Mistletoe Mansion (23 page)

Yay! That seemed like a plan. I chewed on the end of my pen. Now I could concentrate on brainstorming exactly how to find out what was troubling Walter about his nephew.

‘A man could die of thirst in this place.’ Luke stood in front of me, forehead perspiring. He wiped it with his arm. ‘The tub’s done. I drained it and refilled. It’s all in working order.’

‘Thanks,’ I said, as he grabbed the other wicker chair and sat down next to me, stretching out like a cat in front of a fire. S’pose he deserved a mug of tea and maybe one of my Black Forest Gateau cupcakes. I headed indoors. By the time I’d returned, his drink and plate in hand, he was chuckling. Aarggh! Beam me up, Scottie! I’d forgotten to hide my sketches.

‘Remind me never to ask you to cater for my mum,’ he said.

My cheeks flamed. ‘I’ve only got until Friday night to come up with the right recipes and bake them. I’m catering for one of Melissa’s friends – well, acquaintances. Whatever. It’s a hen party.’

‘Don’t reckon you can go wrong with body parts. In my experience, even posh girls have got a dirty sense of humour.’ He took a large bite of cherry sponge. Cream and chocolate shavings stuck to the corners of his mouth. I fought the urge to stretch out my arm and gently wipe them off. ‘It’s a gift, being able to bake like this,’ he said and wiped his mouth himself.

I raised one eyebrow and waited for the punchline – the rude insult.

‘No. Really. I mean it. And as you know, I’ve been lucky enough to eat Lily’s creations, so I know what I’m talking about. How long has KimCakes Ltd been up and running?’

He remembered the name! I knew it would catch on! But how to answer? I could lie, say the business was established, ooh, months ago, had been a great success and I now had a well impressive client base. But I had the feeling he’d see right through me if I didn’t tell the truth and then I’d feel even more stupid. I picked up the pen. Why would I want to impress him, anyway? ‘Three days.’

He coughed violently, crumbs tumbling onto his lap.

‘Melissa was my first proper customer,’ I said, quickly, not giving him chance to diss my dreams. ‘Apart from a wedding I did in Luton. It’s always been my goal to run my own cupcake company. And this job could help start things off. Then two of Melissa’s other friends want me to cater for them and–’

He put down his cake. ‘Good for you. It takes a lot of guts to break out on your own.’

I stared at him, having expected the negative comments I was used to, from Adam.

‘What’s the matter?’ he asked and ran a hand through his chestnut fringe.

‘You don’t think I’m mad?

‘Has someone said you are?’ His moss green eyes stared right through me.

I blushed.

‘We all have to start somehow and as long as you can deliver the goods, blagging is as good a way as any. It’s refreshing to meet a kindred spirit – someone who wants to get out there, and grab a bit of the good life for themselves.’ He shrugged. ‘For my first handyman job, I wrote a false reference from some imaginary customer. The old lady was a bit picky. I didn’t like deceiving her, but knew I could do a good job for her at a decent price. Afterwards, she recommended me to all her friends. I still do the odd job for her.’

‘How long before your business paid enough to do it full time?’

‘A few months. But I learnt quickly that I had to diversify. I do a bit of gardening and, for the customers who know me well, like Walter, I keep an eye on their house whilst they are on holiday – water plants, check the pipes in the winter, that kind of stuff.’ He popped in the last bit of cake. ‘Just need another drink to wash that down,’ he said.

Without thinking I stuck my tongue out at him and he burst out laughing.

‘You don’t like me, do you?’ he said, once he’d stopped.

‘You’ve hardly welcomed me to Mistletoe Mansion with open arms!’ I spluttered. We grinned. Wow. It almost felt as if we were getting on. Mind you, us, kindred spirits? I think not.

His face softened for a second. ‘Don’t take it too personally,’ he murmured and leant forward to brush a random curl out of my face. Heat flushed up through my neck. Why had he done that? And why did it make my pulse race?

‘What do you mean?’

The twinkle disappeared from his eyes. ‘Look, erm, forget the drink. Busy day. Washers to change. Shelves to put up.’ He scraped his chair back and picked up his toolbox.

‘You can’t say something like that and just disappear!’ I said and followed him across the lawn, but there was no reply. ‘Anyway, I should be out of your way soon. There’s another viewing Friday morning and I’m determined it’ll go well.’ That told him. Moody bugger. Just in case he still thought I was hoping to hang around here forever cos of some supposed crush. Although truth be told, a tiny part of me hoped the viewing would be a flop. I needed to work out what was bothering Walter, before Mistletoe Mansion sold and Mike Murphy got his hands on the inheritance.

‘Last time I checked, I was all grown up and allowed to say what I want.’

I caught up and touched his arm. Tingles pitter-pattered from my fingers, up to my shoulder.

‘Just remember what I said.’ Luke smirked and turned around. ‘Black whips and handcuffs; dirtier the better, that’s what ladies want…’

‘Don’t change the subj–’

‘Kimmy?

I gasped and looked behind Luke. Adam? Standing one metre away? How did he get here?’

Luke’s mouth twitched. ‘I’m Luke. Pleased to meet you.’

‘This is Adam,’ I stuttered, heart racing faster than ever now. Peanut had come! He must have missed me! Perhaps he was impressed with my Botox morning earnings after all.

‘Think you were just leaving, mate,’ said Adam, grey eyes steely as he took a step forwards. He stared at my hand which was still curled around Luke’s arm. I jerked it away.

Luke grinned. ‘Remember, Kimmy, great big boobs and long wi–’

‘I get it,’ I said, through gritted teeth.

Luke shot me a glance, then looked at Adam. ‘No need to worry,
mate
,’ he said. ‘We’re discussing Kimmy’s cake business and the designs for her latest booking.’

Oh my God. I couldn’t believe Adam was here. That was great! Fab! Brill! Everything I wanted! Then why… I dunno, did a tiny part of me sink, as if weighed down by a record-breaking anchor.

‘Kimmy’s very talented,’ Luke continued. ‘Cupcakes are big business nowadays. She’ll do well to set up on her own.’

‘And what would you know about Kimmy?’ said Adam, looking at Luke’s toolbox. ‘You reckon this is a good time to be setting up a business? During the recession?’ Adam shook his head.

‘Doesn’t take me long to get the sum of someone, that’s all… ’ Luke turned to me. ‘Cheers, Kimmy. Thanks for the snack.’ He headed for the leeks I’d dropped on the lawn. ‘These will do nicely for my dinner.’ Whistling, he strode towards the house. He disappeared around the side. The gate clicked shut.

I laughed nervously at Adam. ‘This is a surprise. How come you’re here? I mean, shouldn’t you be at work?’

‘I’m on a late shift today. Great to see you too,’ Adam said, brow still furrowed. ‘Although it doesn’t look as if you’ve missed me much. Who was that? You two seemed pretty cosy. You didn’t even hear me cross the lawn.’

‘That guy’s a jerk,’ I said, telling myself not to cave in and throw my arms around my hunky boyfriend’s – ex-boyfriend’s – broad shoulders. ‘But then it’s none of your business – not since you threw me out.’ Stiff upper lip, girl, I told myself. Calm down. Don’t show him you’re chuffed to bits that he’s here. Which I was… Even though I stood more upright and felt myself get all defensive about the business; even though I had to slide into the old familiar – and unpleasant – self-justification mode.

‘Thought I’d check you were settled okay.’ His mouth downturned a little. ‘Seems like I needn’t have bothered.’

Oh bum. I melted and took his hand. ‘Come on – let me show you around the house.’

‘Just look at this kitchen!’ I said, moments later. He didn’t flinch as I opened the huge fridge doors, nor mumble a word as he followed me up the staircase, me chatting about the paintings. I pointed out the chandelier. Still no reaction. So I led him into the fancy bathroom and switched on the waterproof telly. At last, some response – he muttered something about “More money than sense”. Surely the Game of Thrones Room would cause a flicker of excitement? I hurried downstairs and waited impatiently for him as he strolled after me, expressionless.

‘This room is awesome!’ I pushed open the mahogany door. Adam trailed in behind me and stared at the dartboard and snooker table. He ran his hand along the bar.

‘Amazing, isn’t it?’ I grinned and pointed to the throne. ‘Fancy role-playing a little warrior on queen, one-on-one?’

His shoulders gave a little movement up and down. ‘S’okay, I suppose. A bit flash. I mean, what’s wrong with going down the pub?’

‘Nothing! But it means you can invite your friends over. In fact tonight I’m having the neighbours over for a small party, including Jonny Winsford’s wife from next door. Why don’t you stay? We’re going to use the hot tub.’

Adam stared at me in a strange way.

‘What?’ I asked.

‘You sounded so serious on the phone about seeing this job through and making some extra money baking – I almost felt like giving you a second chance. But you’ve obviously spent all morning drinking coffee in that ridiculous outdoor Wendy house and tonight you’re living it up.’ He shook his head. ‘I should have known better. All of this… For you it’s just one big laugh.’

My chest tightened. ‘Adam… You’ve got it wrong. Jess and me, we’re totally serious about…’ See? Me having to justify myself again – being away from him had made me realise just how often he forced me to do that.

‘Save it!’ he said and headed past the mahogany door and into the hallway. He gazed at the chandelier again. ‘It’s all too over the top for me.’ A muscle in his cheek twitched. ‘But then some people like to show off that they’ve got money.’

I grabbed his hand again. ‘We could have a place this big, one day, if you’d just let me chase my dream. You could furnish it how you wanted. Even build your own gym. The bookings I’ve already got could be just the beginning…’ Uh oh – I was rambling.

‘People like us don’t belong in houses like this.’ He sniffed. ‘I like Luton. It’s real and if it’s good enough for my mum and dad… I mean, I just saw a man outside dressed up in clothes brighter than a fruit bowl, carrying a bloody weird-looking dog under his arm.’

‘It’s a micro-pig – called Frazzle,’ I said and gave a nervous giggle, despite feeling as heavy as the Titanic inside.

‘I rest my case.’ He sighed and ran a finger under my eye. ‘It doesn’t suit you here, babe. You’re hardly getting any sleep.’

The kitchen patio doors banged and he jumped.

‘That’s because… I know it sounds bonkers, but this place is haunted,’ I whispered. ‘I’ve made contact with the ghost. It’s…’

‘A ghost?’ Adam snorted. ‘Listen to yourself! What planet are you on? Too many trashy magazines and rubbish telly, that’s your problem.’

‘I was, um, joking,’ I stuttered. Aarggh! I shouldn’t have mentioned Walter – Adam didn’t believe in astrology, let alone the supernatural. ‘Don’t go! We can sort this out. The money from the hen party I’m catering for will pay our food bills for a month.’

‘Hi Kimmy!’ said Luke, emerging from the kitchen.

Oh great.

‘Didn’t think you’d mind me letting myself back in,’ he said. ‘I left something in your bedroom.’

Adam’s face flushed purple.

‘It’s not what it sounds like,’ I said to Adam. My throat hurt as he turned to go.

‘Goodbye, Kimmy,’ said my boyfriend – my Ex – in a tight voice. He yanked open the front door and slammed it shut after he left.

Chapter 18

‘Why are you trying to cause trouble,’ I’d hollered at Luke, fists curled, seconds after Adam stormed off.

I sighed and blocked out the memory, trying instead to focus on my party evening. Hot tub? Ready. Hair straightened? Yes, even though the steamy water would frizz it within seconds. Lip gloss applied? Of course, despite the imminent onslaught of snacks and fizzy drinks.

Alone, I waited for the guests to arrive, my mind – my aching chest – incapable of wiping out Adam’s disastrous visit, hours earlier. There’d be no point discussing it with anyone. Jess and Melissa had problems of their own and if I kept it to myself, it was easier to pretend it hadn’t happened. My chin quivered. All my plans to impress him had been for nothing.

‘What is it about me that you hate?’ I’d said next to Luke. ‘Because clearly you’re well intent on ruining my life. You run hot, you run cold… I can’t keep up. Why deliberately cause trouble between Adam and me?’

‘Don’t be so dramatic,’ he’d calmly replied, whilst I considered baking him cupcakes “accidentally” made with yew seeds (they’re poisonous, according to Jess).

‘I recognised him straightaway,’ Luke continued. ‘He’s the guy from the photo in your bedroom. I bet he’s the one who thought you were mad setting up your own business. What with his symmetrical, safe haircut and uptight voice… You’re better off without him; I know his type and bet he’s never taken a risk in his life.’ He wrinkled his nose. ‘And he smells like toilet cleaner.’

‘That’s his aftershave and no he doesn’t!’ I snapped, a titch annoyed that I’d kind of felt relieved at Adam’s departure – it meant I could be myself again. Not that I’d stop loyally defending my boyfriend to smug Luke. ‘Honestly, you’ve only met Adam for a few minutes, how could you possibly have a clue what he’s like?’ Toddler-style, I felt my bottom lip jut out.

‘Solid. Reliable. Afraid of change. My sister’s husband is similar and always tried to put me off striking out on my own. Now I work for myself whilst he’s still slogging his guts out at a supermarket.’

If only Adam had turned up when I was cleaning the house from top to bottom – or even better, showing some prospective buyer around.

‘You all right?’ asked Jess as she came into the kitchen. ‘Your face looks all funny.’

‘Never better,’ I said, brightly, even though, inside, every fibre of me flinched as I recalled Adam’s disdain. ‘You sure you don’t mind this get-together? If you’re not up to it, I can phone Terry and Melissa. It’s not too late to cancel.’