Page 12 of Finding a Melody

Toby’s excitement only increased as he shook my hand.

Game on.

Chapter Four

The farmer’s market was packed with people. Seth went to go find Paxon’s dad and Calvin. Toby took off as soon as he arrived, determined to win the bet. That left me with Justin and Bryan, who didn’t seem too concerned with the game.

“Not worried about losing?” I asked.

“He already chooses our outfits every year,” Bryan said. “He loves it, so we learned to accept it. And he hasn’t really steered us wrong.”

“What kind of outfits?” I asked curiously. Frankly, I hadn’t taken part in Halloween since my dad left. A Halloween event once or twice, but as a performer. Never so much as going around and collecting candy, or holding a silly Halloween party, or going through haunted houses or anything spooky. Half the time I forgot about it until kids were knocking at our door for candy.

“Last year we were The Price Is Right characters, with the scores around our waist,” Justin said.

“Price Is Right characters?” I couldn’t imagine it. “Got any pictures?”

Justin scowled.

Bryan chuckled. “I’m sure Toby has them all. The year before we were a horde of zombies, think zombies versus plants version.”

“Nurses the year before,” Justin said.

“Oh! And I think we were Pacman before that?”

“Again, pictures?” I asked.

“Ask Toby, he’ll be happy to share the collection,” Bryan said.

I definitely looked forward to seeing all these photos. I couldn’t imagine half of what they said. It sounded fun though.

“What about you?” Bryan asked.

“What about me?”

“Halloween. What do you generally end up dressing up as?”

I frowned, trying to find an answer to give him.

“Bryan,” Justin said in a warning tone.

“What?”

“I haven’t celebrated Halloween since I was like nine,” I admitted in a lower voice.

“That’s a joke, right?” Toby said from behind. I jumped and turned to see him already carrying a bag.

“No. I only did it with my dad when he was around for Halloween.” I looked down at it, but whatever was inside was wrapped up. “What did you buy?”

“A gift for Aunt Laura. Now, don’t change the topic. Halloween. You. Must be done this year. Don’t toss any of that ‘We’re too old’ bullshit. I won’t accept it. You’ll dress up, we’ll have a party, or go to one, and we’ll have fun.”

“Okay.”

“And I’ll drag you to some good trick-or-treat spots. You’ll knock on doors and get candy.”

“Sounds fine.”

“And you’ll eat so much candy your stomach will hurt. You aren’t allowed to tell me no.”