Page 10 of Tricks & Treats at The Cosy Cornish Bakery

Ginger looked left and right, leaned in further and whispered, ‘It’s Joshua Ralph.’

Chloe’s brow creased as she mulled over the name. ‘Sounds familiar.’ Then her mouth dropped open. ‘Hang on, isn’t he Captain Titan in that space zombie thingy franchise? Even I’ve heard of him!’

Ginger shushed her urgently. ‘Not so loud. Liam’s working the bar. He’s the biggest Comic Con nerd in the village. If he found out, poor Josh will be hounded.’

‘Poor Josh?’ Chloe sat back, sipping wine. ‘It’s got to “poor Josh” already?’ She elbowed her friend. ‘You like him, don’t you? Mind you, I mean, he’s stinking rich and apparently reads so what’s not to like?’

‘Scoff all you like,’ Ginger said airily. ‘And since when has money bothered me? But, as a matter of fact, yes, I do like him. He’s really down to earth. Normal.’ She frowned as if doubting her own words. ‘He’s only been with me for two days and it’s been really easy. We like talking books over dinner and seem to rub along together okay. I thought he’d be the most difficult guest I’ve ever had but it’s the opposite.’ She stared into the crackling flames. ‘And then he turns on this star quality. It’s really weird. One minute he’s an ordinary bloke dressed in cargoes and a scruffy fleece and the next it’s like he’s lighting up the room. Trust me, it’s like being pinned against the wall when he switches it on. I’ve got the feeling, if he walked in here now, not even Liam would recognise him unless he went into this starry thing he’s got going on.’

‘Wow. So you think he’ll be easy to have around, then?’

Ginger nodded. ‘Yeah, possibly. Easier than I was worried about any way. Not sure which is the real Josh yet, the dazzling actor or the bloke from Stafford but it’s intriguing. He’s intriguing. And if he keeps up this low-profile act, I think I can relax.’

‘Were you worried about being swamped with fans?’

Ginger sipped her cider thoughtfully. ‘Maybe. I mean, folk here in Wheal Kitty are fairly blasé about famous faces; we get our fair share in the high season. Usually let them get on with their day. A few ask for autographs and selfies but they can mostly holiday unbothered.’ She giggled. ‘In fact, most of the oldies either don’t recognise them or pretend to be superior enough not to let it show.’

‘Even they might spot Joshua Ralph. He’s the hot new thing. He’s plastered all over the papers, usually with some adoring woman hanging off his arm. He’s not Brad Pitt level but he’s definitely way above Paul Mescal.’ Chloe poked her friend. ‘And you’ve got him staying under your roof. It’s so exciting. I’d love to meet him.’

‘Keep your voice down. Can’t believe it’s got you so excited.’

‘Might liven this place up a bit.’ Chloe cast a disparaging glance around the bar, at the collection of older solo male drinkers and middle-aged couples. ‘Something needs to.’

‘Have you even seen any of his films?’

‘No, but I did see him in the theatre before his Hollywood career took off.’ Chloe’s nose wrinkled as she tried to remember. ‘Think it was The Cherry Orchard. Chekhov. He had the most amazing stage presence. That must be the star quality you described. I know I couldn’t take my eyes off him. Completely dominated the rest of the cast.’

‘I’ll ask if you can come to supper. That’s if you promise not to tell.’

‘Not to tell what?’ Liam arrived at their table. ‘God, you women like to gossip. Too busy yakking, not enough drinking. No empties yet?’

‘Not to tell anyone how good this wine is.’ Chloe winked at Ginger and drained her glass. She looked up at him, tall and skinny, with messy brown curls. ‘Don’t want the place to get overrun with tourists now do we?’

‘Contrary to what lots like to think, tourists keep our economy going. It’s good to have The Smugglers busy.’

‘So, you still working here, Liam?’

‘Looks that way.’ He turned and threw another log on the fire where it spluttered and hissed. He grimaced. ‘Not dry enough. Do me a favour and give it a poke if it looks to be dying down.’ Someone called his name from the bar. ‘Be right with you, bud,’ he yelled over. ‘Another round, girls? You back for good now, Chlo?’

‘You never left the village, Liam? And it’s Chloe.’

‘No need to be nasty. But you always did have a sharp tongue, didn’t you?’

‘Got me where I wanted to be. Away from Wheal Kitty Cove.’

Liam gave a short laugh. ‘Lot of folks busting their guts to get back here. Worse places. Sun, sand, surf. All good. You city types don’t know what’s good for you.’

‘I’ll have another cider, please, Liam,’ Ginger put in, trying to keep the peace. ‘And Chloe will have another large wine.’

‘I’ll bring them over.’ He sniffed. ‘See, even though we’re in Hicksville, we still know how to provide good service.’

After he’d swaggered off, Chloe twisted her wine glass moodily. ‘He irritated me at school, always messing about in class when the rest of us wanted to learn. He was annoying at sixteen and looks as if he still is.’

Ginger looked over at the bar where Liam was changing the music. ‘Werewolves of London’ blasted out, making her wince at the volume. ‘He struggled with school. Didn’t like anything academic, was much happier kicking a ball around.’ She looked back at her friend. ‘I never understood what it was between you two.’

‘Oh, he had a thing about me, and it wasn’t reciprocated. I was hardly a boy magnet in school, but even I wasn’t that desperate. There was something about him I didn’t like.’ Chloe glanced to where Liam was cheerfully pulling a pint of Doom Bar. ‘He didn’t take rejection well back then. Looks like he still can’t.’

‘He’s a bit of a lad these days. Has an on-off, mostly off, relationship with Kezia who helps me out at the guesthouse. Word of warning, Chlo. He’s now a local councillor.’