‘So about five to four.’
‘Yes, next Wednesday,’ Adam confirmed.
‘That’s great.’
‘Fab.’
‘Brilliant.’
Both were rooted to the spot, grinning, as though neither could quite believe it.
‘Better go, then.’
‘Yep.’
‘See you soon.’
‘See you Wednesday.’
‘Thanks again for the flowers … everything.’
‘You’re welcome.’
Adam left the shop, with a big grin plastered on his face and a backward glance at Holly.
As soon as he was out of sight, Holly started jumping up and down. ‘Oh my! I have a date.’ Bounce, bounce, bounce. ‘With Adam.’ Bounce, bounce, bounce.
‘Blimey, it’s like Tigger has taken over your body!’ Emma was laughing. ‘Watch out or you’ll be toppling all the shelves over, and wrecking my chocolates. Hey, honestly though, I think it’s wonderful, Holly.’ At last. ‘See, you should listen to your Auntie Emma.’
‘His gran.’ Holly grinned. ‘All along it was his gran.’
And they both giggled, just as another customer walked in to the shop. More Valentine dreams to help make come true. It was times like these that made Emma’s heart soar. It seemed there really was a special magic about The Chocolate Shop – no wonder it was so very precious to her.
14
It was wet and wild the next morning. Emma had heard the wind rattling around the eaves all night, lifting the roof tiles, with rain spattering noisily against her bedroom window pane.
At least there was no six o’clock alarm, today. Bliss. The room was still dark, and she had no idea of the time, so she switched on the bedside lamp. Eight-fifteen. She’d had a nice lie-in, but a few more minutes wouldn’t go amiss. It wasn’t the kind of day to be rushing up for anyhow, though she knew she’d have to let Alfie out to the yard soon enough – he’d be crossing his legs otherwise.
She had already decided to close the shop today. Now that Valentine’s Day was over, a wet Wednesday in February wasn’t going to draw in the crowds, and she could use the next few days to make enough supplies to keep the shop going for now. So, for the first time in a while, she could actually relax, read a book, watch some TV, get the fire on and chill a bit.
She’d have to get out for a walk with Alfie at some point. She hoped it might dry up a little, but maybe a blustery beach walk would do her good. And Alfie wouldn’t mind: being a spaniel he positively loved the wet; swimming in the sea, rolling in muddy puddles, walking in the rain – he was still happy.
Emma remembered yesterday, the heart-warming scene in the shop, and thought of Holly and Adam. She hoped their afternoon-tea date would go well. She had a strong feeling that it would – he seemed a nice lad. Aw, the promise and excitement of early love. She was so pleased for them.
She snuggled down under the duvet for a little longer, thinking of first loves, and lost loves, but didn’t let herself dwell on it. Somehow, she had to get a grip on the here and now, make the most of her every day. She couldn’t waste the life she had.
Later, togged up in rain mac, trousers, wellies, hat, scarf and gloves, she told herself that again. She really didn’t fancy walking out in this – the rain was relentless. But there was Alfie wagging his tail, and barking now his lead had come out.
‘Come on then, boy. Let’s do this thing.’
They made their way down the hill to the harbour. She could see the waves bashing up against the harbour walls, sending up an arc of white spray. The boats rocked and rattled, though they were tied safely with sturdy ropes. Hopefully, none of the fishing boats were out today. It wasn’t the weather to be out at sea.
No one else was around; they were all sensibly staying indoors or perhaps planning to make a quick dash later on to gather around the real fire and settle for a cosy supper in The Fisherman's Arms. She hadn’t cooked properly in ages, having been so busy making chocolates, and while she might treat herself to a roast chicken dinner at the weekend, she didn’t fancy sitting on her own, or making all that effort for one. Maybe she’d invite James and the family over for Sunday; that would be nice. A family beach walk, hopefully in better weather than this, and a Sunday roast when they all got back to hers. Yes, she’d arrange that. She’d phone him when she got back in.
Emma walked down along the road towards the dunes and let Alfie off the lead, then they followed the sandy, spiky grass track and soon reached the beach. The waves were dramatic and stormy, the power of them immense. Emma kept towards the top of the beach, near the dunes, not wanting Alfie to get too close to the sea that was crashing in, though he seemed to sense the danger and was keeping unusually far away from the shoreline. It was fascinating to watch the frothy, rolling seascape and to hear the boom and crash – like turbulent thunder. They strolled along the sands for about fifteen minutes, getting lashed by the rain, then walked back again through the dunes, the strands of marram grass soaking her trouser legs above her wellies.
Another dog owner was now out with his labrador, a middle-aged man she had seen before on the beach, the only other person she’d seen in the past twenty minutes. They nodded to each other stoically, as dog owners out in the rain do, and she headed back up the hill once more. A couple of seagulls were battling the elements above the harbour, struggling to fly. They gave up and perched on a fishing boat mast. It wasn’t a day for being out long.
It was a relief to turn the key in her back door, walk into the warmth, and peel off her damp outer clothes. She popped a rack near the radiator in the hallway, hung her coat and trousers on there, and then headed upstairs, where she towel-dried Alfie. She didn’t like him shaking off downstairs near the shop; he certainly wouldn’t pass the health and hygiene regulations.
Soon they were both settled by the coal fire. She didn’t plan on going back out at all today. She might phone her mum and dad for a catch-up chat, and then make that call to James with the invite for the weekend – maybe her parents would like to come along too. Oh yes, and she’d read a book, maybe find a good film on Netflix, perfect. She realised how tired she felt. The build-up to Valentine’s Day had been particularly hectic and she was aching. All that stirring, folding, and packing was surprisingly physical, especially on repeat. She’d have arm muscles like Popeye if she wasn’t careful!
Later, Em settled down for her rom-com film with Alfie nestled on his blanket on the sofa next to her, all warm and cosy. It was dark by 4.00 p.m. – well, to be fair, with the inky-coloured storm clouds it had stayed virtually dark all day. It seemed extra quiet in her little front room, and once the film credits rolled, she realised she wanted some company, someone to chat to. She’d ring Bev, see if Pete had come up with any romantic gestures yesterday. Yes, they could have a nice natter.
The dialling tone droned on, with no answer on her friend’s mobile.
Em stroked Alfie’s head, feeling out of kilter. She finally had the chance to relax, and now didn’t know quite what to do with herself. She flicked the TV control back to the Netflix menu. A night in beckoned and a supper of a can of tomato soup for one.
* * *
The man drove down Warkton-by-the-Sea’s main street.
So there it was, The Chocolate Shop by the Sea – a cute-looking cottage-style shop. Yes, it suited her. He felt a strange sensation in his gut as he drove past slowly, catching glimpses of chocolates and confectionery, but he couldn’t quite make out the figures inside.
Ah, what the hell was he doing? He wasn’t even sure what had compelled him to drive up here today. Just a need to get out, get away for a while. He shouldn’t really be here at all.
He slowed at the bottom of the hill and pulled the pick-up to a halt beside the harbour, turned off the engine, and looked at the boats bobbing there, the people strolling by.
Sometimes it was just the right thing at the wrong time. This felt so very much like the right thing; he couldn’t reason out why, but some instinct had brought him here �
�� but no, right now he needed to go back, to sort things out with Siobhan and her family.
He sighed, put the pick-up into reverse, turned around and passed the shop once more. At least she was still here, he mused. Well, she might be. She could have sold the business or anything by now. He could just stop, pull up, see if she was there, say hi. But dammit, it was all too messy just now; there was too much unfinished business. He put his foot on the accelerator, and drove on by.
Emma, relaxed from her well-earned time off the day before, looked up from serving Stan and Hilda, the friendly pensioners who were regulars.
Oh, surely not! Emma did a double-take as she thought she recognised a grey, jeep-style vehicle, passing by.
Could it be?
But it had already driven on by. She hadn’t even had a chance to spot the driver. Blimey, Em, she chided herself, how many grey truck things are there around? There must be hundreds of them. For goodness’ sake, get a grip, woman.
Sometimes you might meet someone out of the blue, talk and chat for a short while, even share a kiss, but it didn’t mean it was anything significant or that you’d ever see them again. They could touch your life for the briefest of times, but it didn’t mean they were going to become a part of it. She sighed softly.
‘Sorry, Stan, I was off in a world of my own for a moment there. I’ll just go fetch your mint creams for you. There’s a fresh batch out the back.’
‘That’s fine, my dear. We’re in no hurry, are we, Hilda?’
‘No, none at all, pet.’
Emma sorted out their order, had a little chat, and saw them on their way with a smile. What a lovely old couple.
Silly woman, imagining it might be him! Emma was cross with herself, even as she wandered to the window and scanned the road outside just in case. She knew she was just clutching at straws. Sometimes you got the wrong one and the whole damned stack came down around you. And then, sometimes, you could pluck one out – and nothing at all would happen. Surely nothing happening was the safest bet?
15
Wednesday of the week after, Emma spotted the school bus trundling past up the hill.
She knew what was coming next. Two minutes later, in flew Holly, all of a dither.
‘Oh my, I’ve only got like five minutes to get ready.’ She’d obviously run up the hill from the harbour-side drop off. ‘Right, what do you think?’ She started pulling out clothes from her school rucksack.
She displayed a pair of white jeans with a deep-pink blouse and a denim jacket to pop over.
‘Nice. I like it.’
‘Or …’ Holly fished out a to-the-knee dress in navy print with a small red flowery pattern on.
‘Ooh yes. The dress. That’s really pretty and just right for afternoon tea. What’s going on your feet?’
‘Ankle boots – I didn’t have room to carry anything more. But I do have dark tights, so it doesn’t look silly and summery.’
‘Okay, that will work well. Pass me the dress and I’ll give it a quick iron for you.’
Holly shot her a look. ‘Have I got time?’
‘Of course. It’s been screwed up in that bag all day. It’ll only take me five minutes. Go on, pass it over, and you get out of your school clothes and into the tights. I’ll have it ready in a flash. We’ll just shout out if someone comes into the shop. They can wait a minute or two.’
Emma whizzed upstairs and soon had the dress pressed for Holly. She found Holly in the downstairs kitchen in her underclothes.
‘All ready for you, madam.’
‘Thanks, Em. It’s like having a second mum.’
‘You’re welcome.’
‘Agh, I am sooo nervous. I feel so sick, I don’t know how I’m going to manage tea and cake.’ Holly slipped the dress over her shoulders.
‘You’ll be fine. The nerves will all settle down once you get there.’
‘But what do I say, how do I make conversation?’
‘Holly, you never stop talking here. I’m sure you’ll be fine.’
‘Yeah, but when I get nervous I either clam up and can’t speak at all, or else I go into overdrive and jabber out a load of shite.’
Emma had to smile. ‘Just breathe and think about what you’re going to say first.’
‘But what shall I ask him?’
‘Well, you could ask about his job there at the hotel. Maybe about his gran?’
‘Ah yes, the mystery other woman.’
They both laughed.
‘You’ll be fine, Hols. He seems a nice lad and I’m sure he’ll be as nervous as you are.’
Holly let out a big sigh as she popped on some lipstick. ‘I haven’t even got time to redo my make-up properly.’ She glanced at her watch. ‘I need to be there in five minutes.’
‘You look lovely, honestly.’
‘You sure? Really?’
‘Really. You’ll make his day. Oh, and I have something for you to take up – Adam rang me earlier.’
‘He did?’
‘Yep, guess who’s just got a repeat order for turndown chocolates?’
‘Oh, brilliant.’
‘He said they went down really well with the guests last week, and they are going to place a regular order now. So I’ve a box ready to go – I made them earlier today.’
‘That’s great news.’
Emma fetched the box from the kitchen side. ‘Ready then?’ she asked.
‘As I ever will be,’ came Holly’s reply with a nervous grimace. She then popped on her denim jacket. ‘Can I leave my rucksack here and get it later?’
‘Of course, then you can tell me all about it.’
‘Still feel sick.’
‘That’s only natural. Go on, go smash the first date. Best of luck.’
‘Thank you, Emma. Aaghhh, here I go.’ Holly slung a little handbag over her shoulder, took up the cardboard box of chocolates, and nearly tripped over the step as she waltzed dramatically out the door. ‘Sor-ry.’
Emma smiled, watching her assistant set off, though she feared for the safe carriage of her chocolates what with young love, all that excitement, energy, and angst. Emma doubted she would ever feel that herself again, but it was nice to see Holly full of hopes and dreams.
There was a knock at the back door. It was around six and Emma had closed the shop, but she was still busy in the kitchen, making chocolate bars – her latest flavour sensation being ginger and lime.
‘Only me.’
The unmistakeable tones of Holly. She sounded chirpy at least.
‘So, how did it go?’
‘Pretty good, I think. Hah, except for when I spilt a blob of cream from my scone down my front, that was sooo embarrassing.’
‘But it went well?’
‘Yeah, we chatted okay and the food was delicious – cakes, and little cute sandwiches. We even had a glass of bubbly.’
‘Very nice. So, you got your appetite back then?’
‘Yep. Oh Em, he’s so dreamy. I really like him. I just hope he likes me. I’m not sure how he feels, though, he just seemed a bit too polite.’
‘Well, that’s no bad thing. And maybe he was a bit nervous too. First date and all that.’
‘Maybe. He’s so not like the boys at school.’
‘I imagine he’s a little older.’
‘Yeah, he said he’s twenty.’
‘There you go then. A couple of years makes a big difference at that age.’ Emma finished pouring melted dark chocolate into the last mould. ‘So, the all-important question … are you seeing him again?’
‘I think so. He’s going to call me.’
‘Ooh, exciting.’
‘I know! OMG, I totally feel worn out now. I’ve been concentrating so hard on not saying anything stupid.’
Emma smiled. ‘Well, you can relax now.’
‘You’re kidding! I’ll be on tenterhooks waiting for him to call me, won’t I?’
‘Ah, yes.’
‘Well, I’d better get back and get my homework done, I suppose.�
�
‘Do you need a lift home? I could take you around in the car.’
‘Nah, I’ll walk.’
‘You sure? It’s dark out.’
‘It’s dark when I get off the bus these days, Em. No, I’ll be fine. Thanks anyway.’ She picked up her rucksack from the bench where she had left it earlier.
‘Okay, well, glad that it all seemed to go off well. See you Saturday afternoon, yeah?’ It was back to shorter hours for Holly again now the Valentine’s rush was over.
‘Yep, see you Saturday.’
‘Keep me posted. Hope you get your call soon,’ Emma grinned.
‘Me too.’
16
Adam had called Holly just a couple of days after the afternoon tea, and he and Holly had had a cinema date that seemed to go rather well. The only downside was that Holly had been mooning about the shop with a puppy-dog look on her face for the past fortnight, and was so full of chat about suitable outfits and hairstyles for the next impending supper date. Which was rather cute – but also frustrating when a customer was sometimes left waiting at the counter to be served. Emma had had to remind her assistant to focus on more than one occasion lately, but as the weeks rolled on, thankfully Emma had managed to scrape together enough funds to make the first higher rent payment and Easter had arrived before she knew it.
‘So, girls, has the Easter Bunny been yet, do you think? Shall we go and have a look?’
‘Yesss, Auntie Emma!’ they chorused.
Whilst James had kept the twins busy inside, Emma had placed a trail of her handmade chocolate eggs wrapped in gorgeous spotted foil around her brother’s back garden. Chloe had even strewn a couple of half-chewed carrots and a few torn lettuce leaves for extra effect.
The girls rushed out of the back door, giggling, with Emma on their heels. They spotted the carrots straight away.
‘He’s been! He’s been!’ shouted Lucy gleefully, with Olivia alongside her grinning from ear to ear.
The first find was tucked behind a large plant pot on the patio. Emma had grouped the eggs in twos, so both girls picked one up. Then there was a bit more of a hunt in the garden borders, checking under shrubs and the like, and a hydrangea bush was found to be sheltering two more. They split up, and when Olivia found another duo under a short fir tree near the far fence, she called for her sister excitedly.
The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop Page 8