The Nightcolt Manor

(8)

It was late afternoon and the electricians were finally done with the power. Nadine practically cheered when the lights came on, although she was now in the market for a shit ton of lightbulbs. The electricians left, Dave the creep being the first out the door. As soon as they were out, Heath came into view, his gaze angled up at the giant glowing chandelier in the foyer.

Nadine smiled at the ghost, "Pretty." He looked back to her, nodding slightly. "Oh!" Nadine yelped, running into the kitchen, Heath trailing behind her curiously. "Can ghosts drink?" Nadine asked, pulling out two bottles of wine and another of pure whiskey.

"Haven't tried." Heath shrugged, watching as she got out some glasses. "Well, we can try. I'm thinking it's possible since you've touched me multiple times." She said, pouring some of the deep red alcohol into the wine glasses. Before she handed him the glass she asked out of pure curiosity, "When's the last time you've actually had a drink? Or.. food for that matter?"

Heath tilted his head, "I haven't the slightest clue.."

Nadine smiled, handing him the glass of wine. She clinked her glass with his in a toast. She took a sip, but out of the corner of her eye she could see Heath just staring at the drink. "It's okay. Just try." She said softly in encouragement.

Heath's black eyes flicked up at hers before he finally took a small sip. For the first time she actually saw his eyes light up a bit. "How's it taste?" She asked.

"Great." He said curtly before chugging the rest of it down. Nadine laughed, "Woah there, maybe we don't need find out if ghosts can get drunk too!" She poured him some whiskey and he drank that quickly as well.

Soon they moved into the living room where Nadine's blanket was sprawled out. "Wish I could get that fireplace going." She said. Even with the power now working, the light was still very limited. The sun was rapidly setting by this point and the two had already finished a bottle of the wine. Nadine was feeling pretty buzzed by that point. She never could hold her alcohol very well.

"So, Heath. What was your occupation before you died?" She asked, taking a sip of whiskey. Heath stay in thought for a moment before responding, "My family were jewelers."

"Jewelers! That's awesome. What about that ring I found? Did someone in your family make it?" She said quizzically, her fingers playing with the frayed edges of the green blanket she was laid on. Heath nodded, "It was my grandmother's engagement ring, then of course, my mother's."

"Huh. An heirloom. That's nice." She smiled, her eyelashes fluttering at him. She gulped down the rest of her whiskey. "You feeling this yet?" She said, her words ever-so-slightly slurring together. He shook his head. "I suppose ghosts can't get intoxicated after all." He almost sounded disappointed at the fact.

Nadine gazed out the window. It was completely dark out by that point. She got up, stumbling a little. "Think I should head home."

Heath grimaced, "I'm not sure that's a good idea."

Nadine looked back at him, walking over to sit down right next to him. "I guess I could stay a little while longer." She mumbled. Heath looked down at her. "I'm sure your husband will be worried."

Nadine's eyes widened, "Husband? I don't have a husband. Not even a boyfriend at that." She said, laughing. "You don't? No man is courting you?" Heath said, a little shocked.

"Courting?" Nadine laughed even more, "I don't think most men even know the definition of that these days." Heath looked very confused, his black eyes searching hers to see whether she was joking. "Courting is no longer done?"

"Wellll.. I suppose dates could count. But I've never had any luck with those anyway."

Heath hummed, "That's a shame. I'm sure many men would like to court you. Even if your choice of language is vulgar." Nadine almost spit out her wine, "Whatever!" She laughed, seeing a smile grace the handsome man's face. "And I'm sure you had all the victorian ladies fawning over you Mr. Nightcolt." She said softly, leaning in a little too close. The ghost didn't pull away and they sat looking at each other for a few moments.

"I'm afraid you've had too much to drink Ms. Vandame." Heath said quietly, taking the glass from her and setting it somewhere. Nadine's hazel eyes were growing heavy and she yawned, her head falling onto Heath's broad shoulder. "I suppose you're staying the night then." He said, letting her doze on him for a few moments.

"As much as I would like you stay here, I'm afraid I cannot keep you warm." He whispered to her. Nadine was practically out by this point and Heath easily picked her up, carrying her over to the couch. Nadine's eyes fluttered open just for a moment to see Heath tossing the blanket over her. And just like that, she was out till morning.

______

Nadine awoke early the next morning, a headache gracing her as soon as she tried to sit up. She squeezed her eyes shut and groaned, plopping an arm over her head. She turned into her side and noticed her water bottle. She gasped and grabbed it, savoring the drink. She sighed contentedly.

"You drank a little too much wine last night." She heard Heath say suddenly. He was standing over by the fireplace, looking at her serenely. "Thanks for bringing my water in here." She said gratefully, sitting up and stretching her arms above her head. "I think I'm going to go get myself breakfast. I might just stay home today too. Not that I don't enjoy your company." She joked.

She got up, throwing the blanket off of her and grabbing her purse. "I'll see you later, Heath." She waved, walking out of the manor. Perhaps I'll invite Shay for breakfast, why not?