Red Hot Night (Trick or Treat Collaboration)

“Are you still coming?” he asks as if that’s going to change my plans. Everyone knows what my grandfather means to me.

“Of course. I’ll be there in a couple of hours. I’m about to get on my jet.”

“Great. See you soon. I’ll let the hospital know that you’ll be visiting late, even if it’s brief.” Damn, I didn’t think about that. Usually hospitals have specific visiting hours unless the incident happens during off hours and the people are waiting for news.

“Fantastic. Thanks, Uncle Frank.” He ends the call and I hurry to meet with my flight crew so that I can get on the plane as soon as possible.

I check my messages as soon as I board my jet. I received twelve emails from my project manager and some of my staff. Leaving early wasn’t the smartest move, but it needed to be done.

I’m in my hometown by seven, and my car is waiting for me. I own a house on the outskirts of town and had my housekeeper bring it to the airport. I don’t live there, but when I come to visit, I want somewhere I can stay without having to share a room.

I need a shower and a shave, but I have to see my grandfather first. They let me in, advising, “You have thirty minutes.”

“Thank you.”

I step into the room and see my grandfather sleeping on the bed. My grandmother moves quietly and quickly, meeting me halfway for a hug. “How is he?” I whisper.

“Better. I’m glad you’re here.”

“I wish I’d gotten here sooner.”

“Nonsense, boy. You were taking over the world,” my grandfather calls out from his bed.

He presses the button to sit up, then taps the bed. “Come over and sit with me.” I walk over to his bedside, taking a seat on the edge by his feet. “Damn, boy. You look like shit.”

“I suppose that’s because someone decided to have the nerve to almost die on me.” I choke on my own words.

“Sorry. I’ll make sure to schedule it when you’re on vacation,” he offers, pulling me into a hug. For a man who just had a heart attack, he seems to be pretty damn strong. I’m glad to feel that.

“Don’t you dare do that to me again,” my grandmother warns him, swatting his arm.

“Ah, woman, I’m in the hospital.”

“Good, then you won’t have far to go if you keep pissing me off.” He reaches out and cups her face. “I wouldn’t leave you so young. There’s too many men trying to take my place.” Their love is so damn strong and visible that I’m in awe. Fifty years, and they act like they’re my age.

“I’m an old, saggy broad, and you are still a jealous fool.”

“Damn right, woman.” He winks at her and rakes his eyes over her body. She’s gotten older, but she has managed to stay pretty fit even for her age.

“I’m going to get a cup of ice water. You two talk.” She pats my shoulder and leaves the room.

“How are you doing?” I ask in all seriousness. I think the old bastard made my blood pressure jump. The thought of losing him scared the piss out of me.

Seeing the worry, he smiles. “Good, actually. They think it’s stress. I’m guessing it is, but not much I can do.”

“You need to take it easy and not work all damn hours of the day,” I tell him even though I know it’s easier said than done.

“I know. I was hoping to retire and give it to someone in the family, but either they don’t want it or aren’t trustworthy enough for it. Several of those fuckers will run it into the ground within months, and Frank can’t run the bar and his law firm at the same time.”

“I get that. You need to hire more staff that you can control and trust to take over when you’re not around.” When you have employees that walk all over you, you lose their respect and they start slacking on their jobs.

“I know, but until that happens, I need a huge favor from you.” Shit. I know what this is about, and I can’t say no to him. I owe him everything.

“Anything,” I answer without hesitation

“I need you to open the bar and run it tomorrow night. It’s the annual Halloween party.”

Fucking hell. Of all the things that he could ask, it’s the one thing I don’t have experience running. “Are you serious? I’m not sure I know what to do.” I’ve never bartended in my life.

“I have two competent bartenders, but they already work too many hours. I can’t ask them to do more than they already have. The residents are so damn excited to come to the party.”

“Of course. I will do that, but what about the rest of the family? I thought everyone was in town to see you.”