Page 23 of Ghost
Mason dug into the bag and pulled out two good sized bowls, opening one.
“That one’s a ham and cheese salad.My boy Nicky really likes that one.Even as a kid he loved it,” Nick explained.
“He seemed like a nice guy when I got beer from him last night,” Mitch said taking the bowl from Mason along with a small paper plate.
“He is, he is!”Nick smiled proudly.“He only works at the store during the summer and when he’s on break from school.My boy, he goes to Georgia Tech.He wants to be an architect.”
“Wow!Must be a smart kid,” Mason said.
Nick laughed, his head tilted back.“You...you crack me up, Mason.You can’t be much older than he is.”
Mason only shrugged and grinned, his mouth full of the ham salad.
“Anyway, I need to get back to the store.”Nick put both hands on his knees as he stood up.“I’m the only one there, and I had to leave a sign in the window that I’d be back in ten minutes, and it’s been that already.”
“Thanks for the lunch, Nick.”Mason stood up and extended his hand.“This is really, really good and Nicky is right, this ham and cheese salad is excellent.”
“It’s all good,” Paul said, not getting up, but shoveling more food into his mouth.
“Yeah, I could get used to this,” Mitch said.
Nick waved his hand in the air.“Nothing all that special, but thanks.Always nice to hear a compliment.You guys don’t work too hard and try and stay cool.”
“Thanks again,” Mason said, sitting back down.“Prob’ly see you later for more beer.”
Nick raised his eyebrows.“More beer?”
Mason pointed to Mitch.“Alcoholic.”
“I am not!”Mitch yelled.
“With a skinny ass,” Paul added, busting a rib laughing.
Nick laughed heartily as he left.
“I so do not have a skinny ass!”
