Page 6 of Dancing with a Ghost

I had twenty-five minutes to take a breather, a quiet time on my own to let my stress levels come back to something normal.

I made my way back to my office and sat in my chair, closing my eyes.

"A massage would be great right now," I said to no one in particular, rubbing the back of my neck, turning my head this way and that, trying to work out the kinks.

A soft touch on my shoulder had me sitting still, not knowing what the hell to do.

I knew I was alone in the room, so who the fuck's hand was it?

It wasn't firm though, a subtle touch that gradually moved towards my bare skin. Too paralysed to do anything, I froze in my chair, not daring to move. Was this really happening?

"Hello?" I said, praying I didn't get an answer. The sensations stopped for a moment before starting again.

"Shh," a quiet voice spoke in my ear as the touch reached my neck.

Nope, that was too much, and I shot from my seat, knocking it to the floor, backing up to the window.

There was no one there, not one fucking person in the room.

"I don't know who you are, or what you want, but leave me the fuck alone! I know it was you moving the vase." And there was that smell again. "And that's you, that fragrance I keep smelling. That's been you all along."

I glanced around me frantically, looking for anything to show where this person was, but there was nothing. No sign at all.

Until there, a shimmer by the desk. Was that something? I peered closer, the outline of something, almost in view but not quite.

Did I believe in ghosts? Was this a ghost or a poltergeist? They moved things, didn't they, but never touched or interacted? I'd need to do some research.

"Is that you?" I reached out towards the fading apparition as it slowly disappeared from view.

Damn it!

"Come back!" Why the hell was I asking that? It was a ghost, for fuck's sake. I should have run from the room screaming, not ask for it to stay.

It was gone, though, and it left me with more questions than answers.

The smell of tobacco and vanilla lingered. I'd been noticing it more and more lately and it wasn't unpleasant.

A sudden shout of my name brought me out of my thoughts. Mother was calling. I might have known.

"Toby! Toby!" She marched through the door full of intent. "What the hell are you doing in here? You have a wedding to see to. Why are you hiding away?"

"I just wanted five minutes, Mother. I've just had to stop the chef from killing the band."

"Yes, well, that may well be, but you've been gone twenty minutes. They're almost done with the ceremony and food needs sorting."

"Yes, Mother. I'm on my way." I walked out of the door. One day I'd stand up to her….one day.

The ghost would have to wait until later. I didn't have time now, but it intrigued me. Why was he hanging around me? I thought poltergeists only haunted pubescent teenagers with anger issues.

"Toby!" Another shrill shout. I'd have to go. I checked my pockets, making sure I had my phone, and strode after her.

By God, she got on my nerves sometimes, but I loved the woman despite all that.

I reached the garden room just as the bride and groom entered. I didn't think I'd been gone that long, but here they were, the picture of happiness walking into the room.

Tabitha sought me out in the crowd, mouthing a tearful thank you. That was all I needed. I knew I'd done well.

I dashed to the kitchen just as the band started playing some background music and the guests took their seats.

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