Page 11 of Ghost
Mitch started humming theJawsmovie theme song, until Paul elbowed him in the stomach.“Ow!”
Mason pushed the door open.“Come on, ladies, let’s do this!”
Paul and Mitch grabbed the cooler, the most important thing they both claimed, their towels tossed over their shoulders, while Mason got the three beach chairs, blanket and umbrella.They didn’t even set up anything, just dropped what they were carrying and made a mad dash to the shoreline, stripping off their shirts, laughing like kids.
It was the perfect spot.There wasn’t anyone on this stretch of beach.The closest people were quite a distance away, and only then, a lone couple.There were other people farther up the beach, but for the most part, they were pretty much alone.For how long, who knew?
Mason couldn’t stop himself from splashing Mitch, hitting him right in the face.Before Mitch could retaliate, he dove into an oncoming wave.Paul stood back and laughed until Mitch barreled him over, dunking him good and proper.
Once they’d had some fun and tired themselves out a bit, they went about getting their chairs and towels set up.They’d leave the umbrella till later when it started to get really hot.Mitch reached into the cooler and grabbed a beer, popping the top.
“It’s only ten in the morning,” Mason said shaking his head.“I’m beginning to think you’re an alcoholic.”
Mitch smiled and shook his head.“Naw, I’m just on vacation at the beach with two good buds having a good time.It’s allowed.”
Paul pulled out a grape Nehi soda.“Yeah, even I think it’s a bit early to be drinking.You want something, Mason?”
“Yeah, I’ll have one of those orange Nehis, thanks.”
Paul fished around in the ice cooler and found one, opening it up before handing it to Mason.“That house you got is a real fixer-upper.You’re a braver man than me for taking on such a big project, especially all on your own.I gotta hand it to you, Mas, you got balls.”
“Thanks, Paul.”Mason stretched his legs out in front of him.“I gotta keep focused on one thing at a time or it would just overwhelm me.Starting on that lower part was a good idea by the way.I think that’s the way to go.”
“Yeah, but Mason, you’re gonna have one hell of a place when you are done.Of course, you’ll prob’ly be ready for retirement by the time it’s finished,” Mitch laughed.
Mason sighed.“One step at a time.One day at a time.”He looked over at his friend.“That’s what Uncle Bud used to always say.It’s always worked for me.”
“I miss the ol’ coot,” Mitch said, turning to look at Mason.“He was one of the best.You were lucky to learn from him.He could do stuff with wood that amazed me.”
“I only met him that one time,” Paul interjected.“Everyone respected him, though.”
Mason could feel his chest constrict a bit.“Yeah, he was a good man.Don’t know where I’d be if he hadn’t been there for me.”
“He’d be damn proud of you, Mas.”Mitch reached over and lightly backhanded Mason on his chest.“I hope you know that.He always looked at you as if you were his own kid.”
“I know.”Mason was getting choked up, finding it hard to speak.
“Anyway,” Paul started, “I think if we really concentrate on getting that kitchen torn out so we can get all the electrical work done, pass inspection, we can have the power turned on no later than Monday.”
Mason sat forward a bit so he could look at Paul.“Think we can get that all done by then?That’s a lot of work.”
“Might as well use us while we’re here, man,” Mitch said.“I won’t feel right if I have to leave before we get all that done and neither of us can stay too much longer.”
“Mitch’s right.I wouldn’t feel right if we left you in the dark.Literally,” Paul laughed.
“Good one,” Mitch said, also laughing, punching Paul in the arm.
“But seriously, Mas, I think we can get that done,” Paul said.“It will take some long hours and we can’t be messing around, but it’s doable.”
Mitch looked between Mason and Paul.“Won’t be easy, but yeah, I think it can be done.Then you’ll have us for a few more days after that to help get the lower level as close to ready as we can.”
Paul looked out over the ocean.“I’d stay and help out more, Mason, if I could, but I gotta be back for that next big job.I got kids to feed.”
“Paul, you have no idea how grateful I am that you’re here at all,” Mason said.“I wish I could pay you what you’d be making on any other job.”
“It’s what buddies do.”Paul smiled.“And I know if the shoe were on the other foot, you’d do the same.”
“You know I would.”Mason nodded seriously.“And if there ever comes a time when you need my help, you can always count on me.”
