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‘Horror films?’ Si says, pulling a face. ‘No, thanks. I don’t see the point in paying to be made uncomfortable.’
‘I mean, yeah, not when you can do it at home for free,’ Adam jokes.
I laugh before I can stop myself.
Si doesn’t.
‘You kids go see your Halloween movies,’ Si says coolly. ‘They’re not really my cup of tea.’
Calling us kids for wanting to see scary movies does nothing to quash the age gap stuff, but it’s not really that, is it? It’s just taste. Si is more serious while Adam and I are more open to stuff. The world would be a boring place if we were all the same.
‘Maybe we could go tonight?’ Adam suggests, but as he asks, Si must shoot him a look, because he stares back at him. ‘You okay, bro?’
‘Yeah, could I have a quick word with you, before you go?’ Si replies. ‘It’s just house stuff.’
‘I’ll give you some space,’ I say, sensing an awkwardness. ‘I forgot my bag anyway.’
I leave the room and, as tempted as I am to listen in, I know that the creaking of stairs – or lack thereof – will give away the fact that I haven’t actually gone.
I wonder what they’re talking about. Is it really house stuff? The vibe was definitely off.
I’m only halfway up the stairs when I hear footsteps behind me.
‘Lia,’ Adam calls softly.
I turn around to find him at the bottom of the staircase, one hand casually resting on the banister.
‘Yeah?’
‘I’ve had a better idea,’ he says.
‘Better than horror films?’
‘Much better.’
‘Okay,’ I say immediately.
Adam laughs.
‘You don’t even know what it is yet.’
‘No, but you seem certain, and I like surprises,’ I tell him.
‘Do you fancy a trip to Blackwater?’
‘When?’
‘Now.’
I raise an eyebrow.
‘Don’t we need to make a start with work?’ I check.
‘Technically, your first proper day is tomorrow,’ he reminds me. ‘Come on, let’s have some fun.’
I suppose he’s right, and it is spooky season, and where better to go for a spooky vibe than Blackwater Bay, the next town along – supposedly the most haunted seaside town in the UK, where every day is pretty much Halloween.
‘I’d love to,’ I reply.
