Arin stared at his reflection. Everything looked normal. His hair wasn’t that great, his beard was neatly groomed, the tiara on his head sat perfectly, not even moving with the turn of his head.
And that’s what got him. The tiara, along with the dress that all came together to make his costume. He told everyone that he was going to make his grand debut as a sovereign Grump. He just never specified too much. Maybe he should have. His heart wouldn’t be racing as hard if he did.
A knock on the bathroom door made him jump.
“Honey,” Suzy called out, voice sweet and soothing, “everyone’s waiting for you.”
After taking a deep, shuddering breath he said, “Okay. I’ll be out in a minute.”
“Do you need help with anything?”
Her words rang in his head. She couldn’t mean what he thought, right? There’s no way she knew. He had this whole secret on lockdown. So he straightened himself out and said with all the confidence he could muster, “No, I’m fine.”
“You don’t sound so sure.”
Thanks, Suzy.
“Really, I’m okay,” Arin assured both her and himself. “Go distract everyone for a bit, since they all wanna get up in my ass. Tell them I’ll be out when I’m ready.”
A soft giggle came through the door, followed by a teasing, “Yes, your highness.”
Well, shit. Guess she knew after all. That was one person down. Just everyone else to go. If he did it quickly like a band-aid, it would all be okay.
He stepped out of the bathroom and quickly made the short walk into the Grump Space. Right on cue the music stopped, and all heads turned towards him.
“I have arrived!” Arin announced in his most regal voice. “Your beloved Princess is here to bless this Halloween ceremony.”
Dan took a sip of his drink. “Is that something princesses can do?”
“It is if I say it is, Daniel,” Arin hissed, having more fun with his role each second.
Barry chided Dan through his teeth, “Don’t piss off the princess!”
“Yeah, if you make him mad, we’ll all kick your ass,” Brian added.
Arin grinned. “Thank you, Sir Barry. Sir Brian.”
They both bowed, each grabbing a hand and placing a respectful kiss on it.
Out of the blue, Ross stormed up to him, eyes burning. “You promised me a piggyback ride around the office. I don’t care if you’re a princess, a bet’s a bet!”
“Far be it from me to not pay my dues,” Arin said with a chuckle.
Ross grinned, then hopped onto his back and clung to him like a koala. “Giddy-up, princess! I want you to take me everywhere!”
Arin adjusted him with a huff. “If you ruin my dress, you better convince Holly to fix it for me.”
“She’ll gladly make you a new one. Now let’s go!”
The princess costume was more well received than he thought it would be. He’d have to dress up more often.