The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop Read online

  ‘No, it’s not that. It’s been quite nice hearing you prattling away, to be honest.’

  ‘Hah, so I was prattling … Anyway, what is it then? Something bothering you, hun?’

  ‘Ah, it’s probably nothing. It’s just my mum. She needs to go for some checkups at the hospital. She’s had a cough that just won’t go away. Now they’ve recommended she goes for a scan. She’s waiting on an appointment to come through and I can’t help but worry.’

  ‘Oh Bev, I’m sorry to hear that. No wonder you’re worried. At least she’s getting checked out.’

  ‘Yes. She used to be a smoker. Stopped a few years ago now, but that’s what’s on my mind. What if it’s something serious, Em?’

  ‘Hey, why not cross that bridge when you come to it?’ Emma soothed. ‘There could be all sorts of other reasons behind it.’

  ‘I suppose.’

  ‘Have you talked about it with Pete? Let him know you’re feeling a bit down just now.’

  ‘Hah – he’s hardly ever home these days. Spends more time at the bloody golf club. I know he loves his golf but this year he’s become captain and honestly, there’s hardly an evening we spend together.’

  ‘Sounds like Golf Widow Syndrome to me,’ Em said, with an understanding smile on her face, trying to lift the conversation.

  ‘Yeah … I just hope it’s nothing more than that.’ Her friend’s face dropped.

  ‘What do you mean?’ Em’s tone became serious.

  Bev looked concerned. ‘Oh Em, you don’t think he’s having an affair, do you?’

  ‘Really? Your Pete?’ Em found that hard to believe. Those two were her closest friends and always such a team.

  ‘I might just be being daft. But they say the wife’s always the last to know.’

  ‘I really can’t see him doing anything to hurt you, Bev.’

  ‘Oh, I’m probably just overreacting – with our Angus all grown-up and away now, and Pete out all the time, it can get so bloody quiet in the house.’

  ‘Oh Bev.’ Em put a hand on her friend’s shoulder. ‘You and Pete need to talk this through properly. About your mum – and him being out so much. And you know I’m always here for you too.’

  ‘I’ll try and chat to him, I will. But he’s out a-bloody-gain tonight. Some golf charity event.’

  Her friend looked like her confidence had taken a bashing, but Emma really couldn’t imagine that Pete was straying.

  ‘Right then, well, we’ll go out too. Let’s take a drive down to Low Newton. How does a walk on the beach and a fish-and-chip supper sound?’

  ‘Sounds good to me.’ Bev raised a small smile.

  ‘Great. I’ll come and pick you up after work.’

  ‘I just want to pop and see Mum on my way home, but say after six?’

  ‘It’s a deal.’

  With that, the shop door chimed.

  ‘Come on then, we’d better step back to it again.’

  At just after six o’clock that evening, Em pulled up outside Bev’s bungalow.

  Her friend was soon making her way down the front path, looking lovely, Em thought, dressed in navy capri jeans and a stripy top.

  ‘Your carriage awaits, Madam.’ Em smiled as Bev opened the passenger door. She wanted to make sure Bev relaxed and had a nice time this evening. Troubles had a way of building, then all you could see was the downside. She hoped to God that Bev’s mum would be okay, and that Pete wasn’t up to anything sinister; in fact, she’d risk a bet on it, but she’d be there to support Bev whatever the case. That’s what friends were for. And Bev had been her crutch on many occasions in the past.

  They drove through winding hawthorn-hedged country lanes, with the windows wound down and their hair flapping in the breeze, the radio on. Parking up at Low Newton-by-the-Sea, Em let Alfie out of the hatchback and they headed down the short hill to the beach. The view of the sands, dunes and sea stretched all the way to the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle on the horizon. As they reached the base of the hill, there was a cluster of quaint, white cottages set around a green by The Ship Inn.

  They were soon strolling leisurely on the sands, Alfie in his element.

  ‘So, how are you feeling after our chat earlier?’

  ‘Ah, not bad. It’s nice to come out and do something different, to be honest.’

  ‘And how was your mum?’

  ‘So-so. Still no appointment come through. I think I’ll have to get on to them at the hospital, see if I can chase something up. It’s hard not knowing what we’re dealing with. Your mind plays all sorts of tricks on you. I can tell Mum’s worried too.’

  ‘She’s bound to be.’

  They neared a rocky area and rounded the headland, then the golden sweep of Embleton bay was there before them.

  ‘Wow, I love this place. What a view,’ stated Bev.

  The castle ruins stood rugged and moody on the far cliffs, the odd gull circling the sky above it.

  ‘Isn’t it just?’

  They walked in amicable silence for a short while, Alfie at their heels.

  Emma was still mulling over Bev’s relationship concerns. ‘About Pete? And I don’t believe it for a second, by the way, but has there been anything to make you suspicious? Or is it more about the amount of time he’s away?’

  ‘Well, he’s a bit distant lately, I suppose. I think we just take each other for granted after all these years. And with all the captaincy stuff going on … Oh, I don’t know! It might be nothing.’

  ‘No, it’s a real concern. Even if it is down to the golf, he’s got to know you’re finding it hard being on your own so much. That it’s affecting your relationship. Don’t let this drift, Bev. Promise me you’ll discuss it with him.’

  ‘Yes, okay. Blimey, you sound like bloody Oprah Winfrey.’

  ‘Hah – if only I could sort my own life out as well.’

  Alfie found a big stick of sea kelp that Emma launched across the sands for him. He went bounding off after it like a shot.

  ‘And what about you, Em? What’s the latest with Nate? Is he staying on in the village now? I spotted him at the grocer’s just this morning.’

  Em had already told her friend of the shower incident, and Max’s reaction.

  ‘Yeah, looks like he might be.’

  ‘Just be careful, Em.’

  ‘What do you mean?’ Em paused to look across at Bev.

  ‘Well, from what you’ve told me, he’s the kind of guy that comes and goes. He’s been travelling the world, moving on all the time. He’ll be off again before you know it.’

  ‘Well, yeah.’

  ‘Just don’t let yourself get too attached.’

  ‘He’s Luke’s brother, Bev. We’re just friends!’ Em pulled a face. Bev seemed to be going a bit over the top.

  ‘Yeah, I get that. But there will be a special link there too, with what you’ve both been through. Something only you two can understand … Just wouldn’t want to see you get hurt, that’s all. Don’t want us both in a bloody mess.’

  ‘O-kay,’ Em conceded. Of course she’d not get too involved. No doubt Nate’d be off again in a matter of days anyhow.

  They moved the conversation to easier topics as they walked on. It was beautiful down there, the seascape colours muted to silvers and pale golds with the fading evening light. People were milling about enjoying the balmy weather, families, dog walkers, but it wasn’t in the least crowded.

  Emma suddenly felt her tummy rumble. ‘Shall we turn around? Think I’m ready for my fish and chips.’

  ‘Yeah, that sounds good.’

  Half an hour later they were sitting on a wooden bench in the garden of The Joiners Arms, a glass of cider and a lager to hand, fish and chips smelling delicious before them. Oh, that crispy batter, salt and vinegar, melt-in-the-mouth fish delight – it seemed like seaside summer on a plate.

  ‘It’s lovely out here, isn’t it,’ said Bev.

  ‘Yeah.’

  ‘You know, I’ve been thinking of your courtyard café ar
ea back at the shop and it’ll be great.’

  ‘Thanks. I’m quite excited about it.’

  ‘Yeah, I can just picture it out there on a sunny day, in your lovely stone-walled garden. Chocolate milkshakes, ice-cream sundaes – oh yes, and flowing chocolate fountains to dip marshmallows and strawberries in. I wonder if we could rig something like that up?’

  Emma raised her eyebrows, grinning, ‘Wow! I’m not bloody Willy Wonka. How do you think I’m going to create that?!’ But Emma was glad that Bev seemed to be back on her chirpy form.

  ‘Just letting my imagination flow. Don’t stop me while I’m on a roll. It would be cool though, wouldn’t it? It’d look like a water fountain, but instead it spouts chocolate. Brilliant. Anyway, Emma Wonka – you already make the most amazing chocolate creations.’

  ‘Thanks, but we’ve got to keep it realistic and within budget.’

  Bev pretended to yawn. ‘Hah – ever the voice of reason.’

  Emma gave her friend a playful punch.

  They finished the last of their fish and chips, giving a very grateful Alfie the last few scraps. He’d been patiently sitting beside them, gazing up with hopeful hang-dog eyes.

  ‘Aw, thanks Em. This has been such a lovely evening. Just what I needed.’

  ‘You’re welcome. I think I was in need of a bit of time out too.’

  ‘You know, I think I’ll have that chat with Pete tonight, when he gets in. No point letting things fester.’

  ‘Yeah, that sounds wise. Good luck.’

  When she dropped Bev off at home half an hour later, they shared a hug in the car, then Em watched her friend walk up the path and turn around to wave by the front door. She gave her a big thumbs-up sign in support and hoped the chat with Pete would go well. She’d be ready at the end of the phone tonight, just in case.

  18

  There was a ‘toot’ from outside the shop the next morning, just before opening time, then a louder and longer one. Emma headed out to see what the fuss was about.

  There was her brother, James, in a white van, with Chloe beside him.

  James jumped out of the vehicle. ‘Hey, sis. We’ve got something for you. Best to take it around the back, I think. We’ll park up by your back gate. See you there in a sec.’ He was grinning – but giving nothing away.

  ‘O-kay.’ Em was curious. She dashed back through the shop and courtyard, opening the gate. She heard the van reversing down the track. She could hardly wait to see what was in the back of the vehicle.

  Chloe got out first. ‘Hi, Em.’ She gave her sister-in-law a brief hug. ‘I’m so chuffed with this find.’

  With that, James pulled open the rear doors of the van. Inside was a lovely old wrought-iron table set with two chairs. Admittedly, on closer inspection it needed a bit of TLC.

  ‘Isn’t it delightful? I heard about a house clearance near Alnmouth and couldn’t resist popping along. I saw this and could just picture it in your courtyard. James had told me all about your plans the night before. And there it was. Fate.’

  ‘It’s perfect.’ Emma could see it now, repainted white (it was a tarnished pale green at present), looking like something from an English country garden.

  ‘And there’s more,’ James announced proudly. ‘Look behind.’

  Emma clambered up into the back of the van, and there was a wooden pub-style picnic bench, which would soon perk up with a lick of varnish.

  ‘Best thing was, that one was free,’ James added. ‘There was a pub closing down near Mum and Dad’s. I was driving by a couple of days ago and saw it out the front, thought I’d be a bit cheeky and knock and ask if I could get it for a tenner or something. The guy there said to just take it. They were having trouble selling the place and he’d thought it might end up sitting outside for months, rotting away.’

  ‘This is just great, guys. Thank you. So, what do I owe you for the wrought-iron set? I know that wouldn’t have come cheap.’

  ‘Actually, we’d like you to accept it as a gift for the launch of the courtyard café,’ Chloe said proudly.

  ‘You sure? You’ve already been brilliant finding it for me, and the delivery service too, of course.’

  ‘No arguments,’ James stated. ‘We want you to have it.’

  ‘Aw, that’s so lovely.’ Emma was touched by their kindness.

  ‘There’s one condition, though,’ James added, looking serious. ‘We get to call in for free milkshakes and chocolate cookies one day with the girls!’

  ‘Of course, you daft things,’ Emma said. ‘You can call in for a whole month of free milkshakes and cookies as far as I’m concerned! Thanks so much, guys. I don’t know quite where I’d be without your wonderful support.’ And she meant both now and over the past eight years.

  She helped unload the outdoor furniture, setting it out in the courtyard. Yes, it had seen better days, but she couldn’t wait to give it a new lease of life. All it needed was a little TLC.

  ‘Right, well I’d better get myself off to work now, sis, and get this van back to the hire place.’

  ‘And I’ve got the supermarket shop to look forward to,’ added Chloe. ‘Oh, the joys.’

  ‘Thanks so much for this.’ Em had a tear in her eye as she stood at the courtyard gate and watched James and Chloe set off, waving out of the windows. Despite the uncertain future of the lease on the shop, it suddenly felt like Emma was starting a new adventure, that life was on the up. She just hoped Bev was going to be all right too. She still hadn’t heard from her but she’d hoped that no news was good news as far as Bev was concerned, not wanting to pester her last night in case a heart-to-heart was underway. But by this morning she wondered how the ‘talk’ had gone, or if, indeed, Bev and Pete had managed to have one. She sent a brief text, knowing Bev was at work at the surgery: All okay? xx.

  Bev phoned her back mid-morning. ‘I’m on my break so I’ve only got a few minutes.’

  ‘Can you talk?’

  ‘Yep, should be okay for five mins.’

  ‘So, how did last night go? Did you manage to chat things over?’

  ‘Noo, after all that and me all hyped up ready, he didn’t get back until past eleven. I was shattered by then and had already been asleep in bed for nearly an hour. He’d also had a bit of wine, I could smell it on his breath, so it didn’t seem a good time.’

  ‘Ah, sorry Bev. I’d hoped you might have got to the bottom of it by now.’

  ‘Me too. Oh, well, maybe tonight. I did manage to get on to the hospital, though, and got an appointment for a scan for Mum tomorrow – someone had just cancelled. Oh, and before I forget – I’ve got another table set sorted for The Chocolate Shop. Jan, the nurse here, was chatting away about her fancy new dining set for her patio, that she’s picked up in the sale. I cheekily asked what she was doing with the old set. I knew it was half-decent as I’d been sitting at it a few weeks ago. She said she was getting rid of it, just waiting for her hubby to get around to going to the tip. Well, I stopped her in her tracks. I’ll see if Pete can collect it and drop it off for you this evening – if he’s around, that is. She doesn’t want anything for it.’

  ‘Amazing. You’re a star, Bev. Thank you.’ Bless, even with all her own worries her friend was still looking out for Emma.

  Em could hear another phone ringing down the line. ‘Gotta go, Em,’ Bev said. ‘Catch you later.’

  ‘Okay. Love you and thanks. Keep me posted on everything too.’

  ‘Will do. Bye.’

  The week flew by and suddenly it was Friday. Emma was looking forward to Max coming back up to stay the next day. He should be there by early evening, and she figured that if she set to work repainting Chloe’s wrought-iron table set straight after the shop closed today, and got up early tomorrow morning, with a little extra help from Max on Sunday, she might have the Courtyard Café area ready for opening on Monday morning. She’d even been to the local garden centre and bought five small metal buckets to act as quirky plant pots for each table – with a miniature rose,
a lavender plant, a lemon verbena, a mint and a strawberry plant ready to pot up – echoing the scents and flavours of some of her summer chocolates. It would be busy (hopefully!) trying to cope with all the extra customers, but that also meant extra security for her and her shop. She wouldn’t have time to arrange a formal launch or anything before Monday, but maybe she and Max could share a cheeky bottle of prosecco and have some supper out there tomorrow night on his arrival, to mark the occasion. Yes, a glass of prosecco would definitely be deserved.

  19

  Emma was down on the beach early with Alfie, the sea air fresh in her face, blowing the cobwebs away.

  She spotted a couple walking together further along the bay. They were hand in hand and looked happy, the girl leaning in towards the man who was a fair bit taller than her. They were evidently easy in each other’s company, chatting and laughing. It was lovely down there for a romantic stroll, especially at this time of day when it was nearly empty and the sun was rising in the sky, diffusing a pastel palette of pinks, yellows and greys.

  It was then she spotted the dark-brown curls and realised the girl was Holly, her assistant. Wow, she was looking so grown-up nowadays, and yes of course, she was with Adam her boyfriend. They looked the perfect couple.

  Alfie spotted them too and went bounding over.

  ‘Hey, Alf.’ Holly leaned over to stroke him affectionately. ‘Hi Emma,’ she called across the beach.

  Emma walked across to them. ‘Isn’t it lovely down here this morning. You’re up sharp.’ She glanced at her watch – it was still only 7.30 a.m.

  ‘Yes, Adam’s just about to go on shift so we arranged to meet early.’

  ‘Hi, Emma.’ Adam smiled.

  ‘Morning, Adam.’

  ‘So …’ Holly continued, ‘we’ve got half an hour before he has to go in to help with breakfasts, and then I’ll be getting ready to come to The Chocolate Shop. Well, I might fit an hour’s revision in first. Gotta be done.’ She rolled her eyes.

  ‘All go for you two, then. I’ll leave you to it. See you later. Got to work some of this spaniel’s energy off.’