Page 88 of Ghost

Francis looked confused.“Live in a closet?Why would anyone live in a closet?”

Mason couldn’t help but laugh.“It’s just a saying is all.That gay men like us can be open about our relationship.”

“We have a relationship?”

Mason blinked hard a few times.“Yeah, in a way I guess we do have a relationship.I’d kinda like to think so, at any rate.”

Francis smiled broadly.“Yes, I would like to say that we are in a relationship as well.”Then he frowned.“I still do not understand the closet notion.”

Mason laughed as he stood up.“Well, it doesn’t really matter ‘cause you’re dead anyway!”

“Oh, you scoundrel,” Francis yelled after him as Mason made a hasty retreat.“I will make sure you are repaid handsomely for that remark.”

Mason giggled as he headed off to get a shower.“I have no doubt that you will.”

* * * * *

Ellen was ready andwaiting when Mason arrived.“Good morning, Ellen.I hope you’ve had a good morning so far.”

“Good morning, Mason.Yes, I am quite well, thank you.”Ellen stood aside so that Mason could enter.“I trust that you and Francis are also well?”

Mason laughed.“Yes, we are both well.Francis threatened me this morning, so I will have that to look forward to when I get home tonight.”

Ellen scowled.“He threatened you?That doesn’t sound like Francis.”

“It was all in good fun.Nothing serious.”

“Oh, good.”Ellen smiled.“It is so nice to see young people in love, although in your circumstance it is quite a bit different.”

Mason laughed again.“Yeah, it’s a bit different to be in a relationship with a ghost.”

“Ah-hum.”A voice that Mason knew to be Gerald sounded behind him.“And what is wrong with being a ghost, may I ask, young man?”

“Gerald, don’t be a brute.You know exactly what we’re talking about so don’t go getting your dander up.”Ellen walked right through him as if he wasn’t even there.“Come, Mason, I’ve had Sharon set up some coffee and a light breakfast before we leave.I also had her put together a picnic basket for lunch.”

“Um...I know we didn’t discuss it, but would you like for me to drive?”Mason asked as he accepted coffee in a fine china cup.

“Oh no, I’ve hired a car for the day.”Ellen offered him a muffin.“That is how I get around nowadays.I gave up driving years ago.I even sold the car.”

Gerald harrumphed.“I still haven’t forgiven you for selling my Lincoln.”

“There was absolutely no reason to keep that large car when no one drove it.All it did was cost money to keep it insured and maintained.”Ellen rolled her eyes.

“I’d have been more than happy to drive,” Mason said before taking a bite of the muffin.

Ellen chuckled.“No offense, Mason, but I doubt I could have even gotten into your pick-up truck.And this way, we can sit back and chat and just watch the scenery.It is such a beautiful drive up to Hobonny.”

“I’m looking forward to it.Is there a chance we can stop by a drugstore or someplace where I can pick up couple of disposable cameras?I want to take plenty of pictures so that I can show Francis.”

Ellen clapped her hands together.“Oh, what a splendid idea!Of course, we can.”

There was a toot-toot of a car horn just as Mason finished his coffee.

“That would be the car, my dear,” Gerald said.

“Yes, I would say so,” Ellen replied as she stood.“Come, Mason, our adventure awaits.”

Mason helped Ellen down the front steps to the black Cadillac that was awaiting them.The driver was in a black suit, and had the back door open, ready to receive its occupants.