The Ghost

Chapter 19

It's Friday, and I've just finished work. I'm at my apartment, getting ready for the dinner party. I put my hair into a neat bun, and put on a small amount of lip gloss, along with some mascara. I'm already in my dress, and I'm sort of shocked that it still fits. I haven't worn it six years.

I'm rather annoyed that I have to stop by the Facility before I go. I feel like I'm going to prom, or something. I put on my black flats, and sigh.

Keith knocks on my door, and I open it. He's wearing a white button-up shirt, with his nicest pair of pants.

He sees me, and his eyebrow raises. "Cecelia," he says.

"Jason," I respond. I grab my purse and step out.

"You look amazing."

"You don't look so bad yourself," I respond. "Though, I didn't think you were serious when you said you wanted to come."

"What, and miss the chance to see you in a dress?" He grins.

I shrug lightly and lock my apartment door.

We walk to his car, and he opens the car door for me. "Being a gentleman today, are we Jason?" I ask teasingly.

He chuckles. "But of course, Love."

I smile and get in. He closes the door for me, and walks over to his side. He climbs in, closes the door, and starts the car.

"Do we really have to go to the Facility?" I whine for the fifth time today.

"Yes," he says for the fifth time. "Everyone needs to see you in a dress."

"I'd rather not. I don't wear dresses for a reason."

"Yes, and a rather stupid reason, at that."

I sigh. "You're not going to let me go without taking me to the Facility first, are you?"

"No, I'm not. And the more you whine about it, the longer we stay."

"We have to be at her house by eight," I point out.

"Well, that gives us a good thirty minutes, then."

I sigh, shaking my head. "You're a trial sometimes, Keith Worthington."

"Yes, I know."

We ride on in silence.

~~~

When we make it to the Facility, Kirsten and Zander are already in the office.

"Oh, joy," I mutter when I see them.

"You look amazing, Kayleene," says Kirsten.

"Yes, I know."

"You should wear dresses more often," says Zander, more amused by my discomfort than anything.

"Oh, yes, and have guys falling at my feet all the time, always running at my beck and call. Because that would be so amazing," I say sarcastically.

"It's not that bad," Kirsten says with a shrug.

"Yes, well, it has to be a bit annoying, if you're turning to me and my unfiltered opinions."

Everyone laughs.

"Kayleene, why are you so upset? If you didn't want to go, you could have told your friend no," Kirsten says.

"It's not that I'm upset about going," I say. "It's just that I didn't want to come here, just to show you that I'm wearing a dress. Do you know how stupid that feels?"

"I think it's hilarious," Keith says.

"You would," I tell him.

He grins.