Page 52 of Ghost
Mason sat up straight and blinked a few times after thinking about everything that had happened that night.He still couldn’t believe that he was sitting there with a check in his pocket for ten thousand dollars, with more deposits likely.For the first time in his life, he actually felt as if things were going to work out okay.
“Can you believe that woman said I had a skinny ass?”Mitch grumbled before he drained the rest of his beer.“I mean, how rude was that?”
* * * * *
The next morning, Pauland Mitch moved the refrigerator and Mason made a few phone calls, one of which was to get a new phone installed in the house.Nick seemed to be in a bad mood, which wasn’t normal for him.
“Nick, is something wrong?”Mason asked after he’d finished his phone call.Nick had generously offered Mason the use of his phone.
Nick frowned.“Nicky Jr.was supposed to work this morning.He always works Saturday mornings.He was too hungover, he said.”
“Oh,” Mason said.“Um, sorry, Nick.”
Nick waved his hand about.“It’s okay, I guess.”He sighed and his face seemed to relax a bit.“He’s a good boy, he works hard, he studies hard so it isn’t so bad for him to have a little fun now and again.I can’t fault him about that.”
“I’ve yet to meet him.I’m looking forward to it.”Mason stuck the little notebook into his back pocket.“When does he head off to school?”
“He will leave Wednesday.He’s volunteering for the Olympics before school starts.”Nick scowled at Mason.“And you,” he said pointing at Mason.“You are about to take all my money.I should never have let you meet Patty.What was I thinking?”
Mason pulled out his wallet and took out the check that Patty had given him and offered it to Nick.“I’d rather have a good friend and neighbor than a job, Nick.I can tell Patty that I don’t have the time right now.”
Nick shook his head no and sighed heavily.“She’s right.We talked about it last night.Or rather she talked, and I listened.”
Mason laughed.“I get it that happens a lot?”
Nick smiled.“No, not all that often.She keeps me in line, that’s for sure, but it’s because she loves me, and I love her more than just about anything in this world.”
It went without saying that they were both mad about each other.Mason had caught them kissing after it had gotten dark while he’d been locking up the house.
“And, she’s right.All the renovations are a good thing.An investment.”Nick wiped the counter down using a bottle of cleaner and a paper towel.“Sometimes you need to spend money to make money, and I understand that.”
“It is an investment,” Mason agreed.
Mason could hear Paul and Mitch coming down the stairs with the refrigerator.“I was serious when I said I would knock off the cost of the fridge from the renovations upstairs.”
“No, Mason.”Nick looked seriously at Mason.“I’m just glad you’ve moved in.I can already feel that this neighborhood is changing for the better, and I know right here,” Nick thumped his chest with his fist, “that you are going to be play big part in that and that will be good for business.I consider it another investment.”
Mason felt stunned.He didn’t think that he had much of anything to contribute, much less be the cause of turning an entire neighborhood around.“I...uh...I don’t think I have much to do about the whole neighborhood, Nick.”
“People are already talking, Mason.”Nick motioned towards the front door.“People..., neighbors come in and talk.We can all feel it.It is a good change, and everyone around here is getting excited.”
“Damn it, Paul.Hold your horses.I still have three steps to get down.”There was no mistaking Mitch’s voice.
“Well, hurry your ass up.”Paul responded, sounding out of breath.“I’ve got the heavy end after all.”
Nick and Mason laughed.
“I guess I should go and help,” Mason said.“Thanks for letting me use your phone.”
Nick smiled.“Whenever you need to use it, you come and use it.”
Mason opened the glass door to go and help Paul and Mitch.
“Oh, Patty said she was bringing you guys’ lunch today.I have no idea what she’s got in mind.”
Mason glanced over his shoulder.“Thanks!I’m sure it will be good, whatever it is.”
The three of them managed to get the refrigerator in place and plugged in.As soon as they got the okay, and the power turned on, they would have cold water and drinks without having to get ice once a day.Of course, in the long run, Mason would have a fully furnished kitchen.
