And then Luke was there in her head … that balmy night when they had made love in the garden of his flat under a canopy of stars, when they thought they had forever and the world was still so sweet.
A tumble of emotions was building within as Max leant across the vehicle and took her in his arms.
‘Another time maybe?’ he said with a gentle smile, his stubble catching her cheek, gently abrasive, as he moved in to kiss her. His kiss wasn’t saying that he was uncertain, or desperate to leave. She felt herself gradually melt into it, as she told her brain to shut up, set aside those thoughts of Luke, and be in the here and now.
As she pulled away, she spoke. ‘Thank you for this evening, Max. It was really special. I loved it.’
‘You’re welcome,’ he said, with a smile to make her heart sing.
She got out of the truck, let Alfie out from the back, and the pair of them stood watching from outside the front door of the shop as the vehicle moved off, Max giving them a final wave out of the open window and a toot of the horn. The wave of emotions that hit her was so powerful, she found herself sobbing right there out on the pavement.
‘Come on, Alfie,’ she sniffed, as he gave a little whimper beside her. ‘Time to go home.’
34
‘Okay, so what’s going on? I’ve been trying to ring you, to see if you need any help with the coffee shop this week. Couldn’t get hold of you at all last night, I tried to ring you at home on the landline and nothing, and your mobile went straight to answerphone.’
‘Hi, Bev. I’m allowed to have a social life, aren’t I? Isn’t that what you’ve been nagging about for years? I was out. And, anyhow, my mobile doesn’t get signal down on the beach.’
‘What the heck were you doing down on the beach? It was after dark when I tried … Okay, what are you hiding from me?’
‘Nothing.’
‘Are you okay, Em? Come on, what are you doing taking Alfie down on the beach after dark? If there are things on your mind, you know you can always talk to me.’
‘I know, and thank you.’
‘You never know who you might meet down there on the beach at night.’ Bev was still concerned.
Emma gave a smirk, remembering her romantic picnic. Then replied cheekily, ‘What, like a couple of seagulls and a cormorant? This is Northumberland.’
‘Stop being sarcastic. I can’t help worrying about you.’
Emma started giggling then. She might as well put her friend out of her misery and share a little of what was going on in her life. ‘I was actually with someone on the beach.’
‘You were? It so has to be Max.’
‘Uhuh.’
‘See, for all your complaining, I knew it was right to get in touch with him. And?’
‘I like him. We’re getting on quite well. He’d made a picnic supper.’
‘It’s almost winter! Is he mad?’
‘Possibly,’ Emma smiled. ‘But it was really nice … Oh, bloody hell, Bev, I’m scared.’ Em was only now realising what that strange mix of emotions had been driven by last night.
‘He wasn’t a bit creepy, was he? A stalker type?’
‘Noo, not that – I’m scared that I might like him too much. Scared of what might happen next, scared of what Luke might think.’
‘Oh Em, if somehow Luke can see, hear, be around you, would he really want to see you unhappy and on your own?’
‘I’m not unhappy. I’ve just been getting on with things. Focusing on the chocolate shop.’ Emma became defensive.
‘You’ve been so busy, yes, but have you really been thinking about yourself? Your needs?’
‘I’m fine.’
‘Em, maybe it’s time for things to change a bit. Maybe this guy is the start of something new.’
‘Possibly.’
‘Did he stay over?’
‘Hah – nosy, or what?’
‘Just asking.’
‘No.’
‘Ah.’
‘It’s still early days – and I really don’t feel ready to take that next step just yet.’ Though she knew she was damned close last night.
‘Well, make sure you get some condoms, just in case.’
‘Be-ev.’
‘Better safe than sorry. Forearmed is forewarned and all that.’
‘Blimey, you’re sounding like my mother.’
But maybe her friend was right. Hah, she could just imagine the gossip if she went into the village stores for a white loaf, Lurpak, a half-dozen eggs – and a packet of condoms. She’d maybe have to take a trip to the larger supermarket in Alnwick.
But how would it feel with someone else after all this time? How would it feel to be with someone other than Luke? Physically, mentally, might it feel like a betrayal? Or just different?
‘It’s been seven years, Em.’ Bev’s voice was gentle but firm down the line, as though she’d been reading her thoughts. ‘I never met Luke, but he sounds like he was a great guy, not someone who’d selfishly never want you to move on.’
Emma sighed softly. ‘I know.’
‘Right, so when are we going to meet up?’ Bev’s tone was cheery. ‘Then you can fill me in on all the detail.’
‘Hah, perhaps.’ There were some details she was definitely going to keep to herself. ‘Pop in for a coffee later. I’m just about to open up shop as per usual.’
‘Yes, of course. I’m off to work too. So, shall I call by on my way home, say threeish?’
‘Great, see you then. You might even get a square of brownie.’
‘Yes, well, I hope it all goes really great today for The Chocolate Shop, and I can help for a few hours tomorrow if you need. I enjoyed it yesterday.’
‘Brilliant. That might give me the chance to get on with making the chocolate canapés I’m planning for the launch night.’
‘Oh my, they sound scrummy. Maybe this coffee shop idea isn’t so good after all – my waistline will be expanding by the day.’
‘Hah – see you later.’
‘Look forward to it. Bye.’
It was Wednesday afternoon, and Bev had come in to help. They’d put the world to rights and had a good natter the day before – well, for all of fifteen minutes until Emma had to serve another customer.
There had been a friendly flow of customers so far today, both old and new, taking a look, and stopping for a cup of something and a chocolate treat or two. When it became quieter, at around three thirty, Bev said she was happy to mind the shop if Emma needed a chance to get on with things in the kitchen. The two of them had been chatting about ideas for the launch night on Friday, when Emma had invited the local press along, a couple of local councillors, her landlord (she felt she had to and it might keep him sweet), as well as all her friends, family, and the village community, so she needed to make everything look and taste extra special.
Em was in the kitchen deciding which moulds and flavours to use. Some of her harbour-themed chocs might go down well – she had anchor and boat-shaped moulds and puffin shapes for chocolate lollipops to keep the seaside feel, and she’d also make a selection of ‘getting-in-the-mood-for-Christmas’ goodies including her classic Christmas-pudding truffles, mini white chocolate snowmen, with Santas and reindeers in both dark and milk (Lucy and Olivia would love those). Then she’d have some whisky, brandy, and pink champagne truffles and some melt-in-the-mouth pralines too. That would give a lovely, varied selection and with flutes of bubbly – she could stretch to Prosecco, not quite champagne – it should look rather special.
She made a start on the mini snowmen and the white-choc brandy truffles, pouring white chocolate callets to temper in the machine. She then went upstairs to dig out the Christmas decorations to try for her launch-night window display.
She popped down to check on the shop after fifteen minutes of wrestling with reindeers, tinsel, and baubles, and found Bev happily serving a middle-aged gentleman with a small cafetière of coffee. She’d remembered to put the mini brownie on the side, bless her. Bev made a thumbs-
up sign, and Emma headed back to the kitchen to start pouring the white chocolate into the snowmen moulds. She’d already painted a little line of food colouring in each individual mould to make a red scarf for them all.
The afternoon whizzed by as she made the brandy truffle centres ready to cover in white chocolate. It was great getting a step ahead for Friday.
The shop’s telephone went. It was carpenter Ron, who’d thankfully made a full recovery and offered to come in that evening after closing to move the refrigerated counter back as originally planned to make some more room in the café area. Excellent news!
They tidied up and were finished by five, Bev saying she’d pop across a bit earlier to help prepare for the launch on Friday.
Emma had just made herself a very welcome cup of tea. She’d been on her feet nearly all day and had just let Alfie out into the yard, so she needed a few minutes to sit on the sofa before it was all go again. Her phone went.
‘Hey, been a busy day, Em?’ Max.
‘Yeah, all go.’ She stifled a yawn. ‘Sorry, I’m just shattered.’
‘Yeah, I bet, you haven’t stopped in days.’
‘Not really, no.’
‘Well, keep smiling, and have a good couple of days.’
It was lovely hearing Max’s voice. It seemed to melt away the tensions of the day.
‘Looking forward to seeing you on Friday for the launch,’ he continued ‘And if there’s anything I can do, or bring along to help, just shout.’
‘Will do. I might actually need a bit of help serving the Prosecco, so you could be my waiter.’
‘I can make a very suave waiter, no worries. Anyway, I’m famished, been a hectic day here too. I’d better get away and get myself a takeout. Sweet and sour is calling my name.’
She smiled. ‘Sounds like we’re both under pressure.’
‘Yeah, a bit. There’s always something happening in the building trade, to be fair. Joys of running your own business too.’
‘Yep. Well, I’m going for some cheese and crackers now, and I’d better take Alfie out for a walk before Ron gets here. He’s coming to move the counter back. And then I’m going to have a long soak in the bath. I’ve still got two chairs left to paint tomorrow.’
‘Hmm, that’s sounds good.’
‘What? Painting? It isn’t that exciting.’
‘No, the thought of you … in a hot bath.’
She felt the heat rise up her neck, as an image of him and her in a hot bath flashed up unbidden.
‘Yeah, well …’ she virtually squeaked.
‘It’ll all be worth it in the end,’ he added in a normal tone. ‘See you, Friday.’
‘Okay.’
‘Have a good week. Miss you.’ His final words were warm and sweet and sounded like they were meant.
‘You too,’ she answered. ‘Max … on Friday … would you like to stay?’
There was a silent pause down the line, while he registered her words.
‘Right … great.’
There, it was said now, no chance of backing out or coming up with a million reasons why not. They both knew where this was heading.
Ron turned up soon after the phone call, which helped stop Emma’s head spinning. He’d brought his son along to get the job done quicker and Emma had already emptied out the refrigerated counter.
She left them to it, using the time to make some more brownies. They called her back through three-quarters of an hour later and shifting the counter back had really opened out the space.
Lovely Maureen appeared to see how they were getting on, bringing yet another chocolate cake. It looked gorgeous, with thick chocolate frosting. Emma thanked her and asked if she might be interested in a regular baking order, on a paid-for basis, providing at least two chocolate cakes per week. Maureen seemed thrilled her cake was so popular and said she was more than happy to do so. Result!
Ron mentioned he’d had an idea for some shelving for the side wall of the café – somewhere to put small bags of treats to catch the customers’ eyeline.
‘I have just the thing in mind, lassie. Can you trust me on it?’ He had a glint in his eye, as he spoke. He began measuring up the space. ‘I’ll make it up in my workshop tomorrow and have it with you ready to pop on the wall tomorrow evening. I’ll be in around five-thirty, if that’s okay, after you’ve closed. Save all the hammering and dust annoying your customers.’
‘It sounds interesting.’ Emma was curious.
Thursday whizzed by; she was hectic manning the shop and café single-handedly, as well as trying to get a step ahead with her chocolate canapé creations for tomorrow’s launch. She’d definitely need to take Bev up on her offer of regular help if it carried on being this busy. At least she’d have Holly back on Saturday, but she’d still have to be careful with extra wages for now.
Emma put the shop sign to closed and popped upstairs to collect the Christmas decorations ready to design her window displays. She heard a knocking at the shop door as she came down the stairs with armfuls of decorations. She put them down on a table top and went to open it to find Ron there bearing a large grin and a small upturned boat, or so it seemed. He carried it in and turned it around. The mini hull was painted with blue and white bold stripes. It was the most amazing shelf-rack shaped like a boat, with four shelves inside ready to load with fudge bags, chocolate lollipops and more. Just perfect for a harbour-village chocolate shop, and for her launch.
‘Thank you so much, Ron. I love it!’ Emma had tears in her eyes as she spoke.
‘Well, I felt awful letting you down like that at the weekend, lass. Least I could was make you something a little bit special for your shelves. Anyway, I enjoyed it. And if people like it and ask, let them know I can make more, in different sizes too. See, you’re actually doing me a favour having it on display here.’
‘Well, all I know is that it will look fabulous with my chocolates and fudge in.’
‘Glad to be of service.’ He gave a mock bow. ‘Nautical but nice,’ he added with a cheeky wink.
‘Well, let me settle up with you for all the work you did last night as well as this wonderful shelf creation.’
Ron named his price which seemed extremely reasonable. She was very proud to be able to pay him out of her takings for this week and she even had some spare to put towards the bubbly for tomorrow night, though she’d have to delve into her loan to make sure there was plenty for everyone to have at least a glass or two. She wasn’t quite sure how many were actually coming. She’d asked several people and put invitations up on the village noticeboard, in the shop, and at The Fisherman's Arms. There was also an article with a photo of her in the new coffee shop area going into the Gazette today.
‘Now, make sure you and Maureen pop along tomorrow night for the launch.’
‘Will do.’
‘And your son too; does he have a girlfriend? The more the merrier.’ Emma smiled. She just wanted to thank everyone who had helped, and hopefully spread the word about her venue too.
‘I’ll certainly mention it to him.’
She suddenly wondered how exactly she was going to fit everyone into the little shop – there could be up to forty people, maybe more. Ah well, if it was dry weather, they could spill out into the back courtyard or the pavement out front. It would all work out somehow.
After Ron had gone, Emma began creating her window display. She loved doing this – marking the seasons with her chocolate themes, hoping it might just catch the eye of a passer-by to draw them in. She set her iPhone to her cheesiest Christmas tracks and soon found herself humming along to George Michael’s ‘Last Christmas’.
At the base of each window she created a bed of fake snow, then she began hanging wooden-painted stars and silver baubles so they dangled halfway down the windows, along with some of her handmade chocolate stars, which had a dusting of sparkly sugar sprinkles on.
A face appeared on the other side of the glass, which made Emma jump out of her skin. When she focussed, she reali
sed it was Holly, standing there laughing.
Em went to the door. ‘Jeez, Holly. You frightened the life out of me. What are you doing here?’
‘Well, you said you were going to do the Christmas window displays tonight and I love doing all that stuff, so I thought I’d come along to help!’
‘Aw, thanks. Come on in, then.’ With that Em turned the music up a notch, and handed Holly some baubles and stars to help dress the other window.
In one window, they set out an old red wooden toy train that had been James’s when he was little and filled all the carriages with colourful bags of truffles, fudge, and mini Christmas-pudding chocolates. In the second window, they stood a row of mini Christmas trees alongside a selection of chocolate figures, including a Father Christmas, chocolate reindeer, and snowmen. It was like a festive chocoholic forest.
‘Brilliant. I love it,’ said Holly as the two of them looked down the back of the window seats, admiring their work.
‘Hang on, I’ll go outside and check.’ Emma stood outside, then motioned for Holly to move a couple of the mini trees, and then gave a grin and a thumbs-up sign.
When she came back in, Em found two red Christmas stockings with appliqué stars on that would look nice pinned to the counter front at each side of Chloe’s bunting. All they needed to do now was to string up the white, twinkly fairy lights along the shelving at the back of the counter area and they’d be all set.
‘It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas,’ chanted Holly, as Emma switched the pretty white lights on.
Suddenly, Mariah Carey came blasting out from the iPhone, and the pair of them began dancing around the shop together. As they sang ‘All I want for Christmas is you’ at the tops of their voices, they pointed at all the chocolates, giggling.
‘Can’t wait for Christmas now,’ Holly grinned.
‘Me too. Love this time of year.’ And she really did, despite the painful memories it sometimes brought back.
The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop Page 21