Queer Ghost Stories Volume Five

Valentine's Haunting Chapter One “PACK YOUR BAGS!” OMAR said the moment Steven got home from the gym. Steven shrugged off his winter coat and kicked off his boots. “And a Happy Valentine’s Day to you too!” “Happy Valentine’s Day,” Omar replied, his expression barely readable—was that irritation, anxiety, frustration... or absolute joy? “Now pack your bags. We’ve got reservations.” Steven perked up at the sound of that. “Oh, yeah? Reservations where?” A sneaky smirk worked its way across Omar’s lips, and he stepped forward to plant a tender kiss on Steven. “I’ll tell you in the car.” “No fair,” Steven said. “How’m I supposed to know what to pack if you don’t tell me where we’re going?” “I’ll give you a clue, then. It’s not mountain climbing and it’s not deep-sea diving.” Steven laughed heartily. “Well, that narrows it down!” “You’ll need an outfit for a relaxed dinner together, plus a B&B stay.” “Hey, good call!” Such a good call Steven actually invited his husband into the shower for the first time in goodness knows how long. The world at large seemed to think gay men were always at it, but at their age? Steven’s idea of a romantic Valentine’s Day was falling asleep in front of the TV. A bottle of wine, a bag of kettle chips... what more could any man ask for? Don’t get the wrong idea—he wasn’t anywhere near dissatisfied with their relationship. Sure, Omar had a little more snow on the roof than when they’d first met, but he had a way of making Steven feel special and significant and even sexy, when the mood struck. Granted, that wasn’t as often as it used to be. But it should come as no shock. Twenty-something years together were bound to cool a man’s jets somewhat. That’s life. Once they were showered and dressed, Omar helped Steven pack for the overnight trip. Must have cost a fortune, to book a B&B on Valentine’s Day weekend, but they were doing okay these days. More than okay, in fact. Gearing up for retirement, but not quite there yet. The idea of waking up every morning and having nowhere to go, frankly, set Steven a bit on edge. Maybe he’d try for a later-in-life acting career. He considered his face in the mirror. He could say, pretty objectively, that he was an attractive man. Looked a bit like the Trivago guy. Everyone said so. Steven got hit on by enough young women that he was confident in his appearance. Strangely, young men didn’t seem to give him a second look. Not that he would look back. He really was happy and satisfied in his life with Omar. “Ready for departure?” Omar asked. Steven glanced at the time. Why were they leaving so early in the day? “How far is this place? What time do we get the room?” Rather than answering either of those questions, Omar said, “They say it’s going to snow this afternoon.” “Again?” Steven asked. “Just what we need. No snow for Christmas, but a heaping helping for Valentine’s Day.” Omar smirked. “Gotta keep ahead of Mother Nature.” They carried their bags out to Omar’s vehicle. Since this weekend getaway was his idea, he’d elected himself driver. Anyway, Steven still didn’t know where they were headed. Road trips made him feel young—like a child, almost. He used to go on camping trips with his neighbour’s family when he was a kid. The drive up to the campground was his favourite part of the whole experience. The camping was great, too, but there was something about being in a car, listening to music, playing games, and having an exciting destination that really geared him up. “I can’t stand the suspense,” Steven said the second Omar had finished merging onto the highway. “Where are we going? I need to know.” “Are you sure you don’t want to be surprised?” “I’m already surprised. Where are we going?” With a satisfied grin, Omar told him the name of the inn, but it wasn’t one Steven had ever heard of. Even the town it was situated in... Steven hadn’t heard of that, either. He wasn’t sure if he was supposed to have heard of this place. Omar acted like he was taking Steven to Disney World, but this inn wasn’t ringing any bells. “What are they known for?” Steven asked. Omar seemed flabbergasted by the question. “What are they known for? What are they known for?” “Yeah.” Steven shivered. He didn’t mean to. Maybe his window was open a crack. No. Why was he suddenly so cold? “What are they known for?” “For murder!” Omar replied. “What do you mean they’re known for murder?” Omar glanced at him quickly, then turned his focus back to the road. “Murder mysteries,” he said. “They do those murder mystery dinners. You know, where actors circulate around the room, then someone is killed and you have to figure out whodunit.” “Oh.” A wave of relief came over Steven. “Well, that’s neat. I’ve never been to one of those.” “Yeah, me neither. Something different for both of us. For Valentine’s Day.” Omar reached over and took hold of Steven’s hand. They didn’t usually sit like this in the car, sit holding hands. But it was nice. Really nice. The mention of murder had put Steven on edge, but feeling connected to his husband helped to assuage his fears. A getaway. A mystery. A meal. An escape from the ordinary. Romance. Togetherness. Entertainment. This was bound to be a weekend they’d never forget.