Page 10 of Finding Frankenstein a Date

It rang again at just a few minutes past nine, and Franky got up from his seat in the parlor where he’d been watching the flames dancing in the fireplace.

“Why don’t you just turn out the lights already?” Drac asked. “Surely after nine is too late for legitimate trick-or-treaters to be up wandering the streets.”

Franky rolled his eyes. “If they ring the bell and say trick or treat, then I give them treats.” Surely Drac knew this by now, it was their who knew how many Halloweens together.

Drac just snorted indelicately at him, and Franky made his way to the front door. It was getting cold, and he was glad they’d decided to get the fire going. Maybe he’d even have some hot cider after this lot of kids—surely Drac was right that there wouldn’t be that many more.

He flung open the door, ready to admire costumes and hand out treats, but it wasn’t trick-or-treaters at the door at all.

It was Vince.

He blinked a few times before saying the first thing that came to mind. “You’re not wearing a costume.” Vince was also a little old for trick or treating, but as long as the person at the door wore a costume, Franky would give them candy, no matter their age. He didn’t candy-shame anyone. There were a few older kids who knew this and had been coming to their door since they were little. He always gave them extra candy, for nostalgia’s sake.

Vince gave him a smile. “No, I’m not. I’m not here to trick or treat.”

“Oh? You’re not here to try to buy the house, are you?” He really hoped Vince didn’t moonlight as a real estate agent. That would be very disappointing because he liked the guy.

“What? No.”

“Oh good. We’re not fond of real estate agents here.”

Vince laughed a little, the sound slightly nervous, and rocked back on his heels, his smile seeming to fade a little. That made Franky frown. Why was Vince here?

“I came to see you, actually.”

“Oh.” He blinked a few times, Vince’s answer unexpected. Had he forgotten something at the diner? That had been a few days ago, though, surely Vince would have come sooner if that was the case. In fact, Vince could have called him, and he’d have gone down and retrieved it. Whatever it might be. “Did I forget something at the diner?” He couldn’t imagine what it was—he wasn’t missing whatever it was if he had.

“No.”

“Oh,” Franky said again. “Why did you come to see me?”

“I…” Vince looked like he was about to turn around and leave, but then he took a deep breath. “Can I come in?”

“Uh… sure.” Franky stepped back and held the door open wider.

Vince came in, his hands shoved into his pockets, and looked around as Franky shut the door again. Vince was a good-looking guy, and Franky admired him for a moment. It was too bad Vince hadn’t swiped right on the app.

“Wow, this place is amazing. You’d never know from the outside.”

“Thank you.” Franky smiled, wondering more than ever what Vince could be doing here. “So… you came to see me?”

Vince chuckled a little, the sound wry. “I did. I came to see you.”

“Okay.”

“Oh for fuck’s sake, Franky, invite the man into the parlor and offer him a drink,” Drac called from said parlor.

Franky shot a glare in Drac’s direction, but he did turn and invite Vince deeper into the house. “Would you like to come sit by the fire and have a warm drink? It’s a cold night.”

Vince’s smile grew wider. “I would, thank you.”

He led Vince to the parlor, Bob passing them as he came out.

“I’ll get you both some hot cider.”

“Thank you, Bob, that’s very kind.” Franky smiled at his friend and led Vince into the parlor. “You remember Drac?”

“I do. Hey. So you guys all live together?”