Ginger the cat is the centerpiece of a lucrative entertainment and merchandising empire. A blue Christmas seems certain when his owner Katherine passes away right before Thanksgiving.<br><br>Katherine’s will appoints her loving and loyal groundskeeper Baily as executor, leaving estranged grandson Del livid. Since Del wasn’t around, it’s stipulated he must spend thirty days under the same roof as Ginger and Baily to get to know the cat as a loving companion, not just a commodity, in order to share in any inheritance.<br><br>As the men bond over the weeks leading into Christmas, Baily is unaware Scrooge-like Del is sneaking around, searching out cash and other valuables. Will they be able to make nice once Baily discovers Del’s naughtiness? Which list does Ginger end up on? And what will Katherine’s last gift to each man mean to their future?

Ginger Bread

“Hey, Ginger.” He answered, as I knew he would.


“Hi, Baily.” No, I hadn’t suddenly learned to speak. Del was still standing there, out in the hallway, right beside me. “How was caroling?” he asked.


Down to just jeans and heavy socks already, Baily almost smiled. “Nice. It’s always nice. I’m tired, though, so…”


“Good night, Del.” Baily shut the door. “I think we’re the very definition of cat and mouse, Ginger. Del and I, I mean.”


We’ve watched cats and mice as friends online, I tried to remind him.Cats and birds, cats and lizards, cats and bunnies, remember? I don’t get it, but it happens.


“Am I attracted to him? Yes, of course.” Baily’s hand was still on the knob.


We’ve seen them eat together. You and Del did that. We saw them sleep together. Maybe you two could try that sometime.


“Part of me wants to invite him across the hall to climb in bed with me right now.”


Chapter 28