The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop Read online

  ‘Coffee?’

  ‘Yes please.’

  When he came back a little later, carrying two mugs, he said, ‘Can I help with anything? I’ve got a few hours this morning, then I’m gonna have to head off again. I have a pile of paperwork to sort out – bills, admin stuff. It’s been mounting up and I’m going to get into trouble if I don’t get on with it.’

  ‘Oh …’ Emma felt disappointed. Here we go again. ‘But you haven’t even been here twenty-four hours, yet.’

  ‘I know, babe. But at least I made the effort to come all the way up here to see you.’ He didn’t sound that happy that he had. Emma could feel the magic of last night quickly melting away.

  ‘Whatever.’ Emma’s response was curt; she had enough on her plate. She’d just crack on with what she needed to do to get this place ready to open tomorrow. If it wasn’t raining, that was. Some grand opening that would be, with two people, probably Bev and Holly, sitting with umbrellas.

  The two of them sipped their coffees, unsure of what to say next. Emma bit the inside of her lip. Maybe they weren’t as okay as they had imagined. Their relationship was like a yo-yo at the moment.

  21

  On Monday morning, Emma was woken by the sound of singing and a guitar strumming. It sounded a bit like Ed Sheeran. Had she left the radio on loud in the flat’s kitchen or something last night, whilst she was busy painting the table and chairs which she’d managed to drag in out of the rain? Was someone there with her in the flat?

  Nope, there shouldn’t be, it was definitely Monday and Max had left at midday yesterday.

  She rubbed her eyes, beginning to come to, and glanced at her watch. It was only six-twenty. The singing continued somewhere nearby. Was she actually still dreaming? She opened and closed her eyelids again pointedly – they were definitely working. She hauled herself out of bed and walked across to the old-fashioned cottage window, pulling up the sash.

  ‘Wha-at?’ She looked down to see a figure sitting at the new wrought-iron table with a guitar in his hands. The rains had stopped and the sun was shining.

  ‘Morning!’ He stopped singing and looked up. Nate.

  ‘What on earth are you doing?’

  ‘What does it look like?’ He grinned. ‘Heard you were opening your courtyard café today and thought I’d give it a good start. Wish you luck and all that.’

  ‘O-kay … But it’s not even six-thirty yet.’

  ‘Well, I’ve been up since four watching the dawn. It was amazing this morning, like the calm after the storm. That view you get from the dunes. The sun was like a golden ball rising out of the sea. So cool. You can’t just go back to sleep after seeing something like that.’

  ‘No, I suppose not.’ It did sound stunning. But she also wondered if he’d been drinking late and might still be just a little bit tipsy. She’d heard he’d started to work behind the bar at The Fisherman’s Arms as he’d decided to stay on over the summer and perhaps they’d had an after-work ‘sesh’. Oh well, whatever; he was here now and he did have a nice singing voice.

  ‘I didn’t know you played guitar.’ Em was hanging out of her bedroom window, in her slip of a nightie.

  ‘Learnt a bit at school. Then I picked it up again out in Oz. Got this little beauty second hand.’ He tapped his guitar fondly. ‘It’s a great way of chillin’ with friends.’

  ‘Go on then, sing something else. Even though it might wake up the neighbours.’ She smiled. Crazy guy, that he was.

  ‘Any special requests?’

  ‘No, you choose. Maybe not ACDC at this time of the morning, though.’

  ‘Hah, no worries – I’ll keep it chilled.’

  ‘Hang on then, I’ll just get my dressing gown on and come down and join you. Do you fancy a quick coffee with me before I start work?’

  ‘Absolutely, that was my ulterior motive. Coffee sounds great. Your stuff is delicious and I’ve run out of instant at the camper van.’

  ‘Okay. Just give me two ticks.’

  As she arrived in the courtyard five minutes later, in her flip-flops and dressing gown, with a tray of coffee and two warmed chocolate croissants, Nate was strumming away once more and singing Ed Sheeran’s ‘Thinking Out Loud’, which was lovely but sent a little shiver through her too. She always thought of Luke when she heard this. They never had their chance to grow old together.

  Alfie had followed her out too. He settled beside her as she sat down on the other chair next to Nate. ‘Well, this is a nice way to start the day. I’ve never been serenaded before,’ Em said with a poignant smile.

  ‘There’s a first time for everything. In fact, there are lots of firsts you still need to experience, I think. You need to live a little, Em. From what I see, you spend all your life working.’

  ‘Well, yeah, but needs must. And today is definitely a day for working, I have this whole new area to open.’

  It was warm already in the courtyard, with the sky above a summer blue with the odd puff of white cloud. Despite the rains of yesterday, it looked like it was going to be a lovely day for the opening. She looked proudly around her; the outdoor space looked charming. She just needed to bring out the final table and chairs set, which she had painted an antique grey late last night in the shelter of the kitchen.

  ‘I need to keep you here to entertain the guests,’ Emma said, half-joking, but that would in fact be rather special. She poured out some coffee into two white mugs.

  ‘No way, it’s just for you, Em. And actually, my second motive was to grab another shower. I don’t think your customers would be too chuffed sat next to this stinky surfer dude, even if he was singing.’

  ‘Hah, of course.’ As she spoke she felt a little anxious. After the antics of last time, Max was suddenly very much in her mind. What would he make of all this, her being serenaded early this morning? Ah, but it was harmless, just Luke’s brother doing his stuff.

  They chatted briefly over coffee and croissants, Nate saying he was enjoying his few hours’ work in The Fisherman’s and that he was getting to know the locals more. Emma then said she’d better get to work.

  ‘Big day ahead,’ she said with a smile.

  She asked if Nate would mind helping her out with the table and chairs that were taking up most of her kitchen, so she’d have space to work once more, and after they’d done that, she told Nate to go on up and shower while she got on with some baking downstairs – she’d go and get ready herself later. The implication being very much after he’d gone. Leaving no room for any confusion.

  22

  The ice cream delivery arrived at 8.30 a.m. much to Emma’s relief. She already had a large fridge-freezer in the shop’s kitchen, so she hoped there’d be enough space in it. With a bit of clever stacking and juggling around, she managed to shut the freezer door on it all. If it proved popular, she might well invest in a further countertop freezer for all the individual pots. The flavours were delicious – she’d already tasted most of them, with it being her favourite local ice cream. The Utter Chocolate and Alnwick Rum Truffle were just the bee’s knees.

  Her mobile rang just after nine. It was Max. ‘Hey.’

  ‘Hi, there.’ Em sounded chirpy, looking forward to the day ahead.

  ‘All going okay? Ready for the grand courtyard opening?’

  ‘Yes, thanks.’ She thought it wise to say nothing about her morning serenade. No point putting the cat out amongst the pigeons again. And she was certainly not going to say anything about her visitor showering there too.

  She looked around her, the tables had their herb and fruit mini flowerpots on and she’d cleverly thought to paint a number on each so it would be easier to keep track of which table had ordered what. The tables themselves were totally revamped, all freshly painted and varnished, and the mix-and-match furniture worked well. Even her original put-you-up set for two sat quaintly in one corner. Her new clematis from Bev was planted next to a wooden trellis that Ron had helped secure against the stonework.

  ‘It looks good. I w
ish you could be here to see it.’

  ‘I know. About that, and the way things were this weekend … I’m sorry it’s all been so crazy lately. It will get better, honestly. I’m not always going to be working so far away.’

  ‘Yeah, and I need to make sure I get down to see you too,’ Emma conceded. ‘Even if it’s after work and we snatch an evening together at your house. It’ll save you always being the one to have to come up here.’ A little give-and-take might be just what they needed to help them move on. She could see things clearer today, the frustration of Saturday night having subsided.

  ‘Well, I hope it goes really well.’

  ‘Cheers, Max. Thanks for the call.’

  ‘Bye then. Chat later.’ It sounded like he was busy on site. There was a noise of drilling in the background.

  ‘Bye.’

  It wasn’t long before a cheery face appeared at the gate.

  ‘Helloo! All ready to go, hun?’ Bev said.

  ‘As ready as I ever will be. I hope we can cope between us.’

  ‘Well, there is a queue like the Harrods sale snaking down the high street.’

  ‘Really?’ Em fell for it for a second.

  ‘Now come on, this is Warkton we are talking about. It’s not even ten o’clock – even the seagulls are still a bit dozy. But Stan and Hilda are waiting outside. I said I’d come around the back first and then let them in. No point keeping them waiting.’

  ‘No, absolutely not. It’s all set and ready here, so I’ll keep an eye out here as well as minding the kitchen and orders. If you can take the orders as usual out the front, that’d be great. I should be able to manage, but I’ll shout if I need you.’

  ‘No worries.’

  ‘Hey, how’s your mum, hun? Any better?’

  ‘Much the same. We went for the scan, and she’s just waiting on the results. There’ll be a follow-up appointment soon with the consultant.’

  ‘Send her my love and best of luck.’

  ‘Thanks.’

  ‘And Pete? Did you finally talk?’

  ‘Yeah, it’s all good.’ Bev smiled.

  ‘Phew.’

  ‘He’s a bit stressed with it all too. The captaincy has a lot more to it than he’d imagined. Says he’d never have time or the energy to fit in an affair. But yes, he’s going to try and not take on so much from now on. We’re actually going out to the pub for supper tonight.’

  ‘Thank heavens. I don’t think I could have coped if you two weren’t right.’

  ‘Well, hun, let’s get this show on the road. The courtyard café is about to open. We’re keeping poor Stan and Hilda waiting!’

  The kitchen was full of fresh baking. This morning, after her serenade, as well as setting out the final touches in the courtyard, Emma had made a batch of fresh brownies, croissants and some choc-chip shortbread. Maureen had delivered two fresh chocolate fudge cakes too. She and Bev would manage fine, she reassured herself.

  She gave Bev the keys to open up, gathered her nerve in the kitchen with a deep breath, and then headed out to see Stan and Hilda. They were standing by the counter with a gorgeous bouquet.

  ‘Oh!’

  ‘These are for you and to wish The Chocolate Shop every success with its new venture.’

  ‘Thank you so much. They are just beautiful. I don’t know quite what to say, it’s such a surprise.’

  ‘Well, pet, you’ve always made us so welcome. It’s our favourite spot in the village, isn’t it, Hilda? Come rain or shine you’re always here ready with a smile and a kind word.’

  Emma had tears in her eyes. ‘Oh, that’s so sweet, but don’t say any more or my mascara will be running.’

  ‘Hold on. Stay just like that the three of you. With the bouquet in the middle. Perfect.’ Bev took a snap on her mobile phone. ‘I’ll put this on the shop’s Facebook page if you all don’t mind.’ She liked keeping that up to date for Emma, who had enough to do as it was. ‘It’ll be a great picture to celebrate the courtyard opening and help spread the word.’

  ‘So, would you like to sit outside or in this morning?’ Em asked.

  ‘Well, I think we’ll have to try outside.’

  ‘It’s nice and sheltered there.’

  ‘Sounds lovely.’

  ‘And as you are the courtyard café’s very first customers, it’ll be on the house.’

  ‘Oh, no need for that, pet,’ Hilda said.

  ‘It’d be my pleasure, honestly. I won’t take no for an answer.’

  ‘Well, thank you, Emma.’

  The bouquet of flowers took pride of place on the countertop as soon as Emma had put them in a vase. Her first customers were very happily ensconced outside at the wrought-iron table that was still in the shade, not wanting too much direct sun, Hilda had said. The pair of them sat with their newspapers spread out, and a pot of tea, along with a large slice of chocolate cake to share and two shortbreads.

  ‘This is the life.’ Stan grinned at Emma and gave a big thumbs-up as she stood on the back step of the cottage taking in the scenic image, just as a chap and his dog appeared through the back gate.

  Several people came in through the morning, sitting both in and out. The orders flowed and Emma and Bev coped really well. It was only at around two, when a flurry of café clients appeared at once (with it being half-term week there were several families about) just as a gentleman came in who wanted a large bespoke box of chocolates made up, that a queue formed for orders. Em asked them to take a seat, mentioning the courtyard space too, and said she and Bev would be around to see them all shortly. A deep breath, a calm head and her usual kitchen routine served her well. They were all catered for within the half hour and, much to Emma’s relief, seemed pretty content.

  Wow, the day had passed in a whirl. Emma knew she was certainly going to have her hands full during the high summer season, but it would be so worthwhile to see the shop flourishing and her rent being paid, with perhaps even a little left to save. It had been lovely seeing locals and holidaymakers alike sitting inside and outside today, enjoying The Chocolate Shop café as a welcoming cosy space, just as it was meant to be. Just as she’d dreamed.

  Bev had left just a few minutes before with a big hug and a massive thank you from Emma. They worked so well as a team, even during that manic mid-afternoon phase. Em was so grateful. She now felt like wallowing in a deep, hot bubbly bath, but there was a spaniel waiting patiently upstairs, ready for his evening exercise. She went up, gave him an affectionate pat, and reached for his lead.

  ‘Come on then, Alfie. You know what this means.’

  He wasted no time, leaping out of his basket and straight down the stairs after her. There were still several people milling about in the village. She said a few ‘hellos’ as they walked down the hill and gave Sheila a wave as they passed the grocer’s shop which was still open, making the most of the summer trade.

  At the beach, Emma let Alfie off the lead and he ran about contentedly. She’d thought to bring a ball as she wasn’t sure how far her tired feet would want to take her and Alfie never seemed get worn out. Even better if she launched it into the foaming waves and he could swim after it. A couple were strolling the sands and it made her think of her and Max meeting here that very first time and the many times they had walked here since. She hoped they could work this present glitch out. It was probably just life getting in the way. And she thought of Luke and Nathan, and how life could change in an instant. She felt Luke would have been proud of her achievements today and everything so far with her Chocolate Shop.

  It was time to head back, Alfie had had his fresh air and runabout, and it had helped her zone out from her working environment. The bath tub was calling, followed by an easy supper and, remembering her new supply in the shop’s kitchen, a wonderful tub of local ice cream. Hmm, now would it be Utter Chocolate or the Rum Truffle? Decisions, decisions.

  23

  For every step forward, there always seemed to be one back again.

  Two days after the courtyard
’s opening, there was an unwelcome visitor.

  Holly was taking a brief respite from her studies and was helping out in the shop while Emma was up to her ears in the kitchen, getting the truffle order of mini boxes ready for The Seaview Hotel, as well as keeping up with all the café orders.

  ‘I hate to break the news, but The Eel’s here!’ Holly marched in, pulling a grimace, as she handed over the next order slip. They both knew full well who she was referring to. Em then spotted her landlord snooping around the new courtyard café area, where he pulled out a camera from his pocket and began taking photos. The girls stood and watched him through the kitchen window for a few moments.

  ‘Don’t trust him one bit.’ Holly was shaking her head.

  ‘Nor me.’ Emma let out a sigh as she tried to keep her mind off what this might mean.

  He was soon in with his slick-backed black hair and slimy smile, loitering at the counter where Emma had positioned herself ready to catch and politely quiz him on his way past.

  ‘Can I help you with anything?’ She tried to sound calm, but her heart was already pounding in her chest. This man was like the harbinger of doom as far as The Chocolate Shop was concerned, and he held her future in his grubby little hands.

  He said he didn’t want to order anything, though Emma did offer him a cup of tea or coffee on the house, trying to keep him sweet. He didn’t have much time apparently.

  ‘No thank you, Emma. I’m just here to take a look at the new developments I’ve heard about. Interesting.’ He dragged out the word. ‘You’ve made a nice job of them. The property is looking good, I must say.’

  Why did something that should be a compliment sound so ominous coming from his lips?

  ‘Well, thank you.’ Emma thought she’d best be polite.

  A customer appeared at the counter behind Mr Neil, looking to place an order; she gave them a nod of acknowledgement, hoping The Eel would get the idea and move on. She had a shop to run after all. He appeared slow to move, saying, ‘You don’t mind if I take a few photographs, do you? Just for my portfolio, it’s looking very nice now it’s all been done up.’