The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop Page 25

  ‘Good boy, Alf.’ She patted his head, which caused instantaneous tail-wagging.

  Though her heart was heavy, the walk and the countryside soothed her nerves enough for her to think about turning around and heading back to her car. It was time to go back to her Chocolate Shop and her life … but what kind of a life might that be without the shop itself or Max?

  She opened her car door after putting a damp Alfie in the hatchback. She’d go away quietly, no fuss. She didn’t even pause to look at Max’s house.

  ‘Emma! Stop!’ The voice was urgent. Max.

  Emma stood silently. If he still wasn’t going to have her back, then she didn’t think she could bear any chit-chat or post-breakup analysis. It would be best if she left, right now.

  ‘I still can’t bloody sleep.’

  Emma held her breath.

  ‘Oh God, I’m saying this all wrong.’ He strode down the path to her.

  Emma stepped back from the car and on to the pavement.

  They were face to face now. ‘You – you asked me if we could try and find a way round this,’ Max continued, ‘if what we have is worth fighting for, yeah?’

  Emma nodded, almost too afraid to speak.

  ‘The truth is, I can’t imagine a life without you now.’

  ‘Oh, Max!’ She could hardly believe it. Then found the warmth of his arms about her, pulled herself tight against his chest. To think, she might never have felt that again. They stayed like that for a while, relishing the closeness, with a huge sense of relief.

  When they moved slowly apart, it was Max who spoke. ‘We go forward now, not back … together.’

  ‘Together,’ she repeated with tears in her eyes. What a beautiful word.

  ‘Look,’ Max continued, brushing away a stray tear gently from Emma’s cheek with his thumb, ‘I know I can never take Luke’s place, and that’s okay. Honestly, I don’t want to. But we can be something new. I want to be there for you, Em. If you’ll let me in.’ His eyes locked on hers.

  ‘Of course, Max.’

  They felt exhausted with all the emotions of their conversation, and the night they had both put in. They found comfort in Max’s double bed, making love, then resting in each other’s arms, the room hushed and darkened with the curtains closed. Like a cocoon of warmth and love.

  Lying there, Emma still found herself feeling vulnerable after all that had happened. ‘Max … do you still love me?’

  ‘How could I not love you.’ It was a statement, not a question.

  Could it really be that simple? Where not loving someone was just unimaginable.

  ‘I’ve never felt this way before, Em.’ Max sounded so earnest.

  Emma had. It had been that way with Luke – a simple, honest love. She realised that she had the chance to have that kind of love again with Max. After losing her fiancé in such a tragic way, she’d never thought that would ever happen. That kind of love didn’t come along often and, bloody hell, she wasn’t going to damn well waste it.

  ‘Max,’ she whispered in the half-light, ‘I’m so sorry. I promise I’ll never hurt you again. It was a horrid, stupid mistake with Nate. I think … he reminded me so much of Luke, I got swept up in it all. It’s no excuse, I know that. And, I mean what I wrote in that message before, outside the house. I do love you. Always will.’

  ‘I know. I love you too, Em.’ He gave her a tight hug, his arms wrapped around her from behind. ‘Now, can I get some sleep?’

  Alfie gave a big dog sigh from the floor beside them, where he’d nestled down in Max’s discarded T-shirt, still wearing his ‘Sorry’ top.

  ‘’Course,’ she answered. And fell into a deep sleep beside Max. In fact, the best sleep she’d had in ages.

  46

  With the busy Bank Holiday weekend and the wonderful developments with Max, Emma hadn’t had a chance to visit Mrs C at the care home in Alnwick, so she headed off straight after work on the Tuesday, to find the old lady sitting up in the residents’ lounge. The TV was on in the corner but no one seemed to be following it particularly.

  Mrs C’s face lit up when she spotted Emma coming in.

  ‘How are you getting on?’ Emma had brought in a bunch of bright-yellow carnations for the old lady to put in her bedroom – and of course a bag of chocolate brazils. There was also a large selection box of chocolates for the other residents and nurses to share, which Emma had handed to one of the nurses on the way in.

  ‘Ooh, how lovely. Thank you, pet.’ Mrs C was smiling. ‘Well, I’ve had some good news, Emma dear. They’re letting me back home tomorrow.’

  ‘Well, that’s wonderful news. I bet you’re thrilled. How will you manage, though?’ Em was a little concerned. The old lady’s hip was still a long way from healed and the last Emma knew was that she was using crutches and would be for some time.

  ‘There are carers going to come in twice a day. And they’ve rigged up a bed downstairs for me in the living room for now.’

  ‘Oh, well that will make things easier for you.’

  ‘Thank goodness I’ve got a downstairs loo. I’ll never be able to get myself up those stairs to the bathroom as yet. Gonna have to wash at the kitchen sink. Hah, hope no one comes around the back door at that point.’ She cackled with laughter. ‘They’ll get more than they bargained for, for sure. A sight for sore eyes, at my age, I tell you.’

  Emma had to laugh too. ‘I’ll remember to use the front door then, Mrs C.’ She grinned. ‘And I’ll shout loudly as I come in.’

  One of the assistants came across to offer them both a cup of tea.

  ‘Thank you, that’ll be lovely. Just what I need,’ Emma said. She’d taken Alfie out straight after work and then fed him, coming on here without stopping for a snack or drink herself.

  ‘You’ve been so good to me, Emma.’ The old lady’s tone became serious. ‘Visiting me often when I know you’re so busy yourself. You’re rushed off your feet as it is. Now then, tell me all about the Food Festival this weekend …’

  Their tea turned up with a selection of old-fashioned biscuits: bourbons, jam sandwich and custard creams.

  ‘Thank you, Felicity, pet,’ Mrs C said warmly. ‘They’re all very good in here,’ she said to Emma as an aside.

  ‘Thanks,’ said Emma. She took a sip of the strong but good tea and started to tell her elderly friend about all the different stalls, how well the chocolate ice cream had gone down, and her hectic day at the shop.

  ‘I’ll be there for it next year,’ Mrs C nodded. ‘Do you think there’ll be another?’

  ‘Yes, I think so. There was a lot of positive feedback. It took quite a bit of setting up, but the local businesses really benefited. I’d be happy to get involved again for sure.’

  ‘Well, that’s good. Bet there was lots of nice food there. We’ve already had our supper here. Five o’clock sharp. Fish pie tonight, not bad at all. But I still can’t wait to get back to my own home. There’s nothing like home, is there?’

  ‘No, you’re right.’ And she thought about her Chocolate Shop and her flat, and the fact it might all be someone else’s soon. Just as life was looking up once more, there was a kick to bring it all down, with the news that The Brewery Boys had put in their offer. Oh yes, that had happened just this morning. She’d had an off-the-record call from the girl in the estate agents, who was a friend of Laura’s, to warn her. She was expecting to hear from Mr Neil to confirm he’d accepted – the final hammer blow. It seemed to be just a matter of time. But she didn’t want to worry Mrs C with any of that just now.

  ‘Emma, dear,’ Mrs C interrupted her thoughts, ‘I know you’ve already been so good to me, but would you mind popping across to see me tomorrow when I’m back at home? Maybe after work, just when you’ve got a minute, pet.’

  ‘Sure.’ She expected the old lady was a little anxious thinking about being back on her own again – of course she’d look in. ‘That’s no problem. I can check you’ve settled back in all right, or if there’s anything you need.’

/>   ‘Thank you. You’re a kind girl.’

  ‘I’ll remember not to come around the back way, mind.’ They both chuckled. ‘Well, I’d better get back,’ Emma said. ‘Sorry I can’t stay longer tonight, but I have lots of truffles and some chocolate muffins to make. This weekend just about wiped out my supplies.’

  ‘Yes, of course. I’m fine. I’ve got Bessie and Mavis here for company, as well as the nursing staff, and Coronation Street will soon be on the telly. You get yourself away.’

  ‘I’ll see you tomorrow. It’ll be around six o’clock time.’

  ‘That’s grand, pet. Whenever you can make it. I’ll not be going anywhere. Thank you, I appreciate that.’

  ‘Take care.’

  ‘Bye, pet.’

  Emma turned to wave as she left the residents’ lounge. Mrs C and several of the other old ladies and gents waved back.

  One of the nurses caught up with Emma in the corridor on her way out to thank her for the gorgeous chocolates. ‘Mind, she’s a character that one,’ the woman added.

  ‘Yes, I know.’ Emma smiled.

  ‘She’s told us all about your Chocolate Shop. Sounds amazing. I’ll have to pop along one day.’

  ‘Aw, that’s nice. And yes, do.’

  ‘We’ll miss her. Mind you, there is a downside to having her here: half the residents are now saying “bugger”.’

  The two of them laughed.

  ‘Thanks for looking after her so well.’

  ‘Hey, that’s what we’re here for.’ The nurse gave a smile.

  ‘Goodnight.’

  ‘Night.’

  47

  The next morning, Holly called into the shop on her way to catch the bus into Alnwick.

  ‘Hi, Em. Just a quick hello.’

  ‘Hey, Hols. Time for a milkshake?’ Emma knew that was her favourite – with chocolate sauce, whipped cream and all the trimmings. The café customers were all served for now, so she had time for a chat.

  ‘Ooh, yes. Don’t think I can resist. My bus isn’t for twenty minutes yet.’

  ‘Off anywhere nice?’

  ‘Just to catch up with some pals from school.’

  ‘Sounds good.’ Emma smiled. ‘Follow me through to the kitchen then. I’ll make one of my specials up for you.’ She had a feeling Holly wanted a little reassurance and some company.

  ‘So, how’s it all going?’ she asked, taking out a tall glass.

  ‘Well, I’ve started doing some packing. There’s only about three weeks to go, now.’ Holly pulled an OMG-style grimace.

  ‘And how are you feeling?’

  ‘Excited … still a bit scared. Worried about missing Adam.’ Holly described the whole heap of emotions that were buzzing within her lately.

  ‘Aw, that’s only natural. You two back on track, then?’ Emma asked.

  ‘Yeah, more than ever, actually.’ Holly grinned, then blushed under her freckles. ‘I think it’s just going to feel a bit strange at first, being apart, that is.’

  ‘It most likely will for a while, but it’s funny how you get used to things.’ Emma had seen so many changes and shifts in her rollercoaster of a life so far.

  ‘Adam says he’ll come down to see me on his days off, and I’ll get back home whenever I can.’

  ‘Well, that sounds good. If it’s meant to be, Holly, you two will work it out somehow.’

  ‘I know. And it does feel like it’s meant to be.’ Holly looked suddenly confident.

  ‘Great, so you go and enjoy university and make the most of your course too.’ She added a swirl of cream and some chocolate chips to the top of the drink she’d just made, and then passed Holly the milkshake.

  ‘Yum! That looks amazing as always.’ She took a sip, ending up with a frothy white moustache.

  Em laughed and pointed to her own lip exaggeratedly, and then the penny dropped with Holly, who grabbed a napkin from the stack on the side and began dabbing her mouth.

  ‘It’s just too good,’ she giggled.

  ‘Hah, yes. Well, we’d better head back out to the shop in case I get any more customers in,’ said Emma.

  ‘Yeah, of course. Ooh, Mum and Dad are arranging a bit of a farewell bash. Just a few drinks at home with some family and friends, if you’d like to come along. It’ll be one evening next week. I’ll let you know when.’

  ‘You try and stop me, Holly. Of course I’ll come along.’

  ‘Thanks, and thanks for everything, Em.’ Her voice began to waver.

  ‘Hey, no getting teary on me! The Chocolate Shop will still be here, and I’ll be waiting to see you when you come back home.’ That was fingers and toes and everything else crossed, but she didn’t want to spoil the mood.

  ‘Ooh, and I saw Bev yesterday. Did you get to see Max? Me and Adam are still feeling terrible about that. Adam feels responsible for you two splitting up.’

  ‘Hey, it really wasn’t Adam’s fault. Anyway, it looks like we’ve patched things up.’

  ‘Really? Aw, that’s brilliant Em. Thank God for that. I can’t wait to go and tell Adam, he’ll be so relieved.’

  A family came in to choose some treats to take back to their holiday cottage with them. So Em had to set to work again. Once they were all served, Holly was at the bottom of her milkshake, spooning out the last creamy contents.

  ‘Thanks, Em. Catch you soon. And thanks for chatting.’ Holly stood up from the stool she’d been on and started getting her purse out.

  ‘Hey, no need for that. It’s on me. You’ve been a brilliant help this last year, and you’ve brought a sunny smile to the place.’

  ‘Aw, I can feel a hug coming on.’

  ‘Come here then, you.’ Em came out from the counter and gave her assistant the biggest of hugs. ‘And you know you’ll be welcome back here to work some hours in your holidays and the like. There’ll always be a job for you.’

  ‘That means so much. Thank you.’

  Emma watched her go, silently wishing her well, wanting her to soar and find her wings in the world. She hoped to goodness she could keep her promise and that there would still be a Chocolate Shop of some sort, premises or not, for her to come back to.

  After work, Emma walked around to Mrs C’s house and knocked loudly at her front door.

  She heard the old lady shout, ‘Come on in, pet. I’m here in the lounge. I’ll not get up just now, it takes me an age.’

  ‘Of course.’

  Emma found Mrs C sat up in her high-backed chair with some knitting tucked beside her. She turned down the volume on the television. ‘Hello, pet. Good of you to come.’

  ‘How are you? Good to be back home?’

  ‘Yes, wonderful. Though it’s a bit frustrating not being able to get on as normal just yet. But I’ll manage. I’ve been trying to do my exercises. They’re a bit of a bugger, I must say, but it’s good to be back. You can’t beat home comforts can you?’ She smiled warmly.

  ‘You’re right.’

  ‘Have you got time for a cup of tea?’

  ‘Yes, I’d love one – but I’ll make it.’

  ‘Well, I put everything out on a tray in the kitchen earlier, whilst I was up and about. Just in case.’

  ‘Great. I won’t be a minute.’

  ‘There’s some custard creams in the tin there too,’ Mrs C called out from the living room. ‘Probably a bit boring compared to all the lovely goodies in your shop.’

  ‘Nothing wrong with a custard cream,’ Em called back.

  Soon after they sat nibbling their biscuits and sipping tea.

  ‘Now then, Emma. There’s something I’d like to tell you.’ Mrs Clark sounded quite serious.

  Emma hoped to goodness they hadn’t found something else wrong with her, something more sinister.

  ‘Well then, I’ve had lots of time to think about things these past few weeks. And I’ve come to a decision. I’d like to help you to buy The Chocolate Shop – and I’m going to give you £10,000.’

  Emma’s jaw actually dropped, and she splashed some
tea in her lap. ‘Oh, that’s so kind, but you can’t do that, Mrs C. That’ll be all your savings.’

  ‘Not quite. I’ve kept back enough to see me comfortable and I’m going to splash out on one of those stairlifts, so I can get myself back up to the bathroom and bedroom as soon as—’

  ‘But I can’t possibly take all that!’

  ‘Yes, you can. I’ve thought very carefully about it. You’ll make an old lady very happy if you do, Emma.’

  ‘But …’ Emma was lost for words.

  ‘Look, my needs are few. I love coming up to The Chocolate Shop and what am I going to do if it’s not there any more? That’d be a real bugger. And I have no close family of my own. You’ve been so good, like the daughter I never had, the way you’ve kept visiting and looking out for me, even when you’ve had so much on yourself.’

  ‘But what about your future? What if something happens and you need more care?’

  ‘If I end up in a home or something as I get older, they’ll use the money from this house anyway. I’ve got some put aside in my will for the RNLI Lifeboats – Jim would have wanted that – and then there’s a little there for my two cousins. I’d much rather see my money do some good now, than leave it sitting in the bank. Anyway, no more arguing. The cheque’s already written. It’s over there in an envelope for you on the sideboard.’

  ‘I-I don’t know what to say.’

  ‘Yes, would be a start.’ The old lady’s eyes were sparkling joyfully.

  Could this really be happening? Emma felt like pinching herself. Oh my, she hoped to goodness the lads’ offer hadn’t been accepted yet. For once, she hoped Mr Neil was being his usual greedy self and was holding out for a higher bid. Her mind started spinning. She’d ring the estate agent first thing in the morning – unfortunately it would be closed right now, or she’d have been on to them right away.

  The money from Mrs C would still not be quite enough for the full deposit she knew she needed on the business loan but, by hook or by crook, she’d find a way. She was so close now. She would use all her own savings and try and get a personal loan or perhaps ask her parents to help with the last few thousand pounds she needed, on a promise to pay them back, of course.