The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop Read online

  ‘Yep, will do. Oh, and yeah, how did the prosecco party thing go last night?’

  ‘Really good. Well, a bit too good if my head’s anything to go by.’

  ‘Hah, don’t expect any sympathy from me – all self-inflicted,’ he jibed.

  ‘Cheers. Thanks for the support. But yeah, I really think the idea’s got potential and the girls seemed to love it.’

  ‘That’s great. And it should help keep the coffers full and Mr Miserable off your back for a bit.’

  ‘Hopefully.’

  ‘Right, well, I’ll crack on. See you soon.’ He sounded tired.

  ‘Yep, I’ll let you concentrate on the road. See ya.’ She switched off her mobile and sighed.

  It was work getting in the way again and the new job for Max down in Leeds was making things even more difficult for them. It was frustrating more than anything, but hey ho, such was life. She knew all about long working hours and short breaks. You just had to get your head down and get on with it sometimes.

  She couldn’t settle until he was there with her, so despite feeling tired, she used the time to make some raspberry-swirl chocolate bars – they looked so pretty with white and dark chocolate swirled together and freeze-dried raspberry pieces sprinkled over the top. She also made a batch of hazelnut pralines.

  Alfie’s excited bark was the indicator that Max’s Jeep had finally pulled up outside. Em dashed through from the shop’s kitchen and opened the front door to save him having to do the usual after-hours walk around the back yard. He came to the door looking pale-faced and shattered.

  ‘Wow, what a day that was! Come here, you.’ He managed to smile, his arms opening.

  They shared a hug and a slow, sweet kiss, right at the shop door.

  A couple of teenage lads happened to be wandering by, who gave a wolf-whistle.

  Emma and Max pulled away gently with a smile.

  After a casual supper of pizza and garlic bread – the freezer having come up trumps – they sat in the upstairs lounge of the cottage flat above the shop. Em, comfortable with her legs curled up on the sofa, rested her head back against Max’s chest.

  ‘So, tell me all about this prosecco party, then.’

  ‘Yeah, it went off great. I thought the parties would need a bit of focus, so we made homemade truffles whilst enjoying the prosecco. And then there was time for chat and a bit of fun. The girls all loved it. I really think the party idea will work, once I get my licence completed. And, at least it’ll be another chocolate string to my bow.’

  ‘Exactly. It sounds good. What are you thinking of charging?’ Ever the business mind at work with Max.

  ‘Well, I’ve priced it out, and I was thinking, with say two glasses of prosecco included and all the chocolate-making ingredients, of charging £19.95 a head. That’s similar to a top-end afternoon tea, and quite fair as a glass of prosecco out is usually about six or seven pounds. If the group want to buy any extra bottles, I can charge that on top. It’ll keep the initial cost down per person but if a party are having fun, they can carry on with the bubbly that way.’

  ‘Yes, that seems sound. You’ll just need to keep an eye on your actual costs when you do the first few parties. You’ve got to make it worthwhile for the business too. You’ll be giving up a whole night of your time, remember.’

  ‘Yeah, I know, but I have to keep thinking of ways to improve the shop’s finances, especially with that bloody latest visit from Mr Neil.’

  Max was stroking her hair gently as he spoke. ‘I hate to put a spanner in the works, but it may well be that your landlord has plans to sell the freehold on the shop, Em. There’s definitely something behind his month-on-month lease agreement.’

  ‘Yeah, so he can get out of it quickly, I know. But I’m just trying to pursue everything I can to make this business successful and to be the best chocolate shop along the Northumberland coast. That’s all I can do. There’s no way I’m going to give up now.’

  ‘That’s the spirit, Em. Good for you.’

  ‘Oh Max, if I think too much about the alternatives, the implications of maybe losing this place, it’d send me crazy.’

  ‘I know. But whatever your landlord is scheming is outside your control. Just keep focussing on what you can improve to make the business even better, and if The Chocolate Shop ever did have to move premises, at least your reputation and your business can move with you.’

  ‘Yeah, you’re right.’ But, even though his words made sense, the thought of ever having to leave this place, and maybe the village too, just broke her heart.

  Later, as they sat, cosied up, watching some television, Emma realised Max’s breathing had slowed and looked up from his chest to see that he had fallen asleep. She got up carefully so as not to disturb him and went downstairs to let Alfie out the back yard, before locking up the back door for the night.

  On her return, she gently shook Max’s shoulder. ‘Hey, sleepyhead. Time for bed.’

  ‘Wha—?’ He looked up, bleary-eyed and a bit startled.

  ‘You fell asleep in the middle of Poldark.’

  ‘Oh, right.’

  They were soon settled in bed and within a minute he was off again, breathing heavily beside her. It was the first evening since he had started staying over of a weekend that they hadn’t made love. Emma sighed. He must be totally shattered, she reasoned. But still, she couldn’t help but feel disappointed. There was a time when he could hardly wait until he’d got inside the door to make love with her. And now this … Had things changed so much between them already?

  The next morning, being a Sunday and a morning off, Emma and Max decided to take Alfie for a stroll along the coastal footpath to the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. As they walked, they could see the ancient landmark, rugged and dramatic, perched on a grassy rise up ahead.

  The walking was easy and they meandered along the track on the bright April morning. They passed a family with a labrador, who Alfie did his usual doggy meet and greet with – a sniff and circle manoeuvre – and some other ramblers who they said hello to.

  It was lovely having a few hours together, holding hands as they strolled. There was a fresh sea breeze, but it was pleasant, invigorating. It was nice to get outside. Max seemed to have perked up a lot since last night. The colours of sky and sea, with the countryside rolling down to meet the rocks of the shore, were a bold mix of blues and greys and greens.

  ‘It’s beautiful here, isn’t it? I can see why you’ve fallen in love with this place Em,’ Max commented.

  ‘It has a wild, rugged beauty, doesn’t it? Still feels a little untamed. Just as it must have been years ago.’ They were nearing the castle ruins now. Em always found herself wondering what battles and adventures had gone on there in the past. It was quiet here now, bar the odd cry of a gull, the crash of waves on the rocks that fell steeply below.

  ‘I’m going to have to leave at lunchtime, Em. I’ll go when you open up the shop.’

  ‘Oh …’ On a Sunday he usually stayed – sometimes helping her out in the shop, clearing plates and loading the dishwasher, or taking Alfie out for a walk – at least until after supper, and sometimes overnight too. ‘So soon?’

  ‘Yeah, sorry. I need to be onsite in Leeds to start at 6.00 a.m. It’s a crucial stage on the project, and timescales are short. I’m going to head back down to the B&B digs there this afternoon. And you’re working, anyhow.’

  ‘Yes, it makes sense.’ It also made her heart dip a little. Silly, how she could begin to miss him when he was still by her side.

  They paused. Their stretch of track was empty for now and she moved in to give him a hug, just wanting to feel him close. His arms came around her, keeping her to him. As she tilted her head up, his hands shifted to the back of her head and they shared a warm, tender kiss.

  ‘Missing you already,’ she admitted as she reluctantly pulled away.

  ‘Me too,’ he replied.

  They stood close for a minute or so, side by side, just looking out across the rol
ling sea, until Alfie got bored and stood barking at them.

  12

  The afternoon in the café didn’t run quite as calmly as Emma had anticipated. It was full-on in the shop with serving and keeping up with the orders. A sunny Sunday was bringing everybody out, locals and tourists alike. Emma was making her way out to the café, carrying a tray of lattes and two chocolate and raspberry brownies, when a voice stopped her in her tracks.

  ‘Hi, Em.’

  Oh goodness, Nathan was there in the shop, waving across at her. So, he’d stayed on in the area after all.

  ‘Hi-i,’ she mouthed back. She quickly served the couple in the window seat, then nipped across to see him. ‘Hey, how are you? Still here in Warkton, then?’

  ‘Yeah, fancied staying on a few more days. Been doing a bit of surfing on the beach here, actually.’

  ‘Blimey, you’re brave. I hardly get in past my ankles. It’s usually freezing in the North Sea.’

  ‘Yeah, well it’s a darned sight colder than the sea in Oz. But hey, chuck a wetsuit on and it’s all right. It’s been fun, actually. Nothing quite like it, catching a few waves, and I caught up with a couple of the locals on the beach too.’

  ‘Ah, right.’

  Holly was trying to catch her attention with a café order.

  ‘Hey, I can see you’re busy. Look, I’ll get away and let you crack on.’

  ‘No, honestly, stay. Take a seat. Can I get you a coffee or anything?’

  ‘Well, if you’re sure. A white coffee would be great, but I’ll keep out of your way.’

  ‘Great, coming up. I’ll be back soon.’ She didn’t want him to leave just yet. He was like family. A link with her beautiful yet sad past. And, she was just getting to know him again.

  She was soon back with the order that Holly had taken and Nate’s coffee.

  ‘Good little place you have here, Em. Seems popular.’

  ‘Yeah, it’s often busy on the weekends, especially through the summer months.’ There was a queue forming at the till now. ‘Ah sorry, got to help out at the counter.’

  ‘No worries,’ Nate said, smiling.

  There was a constant stream of customers which was great for the takings but meant Em didn’t get a chance to chat with Nathan again. She saw him getting up to go after spending a while browsing the local paper over his coffee.

  ‘Hey, I can see you’re really busy, Em. I’ll get away.’

  ‘Oh …’ She couldn’t help but sound a little disappointed.

  ‘Look, why don’t we meet up for a drink tonight? The Fisherman’s Arms seems a pretty cool place. Maybe once you’ve finished work?’

  ‘Yeah, okay, that’d be good. What time?’

  ‘About sevenish? We can have a couple of bevvies, and chat.’

  ‘Great. See you later, then.’

  ‘Cheers, Em. Thanks for the coffee.’ He got up without offering to pay. To be fair, he probably wasn’t earning anything at the moment. Ah, that was fine, mused Em.

  She watched him head out to the street. The profile so similar and the same jaunty walk as Luke …

  ‘Who was that? Not seen him around Warkton before.’ Holly was inquisitive.

  ‘My br—’ Em realised she was just about to say brother-in-law. But he wasn’t quite. ‘It’s Luke’s brother,’ she corrected herself.

  ‘Oh, right. Well, how come he’s never been here before? You never mentioned a brother.’ Holly had heard about Luke; how fate had taken away Emma’s fiancé nearly eight years ago now and pretty much destroyed her life. Though she was much younger than Emma, she couldn’t help but feel protective of her employer.

  ‘He’s been away – abroad. It’s been a bit of a surprise.’

  ‘Ah, right.’ Holly paused, evidently thinking about this turn of events. ‘You okay?’

  ‘Yeah, I think so.’

  Before they could chat any further, another customer came, wanting a gift box made up. Emma let her assistant deal with the order and went to clear the tables.

  It was gone half-past five before Emma knew it. They served a little longer than usual today, making the most of the influx of customers. Em let Alfie out briefly, had a quick bite of toast for supper, and then dashed upstairs to get changed out of her work clothes. Weirdly, she felt a little nervous at the thought of meeting up with Nathan in the pub.

  He was already there when she arrived, sitting with a pint of lager on a stool at the bar. Emma didn’t fancy being on view quite so prominently and, after she bought her own glass of white wine, suggested they move to a corner table.

  ‘So, is your shop always that busy? Looks like a little goldmine.’

  ‘Nah, wish it was. That’s just a weekend in what’s nearly high season. Come along midweek or in January/February time and it’ll be a different story.’

  ‘Ah, right.’

  ‘So, you said you’d done a bit of surfing the other day?’

  ‘Yeah gave it a go. Nothing like the waves down in Oz, but yeah it was all right. The locals down there on the beach seem a pretty cool bunch.’

  Emma thought it was probably the younger set from the village, some of the ones who’d be a couple of years older than Holly. ‘Right. Okay. I don’t really know them that well.’

  ‘They seemed friendly enough. Surfers normally are as a rule. It might be chilly, but at least there’s no sharks to worry about round here,’ Nate added.

  Only landlords, mused Emma wryly before saying, ‘Oh, wow. There’s no way I’d even try surfing if I knew there were sharks around.’

  ‘Well, they don’t come in often. Must admit, had a scare one time though, just off Melbourne, saw the fin right next to my board. Frightened the shit out of me. Just knelt up on the board and let it pass. My heart was going like the clappers. Pretty unnerving.’

  ‘I bet.’

  ‘Yeah, I love the travelling. New Zealand was stunning. The scenery, waterfalls, glaciers … I did a bungee jump there, down a ravine. Met some cool people on my travels too. Backpacker places are just great for making friends.’

  His life sounded so very different from hers. She’d thought it a huge adventure to come up to Warkton and start her new life. But it seemed a pretty sheltered existence now, compared to his. There was a whole world out there that she hadn’t even ventured into. The furthest she had ever gone was to Paris on a weekend trip with Luke. She’d always wanted to go and see the paintings in the Louvre; the Mona Lisa in particular. And that day had been just wonderful. Luke generally wasn’t one for public displays of affection, but outside, in front of the glass pyramid, they had shared the most romantic kiss, with the spirit of Paris upon them and their wedding to look forward to. It had been so special, so full of hope. Paris in springtime … Luke dead by autumn.

  Emma felt a familiar knot in her throat, a tear misting her eye. ‘Yeah,’ she managed to reply.

  ‘Em? You thinking of Luke?’

  ‘Yeah.’

  ‘Gets you like that sometimes, doesn’t it. You can be happy doing something and boom, it slam dunks you again.’

  ‘It still feels like it just happened yesterday, sometimes.’

  ‘Hey, don’t I know it.’ He reached across the wooden table to take her hand.

  Em let his hand stay there for a few comforting seconds. Then she spotted Danny moving their way collecting glasses. She wondered how it might look, the two of them touching like that, so pulled her hand away gently, and gave Nate a small smile.

  ‘Hey Danny,’ she called her friend over, ‘come and meet Nathan, ah, Nate I mean.’

  ‘Hi, Nate.’ Danny gave them both a bit of an odd look.

  ‘Hi. Hey, didn’t I see you down on the beach the other day? Do you surf?’

  ‘Occasionally, yeah. My mate Tom’s more into it than me. The surf here’s a bit hit and miss. Better to go off down to Tynemouth, really.’

  ‘Ah, okay. I’ll bear that in mind.’

  ‘Everything all right, Em?’ Danny raised his eyebrows. Of course, everyone knew everyone
’s business around here. He’d know all about Max and Emma being a couple and would be wondering what the hell was going on here.

  ‘Nate is Luke’s brother, Dan,’ she explained. ‘You know, my fiancé who died.’

  ‘Ah … right. Got it.’ He looked relieved. ‘Nice to meet you, mate.’ He dropped a couple of glasses to the table and reached to shake his hand in greeting, his tone changing totally, and his shoulders relaxing.

  Emma had to smile. What was this place like at times?!

  ‘Right, well I’d better get on or I’ll be getting the evil eye from Dave next.’ He picked up the pint glasses once more, fingertips pinching them together, three to each hand.

  Emma and Nate chatted on. He asked about her life here, which Emma thought sounded extremely boring compared to his worldwide adventures.

  ‘It’s a cute place round here. I like it,’ commented Nate.

  ‘So, where are you staying? A B&B or something?’

  ‘Nah, I have my own camper van. Parked it down by the beach. No one seems to be bothered about me leaving it there. Free accommodation with a great view.’ He grinned.

  She didn’t dare ask how he showered or went to the loo from there. Maybe the free and easy life wasn’t quite for her after all. The flip-side of freedom! ‘Well, if you ever need a shower or anything, you can always come to the shop. My flat’s above it.’ The offer had come out before she had a chance to even think about it. But he was just a friend. He’d be glad of a shower, for sure, if he was going to stay in the area a bit longer.

  ‘Cheers, Em. I might just take you up on that.’

  They chatted a while longer and she got another round of drinks in. It was pleasant catching up on old times, remembering moments with Luke, asking how their parents were doing. It was nearly ten o’clock when Em said she ought to be getting back.

  ‘It’s been good to see you again, Em.’ Nate’s eyes locked on hers.

  ‘Yeah, you too, Nate.’

  They briefly grasped hands across the table. It was like holding hands with the past. And yet, it also felt like there was still so much to catch up on. Seeing Luke’s brother again like this, it was just so lovely. She realised she wasn’t quite ready for him to up and go off on his travels again quite yet.