Page 91 of Ghost

“You are a kind man, Mason Montgomery.”Ellen smiled.“I can see why Francis is so taken with you.”

Mason could feel his face turn red, the heat rising in cheeks.Even with the air conditioning in the car keeping them cool, his face was on fire.

Ellen laughed.“That is so adorable.You’re blushing like a virgin bride!”

When they arrived at the drugstore, Mason told Ellen to go and find them a nice table while he dropped off the film.“I’ll just walk up and meet you,” he suggested.

He dropped off the film and said that he would be back in an hour to pick it up.Mason was excited to see the photos and pleased with himself for thinking of the idea.He only hoped that Francis would be happy to have proof that his home was in such immaculate condition.

Mason stepped inside the small café and found Ellen sitting at a small table for two, talking to the waiter, who was quite handsome.

“Oh, Mason, there you are.”Ellen smiled, a definite twinkle in her eye.“I wasn’t sure what you would like, and this charming, handsome young man was keeping me company until you arrived.”

“Um, I don’t think I want any coffee.It’s too hot.”Mason pulled out the chair and sat opposite Ellen.

“Mason, this is Kurt.”Ellen waved her hand, indicating the waiter.“Kurt, this is Mason Montgomery.”

“Nice to meet you,” Kurt smiled and held out his hand.

Mason shook it politely.He couldn’t help but appreciate how handsome the man was, and he had the most spectacular blue eyes and dark, wavy hair.

“I might suggest the malted milkshake,” Kurt said.“We’re pretty well known for them.”

Mason nodded.“That sounds really good, actually.”

“What flavor would you like?”Kurt pulled out a notepad.“We have a new one.Dark chocolate.Or you could mix it with coffee ice cream and have a combo.”

“Oooo, that sounds perfect to me,” Ellen chirped up.“I think I would like one of those.One thing about being so old is I don’t have to worry so much about calories anymore.”

Mason looked at Ellen and couldn’t help but smile.He remembered that Francis had said she was a precocious and delightful child, and he could see that as clear as day in this moment.

“Yes, I think that sounds good, too.I’ll also have that.”Mason handed the small menu back to Kurt.

Kurt took the menu, winked at Mason and said, “I’ll make those right up for you.Would you like extra whipped cream?”The way he said it almost made it sound dirty.

“Oh yes!”Ellen clapped her hands together and smiled.“How delightful.”

Mason only nodded.He watched Kurt walk away.

“Isn’t he handsome?”Ellen asked and grinned mischievously.

“Ellen, what are you up to?”Mason leaned in and looked her dead in the eye.

Ellen’s smiled faded.She also leaned in closer.“Mason, my friend, you and I need to have a serious talk.”

“Uh oh.”Mason sat back in his seat.“Have I done something?Am I in trouble?”

“Yes, on both counts.”Ellen leaned in even closer.“You have gone and fallen in love with a ghost.And trust me when I say this: it is not a healthy relationship.I should know.”

Mason blinked a few times.“I’m not so sure I am in love with Francis.”

Ellen chuckled.“You may not be, but I am.”She patted Mason’s forearm that was on the table.“And he with you, which I am so happy about.”

“But then...why is it a problem?”Mason looked down and folded the paper napkin over and then over again.“You don’t mind that I’m gay?”

“Pfft.”Ellen waved her hand as if shooing a fly away.“I always knew that Francis preferred men and never had any issue with it.I’ve known plenty of gay men during my lifetime.”She patted her hair.“My hairdresser is gay and so was the one before him.”

Ellen sighed and leaned back some, but still maintained her excellent posture.“But, back to the subject at hand: Mason, Francis is dead, and you are not.”