I flew in last night under the cover of darkness, and didn’t get to see much of the vaunted landscape people talk about all the time. The nearby town is tiny, but it’s a small-town romance we’re filming, and the setting is perfect.

The house I’m staying in is huge. I think it’s some billionaire’s holiday home that he rents out. From this bed, I’m treated to a view of the lake, the stunning glass-like surface reflecting the golden rays of the early morning sun.

It’s so peaceful.

Beside me somewhere, my mobile rings. It breaks into the stillness of my morning.

Clearly someone has other plans.

I feel the bed beside me until I lay my hands on the phone, and squint at the bright screen.

“Mac,” I mumble.

“Good flight?” He sounds way too happy, but it’s probably mid-afternoon in LA.

“Good sleep too until someone woke me up.”

He chuckles. “Just wanted to make sure you got there okay. And to make sure your phone was working.”

“Clearly, Mindy did her job. But I might still grab a local SIM while I’m here. Fuck paying roaming charges.”

He laughs again. “You can afford it.”

“That’s not the point.” He makes fun of me all the time for my miserly ways, but I’ve been stone broke before and never want to be there again. I’d rather save my money and donate to charity where I can to help other people in that position.

“House okay?”

I scan the room. “Looks good. I walked in the door and crashed last night, though.”

“I’ll leave you to it.”

“Thanks. I’ll give Mindy a call now and see what else she’s organised.”

“Good idea.”

Mindy answers on the first ring. I wouldn’t expect anything different from her.

“How’s the house?” she asks.

“Big and in the middle of nowhere.” I laugh.

“Good. It sounded fabulous. I’ve got an email from Richard to send you.”

“Who?”

“Richard Baker. The guy whose house you’re renting. I’ll forward you the welcome email he just sent me. He’s got some local food recommendations that you might enjoy.”

I grin. “That’d be great. I’m starved.”

“I’m not sure if you’ve taken a look, but the kitchen is apparently fully stocked if you feel like cooking.”

Laughing, I walk down the stairs. “I’m not sure I’d go that far. Though, it depends on whether anywhere around here delivers. I appear to be tucked away up a mountain.”

“I’ll send this email through and you can take a look. If you need anything, call me.”

“Of course.”

Mindy’s Mac’s sister-in-law, and while she takes her job as my PA seriously, sometimes she’s a little too serious.

My phone dings as the email comes through.

Josh,