The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop

by Caroline Roberts

  It was lovely to see the girls chatting and enjoying themselves.

  After the young girls had left, one more couple sat down for coffee and shortbread, which took the time to four thirty. The Chocolate Shop Café was due to close at 5.00 p.m., and after serving one more customer with a box of chocolates, Emma thanked Holly and Bev, gave them both a big hug, and suggested they ought to be getting home.

  She was aware of Max’s impending arrival and felt a bit anxious. She hadn’t actually told Bev about Max coming that evening – she knew her friend would be gloating about it otherwise. Emma just wanted to see how things went without the pressure of everyone knowing. Bev would be quizzing her first thing tomorrow, otherwise. She just wouldn’t be able to help herself.

  ‘I’ve really enjoyed helping out today,’ Bev said, as she put on her coat. ‘If you ever need any more help, say when Holly’s at school.’ She didn’t want to tread on the young girl’s toes. ‘I’d love to come in and do a few hours here and there for you. I only work two days at the surgery and Pete’s often busy out working or golfing. I really wouldn’t mind.’

  Hmm – now there was a thought. Emma had realised she might need more staff at some point with the café, but hadn’t wanted to commit to taking anyone on until she knew how the takings were going and when the busiest times might be. Holly was still able to help at weekends and the holidays as usual, but having some extra help through the week might prove invaluable, giving Emma some precious time to create her bakes and chocolates.

  ‘I’ll have to just see how things go.’ Em was cautious about finances at this point, and how she’d cover any extra wages, ‘But I’m sure at times I’ll need some extra help so that would be fabulous. We’ll have a chat about it soon. You do seem a natural.’

  Bev gave a wink. ‘Always feel at home in a chocolate shop. And it’s so much better than people snivelling and coughing over you at the doctors’ reception desk, though I’d not leave them in the lurch, of course.’

  ‘Bye, Emma.’ Holly moved in to give her boss another hug. ‘I’m so happy to see the café up and running. It’s just so pretty, too. My friends really loved it. They’ll be telling everyone they know about it, for sure.’

  ‘That’s great. And thanks to you, and Adam, and his gran. I couldn’t have done all this without everyone’s help.’

  ‘You are so welcome.’

  ‘See you and Adam on Friday night for the launch, yeah?’

  ‘Oh yes, you try stopping me. But I’m sure I’ll be in before then. Those hot chocolates looked delish – I need to come and try one.’

  ‘See you soon, then.’

  Holly and Bev were at the door ready to go.

  ‘Bye, ladies. Love you both. Thank you.’ Emma felt on a high.

  Emma found herself alone in her shop. She didn’t lock the door but turned the sign to closed and took in everything around her. She could hardly believe what they’d managed to achieve in one weekend, with a lot of help from her family and friends, and thanks especially to Max.

  Max, she sighed. Who’d have thought how things would have changed there. She’d never thought she’d be seeing him again after last week, and now he was about to turn up. She wouldn’t let herself get carried away with it all though, one small step at a time.

  And again her thoughts turned to Luke. She was sure he would have felt proud of her today.

  Life was so strange sometimes; she often felt like she was on a rollercoaster ride and sometimes all she wanted was to get off, go back to the start, have her chance to marry Luke and live that other life – the one they had never had the chance to try.

  33

  It was twenty past five when Max pulled up outside. He poked his head around the shop door and smiled broadly. ‘Good afternoon, chocolate-maker extraordinaire. Hey, great job in here.’ He looked around at the finished Chocolate Shop Café.

  Emma felt her stomach lurch in a happy way. ‘Hi.’

  ‘So, how did it all go? Were there queues of people? Was it like Black Friday?’

  ‘Not quite,’ she smiled. ‘But several came in and I think, after the launch night and the press adverts, then more people will get to hear about it.’

  ‘Yes, plenty of publicity. That’ll do the trick. Then word of mouth. I can help you with a flier, if you like? Not too bad on the computer, though I say so myself.’

  ‘Excellent. I’ll take you up on that.’

  ‘So, are you nearly ready?’

  ‘Yep. Just give me five minutes to get wrapped up here. I’ll just cash up the till.’ She had a feeling just the few hours’ takings that afternoon were pretty good.

  She then headed for the rear door of the shop that led to her cottage quarters, calling over her shoulder, ‘I’ll get changed quickly. What kind of clothing do I need?’ That might give her a clue as to their activity too; she was still curious.

  ‘Well, warm and cosy. Thick socks. Possibly hat and gloves as well as a coat.’ He was following her through.

  ‘Ri-ight.’ That didn’t sound much like a romantic restaurant meal or a cinema trip. What on earth did he have in mind? After her hectic day, she didn’t know if she was quite in the mood for a hike somewhere. ‘Really? You’re not teasing?’ She stopped and turned to look at him.

  ‘Nope.’ He had a knowing grin on his face as he followed her through to the stairs. ‘Shall I come up or wait here?’

  ‘Come on up. You can sit in the living room while I find my warm clothing.’ Now she really was intrigued, but it didn’t seem like he was going to give her any more clues. ‘You’re still not going to tell me, are you?’

  ‘Nope.’

  Alfie headed out from the living room to greet them, his tail thwacking against their legs.

  Emma gave his head a rub.

  ‘Hi, Alfie.’ Max rubbed behind his spaniel ears and the dog dropped almost instantaneously to the ground for a tummy tickle. ‘Like that, do you, mate?’

  ‘Walking boots, wellies or trainers?’ Em asked as she headed through to her bedroom.

  ‘Now you’re asking … I’d say wellies.’ Max’s voice carried from the landing.

  Why was this starting to fill her with dread? ‘Can Alfie come?’ It was sounding very like a walk somewhere, though it would soon be dusk.

  ‘Yeah, as long as he behaves himself.’

  ‘Of course. He’s very well trained. So, we’re outdoors then?’

  ‘Stop angling, woman. You’ll find out soon enough.’

  ‘Hate surprises.’

  ‘I can tell!’

  She soon came back into the lounge, dressed in jeans, thick socks, and a cosy grey cable-knit jumper, with her tartan scarf on. She’d grab her coat and wellies, and Alfie’s lead, from the hall on the way out.

  ‘You look lovely.’ Max smiled from the sofa where he and Alfie had made themselves at home. ‘It’s just how I picture you. Like you were when I first met you that day.’

  ‘Thanks.’ Aw.

  ‘Very cuddleable in fact. Though I’m not even sure if that’s a word.’ And he stood up and gave her a quick hug as if to prove the point. ‘Yes, very cuddleable.’

  It was an extremely gorgeous cuddle, all aftershave scented and big strong arms around her, if rather too brief. ‘Right, let’s go then. I want to know what I’m in for.’

  ‘Come on, Alfie. We’re on.’ The dog leapt from the sofa in excitement, and was soon following them down the stairs.

  ‘I’ve left the jeep just up the road a bit, on a single yellow; not sure how that works of an evening, so I hope it’s all right.’

  The village streets were quite narrow and the traffic warden eager.

  ‘Yeah, it’s normally okay,’ Emma answered. ‘So, we’re not walking straight away?’ He was heading from the side alleyway out to his vehicle.

  ‘No.’ Again that teasing smile.

  They reached the jeep and he opened the hatchback for Alfie to jump on in.

  She felt she’d asked enough questions, so got in the passenge
r side and waited for Max to drive her to wherever it was they were headed. They set off down the main street towards the harbour where Max turned left and went along the coastal lane for 200 metres and made the turn into the beach car park.

  ‘Is this it?’ The words were out before Emma had time to stop them sounding disappointed. Some build-up that was. They could have just walked.

  ‘Yes, we’re here.’ Max’s tone was calm, measured.

  Alfie gave an impatient whimper from the back; he just wanted out. Any walk was a good thing to him.

  Emma tried her best to look enthusiastic.

  ‘I just need to get a few things out of the boot.’ Max headed to the rear of the vehicle. Emma joined him, just as Alfie was leaping out, and Max was pulling forward a large wicker basket and a bag with a couple of glass flutes poking out, as well as a soft tartan rug. The corners of her mouth began to creep up.

  ‘Right, let’s find a spot somewhere a bit more sheltered in the dunes.’

  ‘A picnic? At the end of October?’

  ‘Yep. Why do you think I told you to wrap up warm?’ He grinned. ‘Here, could you take the rug?’

  ‘Of course.’ Hmm, well this was a first. ‘I’d have put my thermals on if I’d known,’ she laughed.

  ‘I’ll keep you warm, no worries,’ he smiled.

  Again, that crazy flutter.

  They walked for about ten minutes, Max loaded up with hamper and bags, and found a secluded spot in the front of the dunes area out of the sea breeze, yet still with some of the sea view. There were a few stragglers left on the beach, a man walking his dog, whose terrier bounded across to greet Alfie, and a middle-aged couple wandering the sands hand in hand, who seemed to be heading back towards the village.

  ‘Here okay?’

  ‘Great.’

  Max took the tartan rug from her and laid it out on a flattish patch of sand between the spiky marram grass mounds. First things first, he found the two glass flutes and pulled out a very promising-looking bottle with a gold foil seal, then popped the cork on some champagne. Wow!

  ‘Cheers!’

  ‘Cheers, Max! Thank you.’

  They clinked glasses and she took that first delicious, bubbly sip that fizzed fragrantly on her tongue. Max sat close beside her and they looked out to sea. It was a dry night, thankfully, and, though cloudy, no sign of rain.

  ‘So, what’s in the hamper then?’ She realised she was starving, having only had a slice of toast at lunchtime before opening the shop.

  ‘All will be revealed very soon, madam. We have to wait till at least six o’clock or it’ll all be over before dusk.’

  ‘You mean we’re staying out here in the dark?’

  ‘Of course, that’s half the fun of it. But never fear, I have candles.’

  ‘Ah.’

  He seemed to have thought of everything.

  ‘I’ll let you have a few crisps, if you must.’

  ‘Yes, please.’

  He pulled out a bag of salted crisps, which went fabulously with the champagne. Crunch and fizz, just perfect. They watched some terns swooping over the waves, the sea rolling in in a hush of white foam, its rush and pull soothing.

  ‘Been a busy day for you too?’ she asked.

  ‘Yeah, pretty much full-on. The Gateshead job is going okay, but then I checked on the other job we’ve got near Corbridge, a barn conversion, and we were waiting for the kitchen units to come in and half the cupboards are missing. There’s always something.’

  ‘And then getting all this ready for this evening …’

  ‘Ah, it’s just a little something. Good job I have a local deli nearby, that’s all I can say.’

  ‘Sounds good to me.’

  ‘So, anyhow, tell me all about your day. The first day of the coffee shop. Did the new window seats hold up?’ He smiled.

  ‘Yes, they were well tested, and seemed fine. Very strong and solid, in fact.’

  ‘And there were quite a few people in?’

  ‘Yes, but I don’t think everyone knows we have a café now. It’ll take a little time. Oh crikey, Max, I hope it works out.’

  She felt she could be honest with Max. He had his own business, understood the worries of having to make it work. At least she didn’t have a team of workers relying on her like he had. But she’d hate to have to let Holly down if it ever came to it; hopefully the new coffee shop venture would mean more working hours for her lovely assistant rather than less.

  ‘Well, I know how much it means to you and how much hard work has gone in to it. So it deserves every success.’ Max topped up her glass. ‘Cheers to The Chocolate Shop Café. May it prosper!’ He sounded like he was launching a ship or something.

  Emma grinned, and put her worries aside for the moment. Yes, they should be celebrating today. ‘Cheers!’ They clinked glasses once more. It was lovely to be here celebrating with Max. It was lovely to feel happy, as if there was a future …

  Max opened the picnic hamper. There were pies, prawns, a quiche, some salad, mini tomatoes, olives, grapes and a cheese selection as well as some gorgeous-looking fresh bread. There was enough there to feed a family of eight, never mind just the two of them.

  ‘Blimey, you’ve gone to town. It looks great.’

  He passed her a china plate, no less, and she began helping herself.

  ‘As I said, thank the deli, not me.’ He smiled.

  ‘I don’t mind at all. I didn’t imagine you were busy baking quiches and pies this morning, whilst popping across to the building site. And I don’t think I’d have had the energy to cook tonight.’

  ‘I do make a mean cheese on toast, I’ll have you know. You add a dash of Worcester sauce. Delicious.’ He did a happy chef gesture with a finger-flick from his lips.

  They ate leisurely as the evening sun began to slip away behind them. Being the north-east coast, it set over the inland hills, but the colours of dusk brushed the whole sky. The seaward sky was deepening with shades of pink and coral. As the sun began to disappear, it got a little chillier, and a shiver went through Emma. Max shifted closer to her on the picnic rug, placing an arm around her shoulders. It felt so very natural there. ‘Better?’

  ‘Yes, better. Thanks.’

  She gave Alfie a crust from the pork pie and he gobbled it down and then sat patiently, his dark brown eyes intent on them, watching and hoping for more gourmet delights to come his way.

  Emma mentioned how close she was to her brother and his family, and all about Chloe making the beautiful cushions for her and the special bunting. Max was an only child. He said he got on well with his parents generally, but sounded as though he’d have liked siblings.

  ‘No family of your own?’ She put the question out there. Knowing that he was forty, there was every chance that he’d already had a family, that he might have been divorced before Siobhan, though she’d have hoped he might have mentioned it by now.

  ‘No. No children. Of course you know that I had a serious girlfriend for a while. But that was never destined to work out. You? No children?’

  It was hard to even think of Luke and the fact that they hadn’t had any children together, but maybe it was time to reveal a little of her shattered heart and past. She hesitated, looking out across the darkening sea.

  Max waited quietly for the few seconds it took her to form the words.

  ‘No. No children. I was engaged …’

  ‘Oh, wow.’ Max looked a bit awkward.

  She stared into the dusky sky, where the stars were just beginning to come out. She was almost afraid to go there, it was still so raw in her mind, that most awful of days.

  ‘He was called Luke. He got killed, riding his bicycle home from work one day … he-he never came home.’ And her eyes misted and she couldn’t speak any more, the words still having such power to hurt, the memory drawing her back to the ragged edges of that grief.

  Max’s arm tightened gently around her, and she felt a soft kiss pressed down on the top of her head. ‘I’m so sorry, E
mma.’

  And she really didn’t know how she felt. Crying for one man whilst in the arms of another seemed so very strange.

  They stayed in their spot in the dunes, keeping close as they watched the darkness creep across the sky. There were strawberries and chocolates – a bar of Dairy Milk, which had made Emma laugh, though she had to admit she did quite enjoy a cube or two. Max had tried and failed to light some tealight candles, as the breeze kept blowing them out. But Emma didn’t mind the darkness around them, with the odd star twinkling up above, a crescent moon, and the two of them plus Alfie snuggled up on the picnic rug. But in time it became too chilly to stay for much longer, and a glance at her watch told her it was eight o’clock.

  ‘I suppose we’d better get going soon.’

  ‘Yeah, we might just freeze to death here if we stay much longer. I should have brought a flask of coffee to warm us up.’ Max smiled in the half-light. ‘But yes, I do need to get back home sharpish. Early start tomorrow.’

  She wondered what his home was like – bachelor pad, modern flat, semi, scruffy, neat? She wondered if she would ever get the chance to see it – but why she was even thinking that way? ‘Yes, of course.’ She pulled herself back from her thoughts. ‘Thank you, Max. This evening has been really lovely.’ It had been a momentous kind of day, and she felt a bit emotional. She had shared a little of her tattered heart and she really wasn’t sure how to deal with what was going on inside her.

  ‘You’re very welcome, Emma.’

  And they finished the picnic with a strawberry-and-chocolate-flavoured kiss that was so damn tender, it felt almost magical.

  After a swift drive back, Emma and Max were once again parked outside The Chocolate Shop.

  ‘Would you like to come in for a coffee?’ She wasn’t sure where this was going, or even if she was quite ready for the next step, but what she did know was that she didn’t want this night to end just yet. Going in to her flat on her own seemed suddenly a lonely prospect, even with Alfie at her side.

  ‘I’d have loved to, but I really do have a crazily early start and I think it might be better if I get away now.’

  She felt a dart of disappointment. Had she been reading this wrong? Perhaps the knowledge of Luke and her past was scaring him off. But this evening, the winter seaside picnic, was one of the most romantic things anyone had done for her, even considering the many things Luke had done.