Page 47 of Ghost
“What favor?” I ask suspiciously.
“First, is Mom in bed?”
“Yeah. She went in about eight-thirty. It was a rough day, and she was exhausted.”
“Damn. Okay, well, at least we won’t be interrupted.”
“Ghost, what are you talking about? What favor? What won’t be interrupted.”
“Favor first. I need you to go to the backyard.”
“Okay. I’m going.”
Grateful I decided not to change into my pajamas, I stand from the bed and walk through the house. When I reach the door to the back deck, the blind is closed. I don’t recall closing it earlier but shrug it off.
“Where are you?” I ask as I wrap my hand around the knob and twist.
I push the door open and almost drop my cell. Ghost is standing on the deck, a bouquet of lilies in his hand and a shit-eating grin on his lips. He lowers his cell and shoves it in his pocket.
“I’m right here.”
“What is this?”
“Well, I figured we deserved a proper date, but since we can’t leave Mom, this is the next best thing.”
Ghost reaches for my hand and tugs me across the deck and down the steps to the yard. There’s a firepit I know for a fact wasn’t there before, and crackling flames light up the space. He’s also set up a small table for two, complete with candles, a chilling bottle of wine, and two covered plates that remind me of what you get when you order room service at a hotel.
Tears spring to my eyes. “You did all this?”
He nods. “It’s why I’m late. I’m sorry about that, by the way.”
I shake my head frantically. “It’s okay. I can’t believe you did this.”
In the firelight, his eyes sparkle, and I can see the blush across his cheeks. “I wanted to do something nice for you. To show you how much I appreciate what you’ve taken on with Mom, and how much I appreciate…you.”
“Thank you.”
“I hope you’re hungry because there’s a veritable feast under those domes,” he says.
He pulls my chair out for me, and I sit. Next he reveals the food, and he wasn’t joking about it being a feast. We each have a steak, baked potato, mixed vegetables, a dinner roll, and a piece of peanut butter pie.
“This looks delicious.”
As if on cue, my stomach rumbles, causing us both to laugh.
“Let’s eat. I’m ready for what comes after.” He winks at me.
The conversation is easy as we consume our meals, almost as if we never spent any time apart. We reminisce about old times, never even touching on the breakup or anything painful. With Ghost, I can be myself because it’s easy, it’s natural.
“Now for the second act,” he teases, gripping my hand and helping me to my feet when we’re done eating.
“Oh, man,” I say, my hand on my stomach. “I think you’re gonna have to give me a bit before any activities.”
“Get your mind outta the gutter.”
I arch a brow. “Oh, so it’s not sex that you were referring to?”
“Nope.” He grins. “Not yet, anyway.”
