Page 3 of Ghost
“Whoever is buying the beer is my best buddy.”Mitch grinned.“Okay, let’s go see what we got here.”
“We need to unload your truck first.You can’t park on the street during the day without a parking permit and I don’t even have one yet.”
“Um...then where do I park?
Mason was already hopping down the front steps.“I’ve got a place a few doors down that has parking in the rear.”
Mitch snickered.“I always knew you’d go to the rear.”
Mason groaned at the bad joke.“Don’t worry, I won’t be going anywhere nearyourrear.”
Mitch laid a hand on Mason’s shoulder.“Trust me, buddy, if I swung that way, you’d be the first and probably the last man I’d go for, and I mean that.”
Mason looked at his friend.They’d had this conversation a long time ago when they were both drunk off their asses.It was right after Ross had dumped him for the young gym rat, which was only twelve months ago and still hurt.“I know, Mitch.”He shook his head lightly as if trying to clear the sudden memory of Ross out of his head.“Come on, let’s get this shit unloaded so we can go through everything that we’re going to need to get started.”
After they’d unloaded everything from Mitch’s big ass truck and got it parked behind Mason’s new apartment, they were both sweating profusely.They got Mitch settled in and then went back to the new town house with a pad and pencil to start an inventory of what they were going to need.
“Damn, Mason, just the wiring alone is going to cost you some major bucks.”Mitch was measuring each room to get an idea of how much wiring would be needed.“Then we’ll need a new breaker box, breakers and a shitload of outlets and light switches.”
Mason sighed, his shoulders slumping.“Yeah, I know, but I can’t do anything about all of that.It just has to be done.”
“Well....”Mitch started.
“And no, I’m not going to cheat or take shortcuts.”Mason’s head fell back.“I’m going to do it right from the get-go.No cutting corners.I just need to get the electrical done so I can move in and not pay rentanda mortgage.”
“You got any work lined up yet?”
Mason held one end of the tape measure for Mitch.“I’ve got some feelers out.I gotta get a phone before I can even do an ad.They won’t install a phone until the place is compliant and no longer condemned.I don’t want to have to pay for a phone in the apartment and then pay again to have one put in this place.”
Mitch started up the staircase.“Watch out for this step here,” he said pointing.“The joint where it was glued together has separated.”
Mason looked at the step Mitch pointed out.“Yeah, I’ll be careful.”
Once they had inspected the second floor and completed their measurements, they went back to the apartment and cracked a few beers open.They both took their shirts off, leaning against Mason’s truck, letting the little bit of breeze cool their sweaty bodies.Mason took a deep breath.He could smell the sea air and a slight hint of jasmine blooming somewhere close by.
“We can start by pulling all that old wiring out tomorrow,” Mitch stated before draining his beer.He handed the empty to Mason and smiled.
Mason rolled his eyes and went to fetch them both another beer.As he strolled out, handing Mitch his ice-cold beer he said, “That’s about all we can do on Sunday.There won’t be anything open tomorrow except Homo Depot and I think we’d get a much better price at the electrical store.”
“That’s for dang sure,” Mitch agreed.He drained half the bottle of the fresh brew.
“Damn, I forgot how much you drink, you sot.”Mason took a long swig of his own beer before wiping his brow with the cold bottle.“Glad I got a whole case.”
“Yep.Going to probably need more before the end of tomorrow, though.”
“Well, before you get too tanked, let’s go get some more beer and something to eat.”Mason headed for the back door.“Dibs on the shower.”
* * * * *
True to form, Mitchhad two women fawning all over him at the loud bar down on River Street.It wasn’t long before he sauntered over to Mason, a girl on each arm, with a wide smile plastered all over his face.
“Hey, buddy, I’ll see you first thing in the morning,” Mitch said brightly.
Mason couldn’t help but laugh.“Okay, Mitch.I hope you’re not too hung over to work or there won’t be any beer tomorrow.”
Mitch also laughed.“No need to worry, I’ll be there.I’m sure one of these sweet young ladies will be more than accommodating and bring me home.”
“How about you, sweetie,” the buxom blonde asked Mason, her hand stroking his arm.“You don’t want to party with us?”
