everything started to unravel. I thought I’d be happy when I got a job and my own place: if someone would only give me a chance. But no matter what we have, we always want a little bit more.
I woke up early, wondering where I was at first. Mitch was already pawing at the cottage door to be let out so I put on his lead and took him out for a walk. No one else was around so I walked down the valley towards Kilhallon Cove and watched Mitch play ‘tag’ with the waves. On the other side of the cliffs, there was an old engine house. It’s a ruin now, the roof has long collapsed but half the chimney stack still stands.
I walked back to the cottage, fed Mitch and made myself some toast in my kitchen. The cottage still needs work but I’d better go over to the farmhouse and find out what Cal wants me to do. Last night, he said he wanted me to discuss my contract and terms and conditions and I want to get off on the right foot with him. After settling Mitch in the kitchen with a dog chew, I have a bath – oh, the luxury – put on my freshly washed jeans and top and set off.
Polly meets me halfway across the farmyard. ‘You’re out of bed then?’ She raises her eyebrows as if she’s surprised.
‘I’ve been up for hours,’ I say, determined not to rise to the bait.
‘Hmmph.’
‘Is Cal around?’
‘Yes, but you’d better keep out of his way.’
‘Why?’
‘You’ll find out. He’s in his office, last I saw of him. If you dare.’
This is not encouraging news on my first morning but I’m not going to be put off by her.
Greasy breakfast plates are piled on the worktops in the kitchen, and someone’s left the bacon and milk out in the sun. One of the plates has half a sausage left on it and despite the toast I ate earlier, I can’t see good food go to waste so I eat it, enjoying the luxury of not having to share it with Mitch. Sidestepping a piece of tomato squashed on the tiles, I walk down the gloomy hallway and knock on the study door. There’s no answer but I can hear someone tapping away on a laptop.
‘Cal. Are you in there?’
There’s a pause then he grunts. ‘Go away, whoever you are.’
‘It’s Demi.’
‘Go away.’
‘OK.’ I turn away, thinking I may as well clear up the kitchen; that’s what he hired me for. Just as I reach the door, there’s a shout behind me.
‘Come back.’
Cal pokes his head out of the study door.
‘It’ll wait until later,’ I say.
‘No. We’ll get it over with now.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘I’m not at my best,’ he growls.
To be honest, I haven’t noticed loads of difference but I keep that to myself.
‘Sit down,’ he says gruffly, sweeping papers off an old wheeled chair in front of his desk.
I sit; suddenly worried that he might have changed his mind about having me at Kilhallon.
‘I have to finish this email first,’ he mutters, eyes fixed on the screen again. He hasn’t had a shave, again, and he has dark circles under his eyes. He looks awful but drop dead gorgeous all the same.
He glances up briefly, obviously having caught me perving over him. ‘What’s up?’
‘Nothing.’ Heat rises to my cheeks again. ‘I really can come back later. Polly said you were busy.’
‘She’s right but I’ll be even busier later. Wait a minute and I’ll be done.’
Frowning at the screen, he taps away with two fingers while I try to focus on the study and not on him. It’s like a junk shop – antique shop, if I’m being generous – and bigger than I expected, despite being crammed with stuff just like the sitting room. Two of the walls are lined with bookcases from floor to ceiling; proper old-fashioned leather-bound books as well as paperbacks. The desk must be centuries old and among all the letters and paperwork, Cal’s laptop whirrs softly. If it was me, I’d put the light on because even though it’s a bright April morning, not much sunshine penetrates the dimness.
‘OK. I’m done. Let’s talk about your role here.’
My role? I try to stay serious, while longing to dance around the study, shouting ‘yes!’, listening to Cal outlining what he wants me to do: generally helping around the place and supporting him to get the holiday park back on its feet. He also asks me if I want to go to college in September to do some tourism and catering courses.
‘We need stationery from the office supplies store and I’d like you to get some costs for refitting the reception. You’d better get some new clothes too.’
I glance down at my only pair of jeans and T-shirt, wondering why he’s brought up the subject again. ‘I don’t need a handout.’
‘Fine. In that case, will you accept an advance on your salary? You can pay me back if you like but you may as well get some work clothes and safety boots on the business. The agricultural store on the road to St Ives should have what you need.’
‘Thanks,’ I say, wishing I hadn’t been quite so dismissive.
He pulls out his wallet. ‘Here’s my card so you can get some cash, though we’ve still got an account at the agricultural and office stores.’
‘I could run off with this,’ I joke.
‘Not without Mitch. He’s my hostage.’
I snort. ‘He’d never stay with you.’
‘Want to bet?’ He grins in such a sexy way, I get the funny fizzing feeling low in my stomach. I half-wish he was fat and old and picked his teeth or something, rather than this hot. It would make life so much easier.
The door opens and Polly stands in the doorway blocking out the light. ‘Cal? I thought you’d like to know you’ve had a letter.’
‘Leave it on the desk, please.’
Ignoring him, Polly holds an envelope under his nose. It’s the kind you see in costume dramas, with elaborate, old-fashioned handwriting on the front.
‘I thought I should bring this one over personally.’ She waggles the envelope, a sly gleam in her eye.
Cal looks at it but doesn’t take it. ‘I said, leave it on the desk. Please.’ The please is added with sarcasm, almost menace.
Polly lays it on top of a pile of other papers but makes no attempt to leave.
‘You can go now.’ Cal’s voice is quieter, and his finger taps the table. ‘And you.’
It’s a second before I realise he means me.
‘See
