The gym smelled like Halloween candy and desperation.
I stood at the butler station wearing my ridiculous cape while Harlow adjusted my collar for the third time. Her fingers brushed my neck and I swear she did it on purpose.
"Stop fidgeting," she said.
"I'm not fidgging."
"You are. Your shoulders are all tense." She squeezed them. "See?"
Her hands lingered. I stepped back.
"The costume is fine. Can I help set up now?"
"Not yet! We need to practice your bow!"
"My what?"
"Your bow! For greeting customers!" She demonstrated, curtsying deeply. The motion made her skirt ride up.
I looked at the ceiling. Safe. Neutral. No dangerous curves or exposed thighs.
"I'm not bowing."
"You have to! It's part of the aesthetic!"
"I'll nod. That's my final offer."
She considered this. "Fine. But make it a vampire nod. Mysterious and alluring."
"There's no such thing as a vampire nod."
"There is now! I invented it!"
