Page 29 of Ghostly

“What are you talking about?”

“The Wednesday incident, Gabriel,” Janice said. “Do keep up. I thought you lawyers were supposed to be sharp.”

“Just tell them they’re from a musical!” Ida jumped up and down.

Gabriel shook his head. “Uh, they’re from a musical.”

In one incredibly synchronized move, the heads of the three women snapped to him.

“The Schuyler Sisters are from a musical.” He cleared his throat. “Hamilton.”

“Yeah, d’oh,” Jason said. “I thought it would be funny to call you that because you always stick together, like you’re sisters, and you wear the same colors as they do. Yellow, peach, and light blue.”

“I don’t understand,” Dina said. “Why would you call us after someone from a musical?”

Jason shrugged. “I like musicals. It’s not meant to be an offense.”

“If anything, you should feel flattered,” Mark added. “He won’t shut up about it.”

Jason blushed.

“So you weren’t calling us old crones,” Dina said. “Then why do you hate us?”

“Because you don’t likeus,” Jason said. “I thought that was clear. The nicknames don’t have anything to do with it. You have a whole problem with me being gay and all that.”

Dina’s hand froze halfway to her glass. “You’re gay?”

“Who do you think Mark is?”

“Your…” Dina’s gaze swiveled to Mark. “Friend?”

“Wait, so what is the problem? Loud and clear, please,” Gabriel said. “If we’re to get to the bottom of this.”

“Jason was supposed to take my daughter to prom. Only he canceled on her the night before, and never bothered talking to her again,” Dina said. Gabriel looked at Jason.

“I finally came out. I explained it to Marisha, and she understood. She may have been sad because it all happened just before prom, but she got over it. No heartbreaks or such.”

“Misunderstanding cleared up.” Gabriel nodded to Dina, and turned back to Jason. “Now, what was that about sabotage?”

“I thought Marisha told her I was gay, so Dina sabotaged an internship I had lined up. It would’ve been cool, too. Movie makeup. Her husband has connections.”

“I didn’t,” Dina said. “I had no idea. And besides, if I wanted you gone, why would I try to make you stay?”

“That is a good point,” Gabriel said. “Have you considered perhaps you simply didn’t fulfill the conditions for the internship?”

“Yup, he’s a lawyer, alright,” Mark murmured.

“I suppose.” Jason bent his head. “I’m sorry, Dina.”

“No, Jason, I’m sorry.” Dina reached for his hand. “Misunderstandings or not, the truth is, us ladies weren’t always on our best behavior, were we? Just look at how we snubbed Gabriel—and that was another misunderstanding. But we’ll try to be better now, won’t we?”

Marge and Janice nodded.

A warm feeling of satisfaction spread in Gabriel’s chest. Similar to what he’d feel when he successfully brought a case to a close—only this time, it was even stronger. It almost felt like his insides were shimmying in happiness.

“So.” He smiled at the gathered company. “Who’s up for some cheese?”

It was late into the evening when the guests filtered out. Tired, but feeling accomplished—and quite certain he’d get bread and pastries the next time he swung by the bakery—Gabriel went upstairs to prepare for sleep. He was in the bathroom, replaying the most satisfying parts of the conversation in his mind, when a scream sounded from downstairs.