But now? Now it just felt like coming home.

“Get back to work,” Billy said, clapping me on the shoulder. “We still have another three hours and a lot of people to give a good time to.”

I nodded, feeling lighter than I had in days. Maybe years. “I want to drive the tractor this time.”

Billy’s grin got even wider. “Have at it, brother. Have a good time.”

As I walked toward the tractor, I looked around for Sabrina. I didn’t know where she had gone, but she had looked pissed. I hoped she would give me a chance to apologize. I knew I had pushed her away and she was one of the most stubborn women I had ever met.

I wanted to go to her, to explain everything, to beg for another chance. But first, I had work to do. I had families to entertain, memories to help create, and a community to serve. That was going to be her priority too. She wasn’t going to give me the time of day until the festival was over. Then I would grovel.

A few people slapped me on the back. Others shook my hand.

I was relieved they weren’t holding the almost-sale against me. They all seemed to welcome me back to the flock with open arms. That was not what I expected.

I climbed onto the tractor seat, adjusting the controls and feeling the familiar rumble of the engine beneath me. It had been years since I’d driven one of these things, but muscle memory kicked in as I put it in gear and started up the winding path toward the old house.

The group behind me was a mix of college kids and young couples, all chattering excitedly about what they might see. I found myself falling into the role naturally, raising my voice over the engine.

“Welcome to our spooky hayride!” I called back to them. “We’re heading up to the old Hogan house, where my great-great-grandfather Samuel built his legacy. Some say he’s still watching over the place, making sure no one disturbs what he worked so hard to create.”

As we climbed higher, the old house came into view. I smiled at the memories that came to mind. The battery-powered figures moved in the windows, creating eerie silhouettes that danced behind the glass.

I could picture her in that upstairs room where we’d made love, where she’d surprised me in that black lace lingerie that had nearly brought me to my knees. The air mattress was probably still there, hidden away in the closet along with the blankets I’d bought specifically for our nights together.

God, I wanted her back in that house. Back in my arms. I’d been an idiot to push her away, to let my fear and confusion drive a wedge between us when all I really wanted was to hold on to what we’d found together.

“Legend has it that Samuel has been haunting the house recently. His spirit has been more active than usual, as if he’s protecting the farm from those who would try to destroy it.”