We`d like two Insane Asylums, please. No alcohol.
That`s all we`re serving tonight. We don`t make much at the bar on teen night.
Well, we`ll remember that when we leave a tip, my aunt said. I was a waitress for longer than I care to tell you. I understand completely.
Aunt Libby had a way of talking to anyone like a friend. Just then I spotted Romeo out of my peripheral vision.
He came over to get some cherries from the plastic condiments container in front of me.
I ducked, hiding my face by rooting around aimlessly in my purse.
He`s cute, my aunt said, nudging me.
Aunt Libby! I said.
Don`t be shy. But what am I telling you for? You`ve got a boyfriend. By the way, when am I going to meet this Alexander Sterling?
Shhh!
What. Did I say something wrong?
Romeo stopped in front of us. He pointed his finger at me as if trying to remember my name.
Didn`t I see you...?
You have her confused with someone else, Aunt Libby said. C`mon, let`s dance.
And with that we finished our drinks and hit the dance floor.
I was surprised that Aunt Libby danced as well as she did. But after all, she was an actress and spent most of her life onstage. I`m sure she had to tap, twirl, and jitterbug her way through various parts in her career. The Coffin Club`s dance floor was just an extension of my aunt`s performance art, and she was rocking as if she were dancing for an audience of thousands.
Aunt Libby was exhausted before I was and asked if we could take a break. We sat for a few moments on the coffin-shaped couches, catching our breath, then hit the mini�flea market on the other side of the club. Aunt Libby was in artsy heaven. She didn`t know which seller or reader to approach first.
Let`s buy you some jewelry. Aunt Libby cased the rows of rings, pendants, bracelets made from pewter, crystals, and beads.
You don`t have to buy me anything.
But I want to...I`m your aunt. Everything here is handmade. Pick something you like.
A bracelet did catch my eye. It was a skinny beaded bracelet with a charm--a petite bottle of love potion.
I placed it on my arm, along with my hidden plastic club bracelet, and gave my aunt a huge Thank you squeeze.
Then something caught her eye. Tarot cards! she exclaimed. Let`s get our cards read.
Sounds like a great idea. You go first.
When my aunt sat down, I realized that this was my chance to revisit the underground club. I hated to ditch her, especially after she`d just bought me a special gift, but it would only be for a few minutes--no more time than it would take to go to a crowded restroom and back. I knew if I ever wanted to see the club again, this was my only chance. The secret door was hiding somewhere in close proximity and I had to investigate the club further. It would take only a few minutes, and by the time my aunt finished having her future and past lives read, I`d have already returned.
I have to go the ghouls room. Don`t worry if I`m gone for a few. These drinks go right through me.
Aunt Libby wasn`t bothered. She`d already begun talking to the spiritually gifted woman as if she were her longtime therapist.
I tried to retrace my steps the night I`d stumbled upon the hidden entrance. I was heading for the ghouls room when I`d become distracted from the dry-ice fog. I stood near the bar, closed my eyes, and spun around, trying to disorient myself. Then I pushed through the teens and headed for the ghouls room. When I discovered I was heading in the opposite direction, I figured I was on target. I saw a wall obscured by the shadows. I slid my hand along it, combing the pine for the secret door, when I found what appeared to be a broom closet. Bull`s-eye.
I turned the knob of the small coffin-shaped door and pushed with all my might. When it opened into a darkened corridor, I knew I`d found my way. I quickly followed the narrow hallway and hurried down the plunging staircase. When I reached the coffin lid marked DEAD END I tried to push it open.
Of course, I found it locked.