The Ghost

Chapter 2

Keith knocks on my door exactly one hour later. I close my book and answer the door.

"Jason," I say in greeting to the brown-haired, hazel-eyed, woman-magnet before me.

"Cecelia," Keith says, an amused smile on his face.

I grab my purse and close the door, locking it.

He raises an eyebrow. "Since when do you carry a purse?"

I look at him as we walk to his car. "Since it carries many items useful to both Cecelia and Kayleene," I say, keeping my voice low.

He nods, understanding immediately. "Gotcha."
~~~

We arrive at the Barbeque, and Keith gets out, holding the door open for me.

"Such a gentleman," I tease as I get out from the car. "You're going to make a woman very happy, one of these days."

"Oh no, Cecelia, Dearest. You're the only one for me," Keith teases back.

"So sweet," I say, smiling sweetly. I pat his shoulder and walk towards the music and laughter. He follows behind.

"Cecelia!" Someone calls.

I turn to see Genevieve walking towards us in an inappropriately short dress.

"Hello, Genevieve," I say in Cecelia's voice. I smile Cecelia's smile.

Genevieve is a few inches shorter than me, with red hair and way too much make-up. Her dress is black, and strapless. She was obviously looking to seduce someone tonight.

"You're looking lovely tonight," I say kindly.

I feel Keith doing his best not to laugh at my side. I'm glad I'm not the only one thinking that she's trying too hard.

"Thank you. You too." Her eyes flicker to Keith and she takes in his strong build. "Who's this?" She gestures to him.

"Ah. Genevieve, this is Jason, an old friend of mine. Jason, this is Genevieve."

Keith flashes his signature smile, and Genevieve grins. To a man, it's merely a hello. But, I know better. It's her way of acknowledging her nightly target.

"Nice to meet you, Jason," Genevieve says, her voice more sugary than before. She fiddles with her hair, and I resist the urge to roll my eyes.

"You too, Genevieve," Keith says.

"Oh, Jason, you must come try the grilled chicken," She says suddenly. "It's delicious."

"Uh, no I-"

"Come on, I'll show you!" She grabs Keith's hand, and I grab his other one before she can lead him away.

"Genevieve, Jason doesn't want chicken. He's a vegetarian. He doesn't eat meat," I say with a small chuckle.

"Oh." She frowns, letting go of Keith's hand. I do the same, and Keith takes his place next to me. "Well, then why is he at a barbeque?"

"He talked me into going, so I made him go as well," I say with a shrug. "He really had no other choice."

She frowns, and then looks at me. "Oh, Cecelia, there was a man asking for you, earlier. I don't know what he wanted." She points to the area behind her.

I frown. "Did you recognise him?"

She shakes her head. "He was really handsome, though."

I look around the area to see a muscular man staring directly at me. She was right. He is kind of handsome, but I'm not attracted.