Cindy Bell [Bell - Celebrities and Chaos (Dune House Cozy Mystery Book 10)

M ary tugged open the door of the dryer and caught the warm sheets that spilled out. It seemed to her that she couldnt get the laundry done fast enough. Dune House was filled to the brim, and keeping up with the housekeeping was a little overwhelming, but she loved every minute of it .

Here, let me help you with that. Suzie stepped into the laundry room and took half of the sheets. Crazy, isnt it ?

Yes. Mary laughed as she followed Suzie out of the laundry room and into the hallway. Fun, but crazy .

Are you holding up okay? Suzie paused in front of one of the guest rooms. If you need a break, just let me know .

Im fine, Suzie, I promise. She winked at her friend then disappeared into one of the rooms. As she changed the sheets she couldnt help but glance around the room. It was filled with assorted memorabilia, both from the television show that was currently being filmed in Garber, and other hit shows that the guest had taken part in. Ty Hobbs was a popular reality TV actor and presenter, and although Mary hadnt seen many of his shows, she knew that he was quite well-known. It was easy to be impressed by him, as he was handsome, but also quite gregarious. Hed had everyone laughing over dinner the night before. She smoothed down the sheets and as her hand ran underneath one of the pillows, it bumped into something hard and smooth. She drew her hand back and stared at the pillow. She suspected what it was, but didnt know what to do .

Excuse me, I didnt realize you were in here. Ty paused in the doorway .

Sorry, yes, just putting on fresh sheets. She glanced over at him with a nervous smile .

Thanks. He stepped inside the room and looked over at the bed. The pre-breakfast meeting finished early, I can take it from here .

Sure. Her hands fluttered for a moment, she had no idea what to do with them, however as he walked past her towards the bed, she clasped them behind her back and summoned up strength. Ty, we dont allow weapons in Dune House .

Weapons? He looked over his shoulder at her. What do you mean ?

Well, I was putting on the sheet, and I had to go under your pillow and

This? He laughed as he picked up the pillow and revealed a metal cylinder, that to her had felt like the barrel of a gun. Its my toothbrush. I hide it here because the members of my crew like to play pranks on me. You would not believe the places Ive found it. He rolled his eyes. They all think its funny, but I got tired of replacing it .

I see, Im so sorry. She flushed as she realized shed just wrongly accused a celebrity .

Its quite all right, just do me a favor and keep my secret, hmm? He winked at her then hid the toothbrush under the pillow again .

Yes, of course I will. She stepped back out of the room and tried to forget the embarrassing moment. However, the more she tried not to think about it, the hotter her cheeks became. Luckily, she didnt have time to dwell on it as there were other sheets that needed to be changed. She hurried into the next room, and went down the line until she ran out of sheets. There she ran into Suzie again .

All done. Suzie breathed a sigh of relief. Now, we just have to get breakfast on the table .

And wed better hurry. Mary glanced at her watch. They have to be on set by ten .

As they reached the bottom of the stairs that led into the kitchen, six people filed in through the front door. They were additional staff and crew. Since all the rooms at Dune House were full they had been set up at the local motel, but were still invited to partake in the meals at Dune House. Suzie grabbed some eggs from the fridge while Mary greeted the guests and inquired what they would like to drink. By the time breakfast was on the table, Suzie was exhausted, and ready to eat. They all squeezed around the long wooden table in the dining room. The chatter was so loud that Mary could only smile at Suzie from across the table, there was no chance to actually converse. When a couple came in the door, late to breakfast, Mary jumped up .

Hi Cynthia, Marcus, please come and join us .

Sorry were late. Cynthia shot a look of displeasure towards her husband, then settled at the table .

Let me get your breakfast. Mary stepped into the kitchen. Cynthia was the only member of the crew that ate a vegan diet, so she kept her breakfast separate from the rest. When she returned with a fresh baked muffin, a bowl of fruit, and her favorite sparkling water, Cynthia was caught up in a conversation with Ty .

I just think if we really push it today we could wrap up a day or two early. But if you keep letting everyone slide, then were going to run behind .

I get that, but its not up to me, you know that. The director has the final say on whether a scene is complete, and if he wants to do retakes, we need to do retakes. He paused a moment and pushed his egg around on his plate. Maybe, if you and I rehearsed a few of the scenes again, Id be able to nail it better .

You have plenty of people you can rehearse with. Marcus crossed his arms as he studied Ty. She already works long hours .

Its not work, Marcus, its helping out Ty, and besides, we want to be finished on time, right? She shot a smile in her husbands direction. If this is the way we get to that, then why complain ?

Right. He narrowed his eyes, but didnt say another word. He looked down at his plate and left his food untouched .

Here you go, Cynthia. Mary set the breakfast down in front of her .

What is this? She looked at the muffin, then picked up her fork and poked it .

Its a cinnamon raisin swirl muffin. I thought you might like it. Mary smiled. I baked it this morning .

And did you use egg in this muffin, or milk? She raised an eyebrow .

No, of course not .

And I guess you completely overlooked the fact that I am gluten free? She crossed her arms .

What? Mary blinked, her heart began to pound. I dont recall that being on the list of your meal requirements .

Im sure it was there, since Ive been gluten free for over a year. Is it safe to assume that you used flour in this muffin? She shoved her plate away .

Well yes, but I didnt know. Mary frowned. I can get something different for you. Let me take that away. She reached for the muffin .

No! Cynthia slapped it out of her hand. The whole plate of food is ruined, anything might have been contaminated. I dont understand how this place got such great reviews for good customer service when you could have made me ill with the breakfast you tried to serve me. Take it away I said !

Mary stared crestfallen at the muffin on the floor. Shed taken extra time to bake it just for Cynthia, and the scent of it had nearly driven her crazy with hunger. Now, no one would be able to eat it .

Excuse me, thats quite enough. Suzie started to stand up .