The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop Read online

  ‘Oh, Mrs C, this is just so generous. Are you really sure?’

  ‘Of course. Now, stop asking silly questions and take the cheque, for goodness’ sake, girl.’

  Emma walked over to the sideboard and there, leaning against a framed photo of Mrs C and her husband, was the precious white envelope, neatly addressed to Emma Carter, c/o The Chocolate Shop by the Sea, Warkton.

  ‘Well, if I take this, you must have a share in the business.’

  ‘Oh, I don’t need to get involved with all that. It’s yours – given freely.’

  ‘Goodness. Well then, there’ll at least be free tea, cake and coffee for life, as well as a constant supply of chocolate brazils.’ She didn’t know how she could ever repay her, but she vowed silently to look after her dear friend in the future always.

  ‘That’ll do nicely.’

  ‘Oh my, thank you so much. I’m still in shock.’

  The envelope trembling in her hand, Emma went over to give her friend a hug.

  ‘Mind the hip now,’ Mrs C said matter-of-factly.

  ‘Oh yes, of course.’

  They both had tears in their eyes. Words just weren’t enough.

  ‘I can’t bloody believe it,’ Emma exclaimed down the phone to Max when she got back to her flat. She had to share her news with someone immediately.

  ‘What can’t you believe?’

  ‘Mrs C – she’s only gone and given me £10,000 to help me buy the shop.’ It still sounded absurd. A dream come true. A miracle.

  ‘Wow. That’s amazing, Emma.’

  ‘I know. And no strings attached. She won’t hear of me paying it back. It’s a gift. Wow!’

  ‘Bloody brilliant. Is she of sound mind?’

  ‘Hah. Yes, she’s fine. Other than her hip. Though that thought did cross my mind too. I’ve got the cheque and everything.’ It all sounded too good to be true, but it was. It really was. ‘I can ring the estate agent in the morning and I’m going to go in at the asking price. I’m sure I can top The Brewery Boys’ offer that way. As far as I know, it hasn’t been accepted yet.’

  ‘Well, best of luck.’ Max sounded really happy for her. ‘I bet the lads went in quite a bit lower. You’ll have a good chance, I think. And Mr Neil doesn’t have to know it’s you who’s bidding just yet either. Why not go in anonymously?’

  ‘That sounds a good idea. I’ll need to confirm everything with the bank first thing for the business loan. Oh God, I so hope it works out. I feel really nervous now.’

  Could The Chocolate Shop really be hers?

  ‘Ring me in the morning and let me know how you get on. Go for it, Em. Good luck.’

  It was so good to be able to chat with Max about stuff again, about life and work issues. And it was wonderful to be able to share this mammoth, exciting news with him.

  ‘Oh, Em, by the way …’

  ‘Yeah?

  ‘You know what we talked about – about how we need to spend more time together? How about a night away together this coming weekend? Do you think you can get away a little earlier on Saturday? Maybe get some help in for Sunday afternoon too?’

  ‘Yeah, I think so. Just let me check with Bev and the girls. Leave it with me.’

  Life was soo looking up!

  48

  It had been a hectic morning with phone calls being made left, right and centre. Emma had put her offer in with the estate agent the minute they had opened. Gulp! She’d put down her mobile and felt a huge sense of excitement and trepidation. Would The Brewery Boys now up their bid too? Could she still be scuppered at the last? If so, she’d have to do the right thing and hand the money back to Mrs C then, of course, she decided. It was excruciating, but all she could do was wait.

  She tried to concentrate on her chocolate making, but her head was swimming and she managed to splash water into the tempered chocolate in the mixing bowl, as she took a sip from her glass. Disaster. It had ‘seized’ completely, so she’d have to start again. She hated waste. It cost money and time. Right, calm down, Em, she told herself.

  This evening Luke’s parents were calling by too. She was feeling a little nervous about that, after the goings-on with Nate, though she was certain nothing would have been said by Nate himself. They had phoned saying that they were coming up to Warkton to see Nathan, and to collect a few of his belongings – his camper van was apparently rather overloaded after living in it all summer – to take back down to their house in Harrogate. They thought it would be a lovely opportunity to catch up with Emma too.

  So she’d offered to make them a light supper after work, as they were staying over for the night at a farmhouse B&B just a few miles outside the village.

  By late afternoon, the weather wasn’t playing ball – steady summer rain had set in – so her plans of having supper with Luke’s parents out in the courtyard had to be abandoned. Now the shop was closed for the day, she set out the cutlery and some place mats into the window-seat table of The Chocolate Shop. There was more space and light there than up in the galley kitchen of her flat.

  She’d managed to get some fresh cod down at the harbour and was preparing it as gratin with Parmesan breadcrumbs, some roasted cherry tomatoes and new potatoes. Simple, but hopefully tasty.

  They arrived at seven with flowers, hugs and a bottle of white wine that would go perfectly with the fish.

  ‘So lovely to see you, Emma,’ Angela, Luke’s mother, greeted her warmly. ‘You’re looking well. Life on the coast must suit you.’

  ‘The Chocolate Shop is looking fantastic,’ John added. ‘You’ve done an excellent job here. Last time I saw it, it was just a shop, no tables or chairs. I bet that has really enhanced the business.’

  ‘Yes, it certainly keeps me busy. Right, well make yourselves comfortable. I thought it would be nice to have supper down here. I’ll just chill the wine a little more and fetch some glasses.’

  The three of them chatted whilst the fish was baking in the oven. Angela told how they were going to get Nathan’s things from the camper van in the morning and they were looking forward to having some time at home with him. Emma had asked for him to join them for supper, slightly awkward though that may have been for reasons Angela and John were totally unaware of, but he was working his very last shift at the pub that night.

  Emma served the food, along with some fresh bread and butter. She asked about old Barney the dog, the cricket season (John being an avid fan), and how the wider family were. Angela said that Luke’s granny, Jean, was frail but still managing to live in her own home and was doing well. She had sent on her best wishes to Emma.

  ‘This is delicious, Emma.’ John took another mouthful of cod, followed by a sip of wine.

  Angela then looked across at her husband, who nodded to her, as though it was time to say something.

  ‘Emma, there’s something we want to put right.’ Angela sounded rather serious.

  Oh my, had they heard about the stupid kiss with Nate? Was it going to haunt her for life? Em felt herself go cold.

  ‘When Luke died he had some savings – not a huge amount or anything …’ Angela stalled.

  John took up the conversation for her. ‘Well, it’s just stayed in the bank. Because you two hadn’t been married, and you didn’t own your own property, everything that was left came to us.’

  ‘But that doesn’t seem right any more,’ Angela said, rallying. ‘Luke would have wanted to help you, Emma, and Nathan has spoken to us about the business here … about how The Chocolate Shop has been put up for sale. We’re sorry to hear that, Emma. He also mentioned that you might have to move out soon and find new premises.’

  ‘Yes,’ was all Emma could say at this point, wondering where this was going.

  ‘Well, it’s not an awful lot, just under £5,000, but we’d like you to have it, Emma. We think Luke would have wanted that.’ Angela reached across to hold her hand. They had been through so many difficult times together.

  Emma’s eyes brimmed with tears. Was there an angel up the
re looking out for her? A Luke-shaped angel by any chance? ‘Oh …’

  ‘We don’t need it, love. We have good pensions and everything we need at home,’ John stated.

  ‘But you’re still starting out, Emma. You have your whole life ahead of you. I’m just sorry we hadn’t thought of this earlier.’ Angela smiled across at her.

  ‘This is just wonderful. If you are both sure …?’

  ‘Of course we are.’

  ‘Wow. Oh, Angela, John … a lot has happened in the past couple of days. I now have the chance to buy The Chocolate Shop myself, so I might now be able to stay here, and own it outright, which would be such a dream come true. What you’re offering – it would be the final money I need for the deposit, to put it all in place.’

  Angela clapped her hands together. ‘Well, that’s just fabulous! I’m so glad we mentioned it. It was about time Luke’s money was put to some good.’

  ‘This deserves a toast.’ John lifted his glass of wine. ‘To The Chocolate Shop.’

  ‘The Chocolate Shop,’ the ladies repeated.

  Emma took a big slurp of wine, to hide a big fat tear that was about to plop down into her glass.

  ‘And to you, Emma,’ Luke’s father added warmly, Angela nodding proudly beside him.

  ‘To Luke …’ Emma had to include him.

  Life was feeling pretty much a rollercoaster these past few days. If it all came together, The Chocolate Shop might really be hers in a few weeks’ time. How crazy-wonderful was that!

  And it felt so right that Luke was going to be a part of that. It felt so special that his was the final piece of the financial jigsaw needed to buy it. As if a part of him would always be there with her too.

  ‘Thank you so much,’ she managed to say to Angela and John, her voice crowding with emotion. ‘This is all a bit overwhelming.’

  ‘For us too.’ Angela now had her hankie out and John’s eyes were looking extremely misty.

  And they sat together a while longer, sharing tears and laughter and memories.

  49

  Emma had already made a tray of choc-dipped fudge, a batch of raspberry-gin truffles, some rocky road bakes and Grand Marnier chocolate bars. She was on a roll this morning; her spirits had lifted and she had everything to hope for with her Chocolate Shop by the Sea. The only fear that still lurked was The Brewery Boys being able to up their offer, or someone new appearing on the scene at the last moment with a wad of cash to spend. Money would always talk as far as The Eel was concerned. But she was determined not to dwell on that.

  Ten o’clock had come around fast, Bev had just arrived and Em realised she hadn’t yet had a chance to exercise Alfie. With her stocks for today now made, it was an ideal chance to slip down to the beach with him for a quarter of an hour.

  ‘Bev, do you mind if I nip out for a quick walk with Alfie? I’ve not had a chance to get him out yet.’

  ‘Of course, hun. You go. I’ll be fine.’ Bev had popped her head into the kitchen where Emma was, spotting all the gorgeous goodies there. ‘Ooh, I’ll keep myself busy putting all your new supplies out,’ she said, smiling.

  ‘Well, don’t eat them all. I know what you’re like.’

  ‘Who me?’ She batted her eyelids innocently. ‘As if.’

  ‘O-kay … You can try one of the truffles, and some fudge, but that’s it.’

  ‘Argh, you’re such a hard taskmaster.’

  They grinned at each other.

  Down on the beach, Alfie making loops in the sand chasing his own tail, Emma strolling, enjoying the sea air, the breeze on her face … It was going to be a warm day, the sky a bold azure, the sea skipping into the shore in silver-tipped waves.

  Her mobile phone buzzed in her pocket. Maybe Bev needed her back at the shop. It might be starting to get busy. She took it out, didn’t recognise the number on screen, pressed green.

  ‘Emma Carter?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Hi. It’s Susie from the estate agents.’

  Emma felt herself freeze. In that second, her hopes and dreams were there before her, dangling on a thread. Her voice went quiet. ‘Yes …?’

  ‘I’m delighted to say that your offer for 5 Main Street, Warkton-by-the-Sea, has been accepted.’

  ‘It has?’ Emma’s tone was incredulous. Things like this didn’t happen to Emma. Her life had taken so many downturns she couldn’t believe that finally, what she’d wanted for so long, was really happening.

  ‘Yes, Mr Neil has confirmed that he’s happy to accept. We already have your solicitor’s details, so we can start putting the wheels in motion straight away.’

  ‘That is just wonderful! Thank you so much.’ Emma stood, gazing out to sea, hardly able to believe what was happening.

  ‘We’ll keep you updated, but the seller’s solicitors will be contacting yours shortly.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  The grin started spreading widely across her face. She jumped up into the air. ‘Woohoo! We’ve only gone and done it, Alfie!’

  The dog ran to her side, looking slightly confused, then picking up on her buoyant mood, began barking loudly.

  ‘Come on, lad.’ She legged it up the beach, Alfie bounding beside her.

  They ran as fast as they could, past the harbour, up the hill, Sheila catching sight of a flash of them from behind her counter, wondering what was going on in the village now.

  Emma dashed into the shop just as Bev came out into the café from the kitchen with a tray of coffee and brownies. Emma stood in the middle of The Chocolate Shop, her Chocolate Shop, and shouted out, ‘We did it! We only went and bloody did it!’

  ‘What?!’ Bev was still trying to make sense of it all. She dropped the tray down on the countertop.

  ‘My offer’s been accepted. Wow! The Chocolate Shop is going to be mine!’

  Stan and Hilda were in now, as well as a couple of holidaymakers, and all four cheered loudly and clapped, caught up in the moment.

  ‘That’s fantastic, Emma.’ Bev was grinning from ear to ear.

  ‘Oh my, I still can’t quite believe it. Well then, it’s free drinks and cakes all round. We need to celebrate,’ Emma exclaimed. She wouldn’t take a penny from any of the customers there.

  ‘Oh, Em. That is just marvellous news.’ Bev delivered the order to Hilda and Stan who were smiling away, delighted. Then her friend came across and took Emma into a big hug. ‘You so deserve this, hun.’

  ‘Is it really real, Bev? Tell me this isn’t a dream.’

  ‘This isn’t a dream.’ She punched her lightly to prove it.

  Em felt a little giddy. She still felt scared that something might happen to make it fall through. Could The Eel change his mind at the last minute? But it was already going into the hands of the solicitors … today. And, he’d got his asking price. Mr Neil probably knew he was on to a good thing. Emma had heard that the other offer from The Brewery Boys had been £5,000 below asking price, and they had been pushed to make that. She mentally wished the lads well in finding another suitable property, but this was hers, and hers to keep.

  She really did feel a bit wobbly. Bev spotted her unsteadiness, grabbed a nearby chair and sat her down.

  ‘You all right, hun?’

  ‘Dizzy, but bloody marvellous. I feel like someone’s just poured a bottle of champagne down my throat,’ Em admitted.

  ‘Hang on, I’ll fetch you a cup of sweet tea. Now stay put a moment. Stan, keep an eye on her. It’s all the excitement.’ Bev’s tone had turned schoolmarmish.

  Em felt a bit better by the time Bev came back with a pot of tea and two cups. After a reviving cuppa, amidst hearty congratulations from Stan and Hilda who kept saying it was ‘Marvellous news’, Emma couldn’t wait to share the news with Mrs Clark, whose amazing generosity had made this happen.

  A few minutes later, once she felt steady again, she said, ‘Bev, can you hold the fort for a little while? There’s someone I need to thank.’

  ‘Hellooo,’ Emma called out, as she let herself i
nto the front door. ‘It’s only me. I’ve brought a little thank you with me, Mrs C.’

  The little thank you was in fact an enormous bouquet with roses, carnations and all sorts of stunning flowers, that she’d had made up especially at the florists in the next village. Emma appeared in the living room, where Mrs C sat in her comfy armchair.

  ‘Oh my goodness. These are just delightful.’ The old lady beamed. ‘But there’s no need.’

  ‘Yes, there is, because we’re celebrating, Mrs C. I’ve just heard that my offer on The Chocolate Shop has been accepted. It’s really going to happen, and it’s all thanks to you.’ She passed the bouquet over.

  ‘Well, it’s not all down to me, lass. It’s you that’s got the rest of the deposit together and you’ll have the mortgage to keep up … and the shop to make work.’ Mrs C was playing her part down. ‘But I’m sure you’ll manage. I have every confidence in you, Emma. And thank you, these are lovely. Would you mind popping them in some water for me, pet? My best vase is in that glass cabinet over there.’

  ‘That’s no problem.’ Emma headed to the kitchen and arranged them in the cut-glass vase. They looked beautiful. She brought them through and set them on the sideboard near the photograph of Mrs C and her Jim. ‘Can I fetch you a cup of tea or coffee or anything?’

  ‘Oh no dear, I’ve not long had something. But you help yourself if you like.’

  ‘I’m fine too. Bev made us all one at the shop after I heard the news.’

  ‘You’ll be wanting something a bit stronger than that to celebrate with,’ the old lady said, chuckling.

  ‘Well, I’ll wait until later for that. I have a shop to run today.’ Emma paused. A shop that was going to be all hers. It was still all rather overwhelming. ‘I still can’t quite believe it and your kindness …’

  ‘Well, sometimes people deserve a break in life. You’ve had an awful lot to deal with for someone so young, Emma, pet. Now it’s your turn to have a bit of luck.’