Page 6 of Tricks & Treats at The Cosy Cornish Bakery

‘Melissa Guppy?’ The woman whipped off her glasses and strode into the hall, pushing past her. ‘Dana DiMaggio. We talked on the phone. Show me around. I’ll scope the place out. Get Mr Ralph prepped.’

‘Prepped? Wha–?’ Ginger didn’t have time to question the pushy American with no manners as she’d strode into the sitting room. Ginger jogged after her.

Dana swung round, surveying the two comfortable, squashy sofas covered in crocheted throws, the faded rug, and the seascapes hung on the wall. ‘Heating?’

Ginger gaped at the woman, nonplussed.

Dana stood in silence, tapping her sunglasses in her hand, demanding an answer.

‘The wood burning stove over there and central heating. Radiators in all the guest rooms. Extra throws and hot water bottles should it get really chilly.’

‘Hot what?’ The words were spat out.

‘Hot water bottles. You fill them with hot water.’

‘Jeez. Neighbours?’

‘None. At least not in this part of the lane. I own the track and it’s a dead end except for pedestrian access to the coastal path.’

Dana nodded. ‘Good. What else is down here?’

‘My treatment room. Kitchen where guests can also cook and eat.’

‘Take out?’

‘The usual.’ Ginger was beginning to stammer. She’d thought all details had been covered in the lengthy emails and phone conversations that had flown between her and this woman. ‘Curry or Chinese takeaways in Polveanan. Fish and chip van in the village every Wednesday and Friday. And the pub does good food but only to eat in.’

Dana stared at her incredulously. ‘A van? What is this hellhole?’

‘It’s where I’ve chosen to stay.’ A deep voice sounded from the doorway. Joshua Ralph stood there. She knew he was about her own age, but she thought he was shorter than he looked on screen, and not as well-muscled. Still, however, astonishingly starry.

‘Josh honey, I told you to stay in the car.’ Dana cracked a smile, her tone softening. ‘I needed to check this place out.’

‘There’s nothing to check out. I’m perfectly happy with it.’ He smiled at Ginger, revealing excellent teeth. ‘Melissa?’ Moving forward, he clasped her hand.

Ginger was caught up in a force field. The magnetism was palpable. So this was what made him a star. Charm oozed out of his every pore. ‘It’s Ginger, really. I’m known by my nickname.’

Josh glanced at her hair. ‘Really?’ He frowned, his deep, deep blue eyes sparkling with humour.

‘Long story.’

‘And one we haven’t time for,’ Dana butted in. ‘I’ll get Valentine to carry your bags in and then we’ll get you unpacked.’ She turned on her heel back to Ginger. ‘Bedding?’

‘Of course we have bedding.’ Ginger was getting irritated.

‘What type?’ Dana snapped her fingers. ‘Sheets. Egyptian? Thread count? Silk or linen?’

Ginger shrugged. ‘I make sure I buy cotton but beyond that I wouldn’t know.’

‘Leave her alone, Dana, I’ll be fine. Come on, you can help with my cases and then I insist Val drives you back.’ When the woman began to protest he held up a hand. ‘I’m here for a complete break remember. I won’t need you for a while. Don’t worry, I’ll call or email. There’s wifi I assume, Ginger?’

Ginger pulled a face. ‘In a manner of speaking.’

‘Miss Guppy, I specifically asked if there was wifi.’ Dana’s face was like thunder.

‘Well, there is, most of the time. It’s just a bit erratic.’

‘Josh, this is a disaster. How can you hole yourself up in this ass-end of the universe–’ Her tirade was interrupted by a violent and piercing whistle. ‘What in the name of all things holy is that?’