Page 130 of Ghost

“I do not know much of Gerald but from the small amount of time we have been together, I could say the same of him.”The look on Francis’ face looked like he’d just bit into a lemon.

“How’d that taste?”Mason asked laughing.

“Like a bad pickle.”

“You are so adorable,” Mason said.He took a big sip of his coffee.“Why don’t I turn the TV on for you while I take a shower.”

“Thank you.I will try not to watch you,” Francis said sexily, with a smoldering look in his eyes.

“And what if I want you to...watch?”Mason waggled his eyebrows, while rubbing his chest.

“Do not tease me, Mason,” Francis approached him slowly.

The phone rang, making Mason and Francis jump.“Saved by the bell.”

“Hello?”Mason answered, a little breathless

“Good morning, Mason.It’s Ellen.I’m sorry for ringing so early, but I absolutely forgot to let you know that the florist will be there this morning.I am so very sorry to have forgotten.”

“Oh.Flowers?Right.”Mason responded.“Why?”

“Mason, sometimes you are such a bore.Have you ever been to a funeral where there were no flowers?”

“First off, I didn’t think this was a funeral to be frank, and yes, I have been to funerals where there were no flowers.There are many people who ask money to be given to a charity in lieu of flowers.”

Ellen sighed heavily.“Of course, you are right.Anyway, I ordered flowers and that’s that.”

“Do you know when they’ll arrive?”

“I was informed...”Mason heard some papers, “They should be there by nine a.m.”

“I’d better get a move on then.I was just about to jump into the shower.”

“I will try and be there shortly before the florist arrives, then.I can sneak in another cup of coffee if Gerald doesn’t try and stop me.”

Mason chuckled.“I sincerely doubt that he has ever stopped you from doing anything you set your mind to.”

“Well, you may be right about that, but there is no sense in dragging up old business.”

Mason laughed heartily.“I’ll see you shortly, Ellen.Bye.”Mason hung up the phone.He looked at Francis.“You’re getting flowers.”

Francis smiled while shaking his head.“So I have gathered.This may prove to be quite interesting.”

“How so?”Mason asked as he made his way to the shower.

“If I know Ellen, which I think that I do, she will have a few more surprises up her sleeve.”

“Oh, Lord, help me.”

* * * * *

“Ellen has arrived,” Francis announced as Mason washed his coffee mug and cereal bowl.

“I didn’t hear a knock on the door.”Mason quickly dried his hand.

“I can hear Gerald.”Francis had a sour look on his face.

Mason stopped and turned to look at Francis.“Can you please just try to be civil?It is a funeral, after all.”