Vinny did a double take as he headed into the Rampant Horse. A poster showing a ghost in mid-air was in the window
GHOST COSTUME NIGHT
Come in costume get drinks for £1
He shook his head and entered the pub. Dave waved an empty pint glass at him in greeting. At the bar Ken was distracted. Fussing over his optics.
"Ken, what's this about Ghosts?"
"Evening Vinny. What do you think? It's the bloody brewery mate. Not only do they want me to be more inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community, which I have no issues with, but they want me to consider paranormal entities as well. They have rights too apparently."
Vinny raised a finger and started to speak but decided against it. Then decided he must.
"So if I come dressed as a paranormal entity or something related tomorrow I get drinks for a quid?"
Ken nodded sadly.
Vinny smiled.
"The usual for me and laughing boy please Ken."
Vinny had a gleam in his eye and rubbed his hands together. Ken decided he didn't like that one bit.
Vinny slid a pint over to Dave.
"Evening Davey boy."
"How do Vinster. You're cheerful."
"Why wouldn't I be? Cheap beer tomorrow."
"I thought you'd be opposed to this paranormal inclusive nonsense."
"Why should I be? It's easy cheap beer and besides we celebrate the humble leprechaun on St. Paddy's Day, so why not give the ghosts a go?"
Dave gave him a funny look.
The Following night....
Dave sat at his usual table with a blanket over his head. He'd ensured that there were enough holes for him to see and drink. Old Pete, who'd commented that he was close to death anyway had come as the grim reaper even his dog chips had a tiny squeaky toy scythe that he was carrying around the pub with glee. Lecherous Lee had come as a Ghost Buster. Ken the barman had come as a zombie so not much of a costume was required. The pub was waiting with baited breath for the arrival of Vinny who could usually be relied upon to outdo everyone by sheer force of competitive habit.
The pub door opened and in stepped a vision.
Lecherous Lee started to speak, "Bloody...." before words failed him.
A young woman with black stockings. A tiny short skirt, wearing a sweater over two very large rounded breasts. Short cropped hair and the cutest nerd glasses. To complete the look freckled cheeks and a radiant smile.
"Voila Thelma from Scobby Doo. Evening losers, where's my beer and prize for best dressed?" came the voice of Vinny from this vision of lovely nerdiness.
"I would've gotten away with a profit if it hadn't been for that meddling brewery." muttered Ken.
© Darren Sant 2023
