Page 58 of The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop

‘Gran’s fine. I’d like that.’

Aw.

‘And once you’re up and running,’ Gran continued, ‘I host a little coffee club for the elderly over at Seahouses every Wednesday and Saturday morning – the Golden Oldies – I think I mentioned it last time. We might just bring a minibus across for a change of scenery, and have a little outing to your new café. Make a nice change.’

‘That sounds wonderful, and if you come along, the coffee and cake will be on the house, as a thank you for helping with the sewing.’

‘Now there’s no need for that, Emma. I’ll be doing it freely.’

‘I know, but I’d really like to.’

‘Well in that case, that’d be lovely.’

It was all starting to feel very real to Emma and a bit daunting, but with lovely people like this around her and offers of help coming in, she felt bolstered by the support.

‘Next weekend? It’s all going to happen next weekend. Are you mad? How’s it all going to work?’ Bev had called in for a coffee mid-week and was perched on a stool in the shop kitchen surrounded by moulds, chocolate callets, melting-middle sponges (Emma was experimenting with her chocolate-inspired baking), facing an animated Emma.

‘It’s not as bad as it sounds, I’m pretty organised. I’m closing the shop for the Saturday and Sunday when all the work’s going to be done. I have a joiner all primed to arrive at eight o’clock sharp, Saturday morning. He’ll be making the two new window seats. I already have some fabulous second-hand furniture – I went to a great auction in Alnwick, found just what I needed.’ Emma finally paused to take a breath.

‘Well, you have been busy.’

Emma nodded, smiling. ‘It’s going to make such a difference.’

‘Yes, I think it will. What colour scheme are you thinking?’

‘Red, cream and grey. Nice warm colours for the autumn and winter. A cosy chocolate feel. I even have James’s Chloe making me red-and-cream tartan cushions for the window seats.’

‘Brilliant. Well, if I can help at all, give me shout. We haven’t got any major plans over the weekend. And if you need anything bulkier moving I’m sure Pete will help out too.’

‘Thank you. It’s all happened so quickly. And yes, some help would be great. I’ll need to move out a lot of my chocolates and stock so they don’t get spoilt with all the work going on. It’s all kind of snowballed, so here we are.’ Em took a sip of coffee.

‘No more news from Max, then?’

‘No – and I’m not expecting any.’ Emma’s tone was sharp. She had phoned Bev last week, going over the saga of her so-called romantic date followed by the furious girlfriend’s visit, and then Max turning up at her door and the end result.

‘Oh yes, that two-timing toerag who took you out for a lovely dinner, bought you flowers, said it was all over with his ex. But Emma, you haven’t really let him explain fully his side of the story.’

‘Oh, come on, give me a break, Bev. It’s pretty damn obvious. And, even if he has finished it, if she’s still hanging around it isn’t really over, is it? No, I don’t need to be involved in anybody else’s dodgy relationships. I’m better off out of there.’

‘Hmm,’ was all Bev answered.

Why was she taking sides anyhow, she hadn’t even met the guy? ‘I thought you’d be on my side,’ said a disgruntled Emma.

‘I am, always, and don’t you forget it.’

They both knew enough had been said on that particular situation.

‘Anyway, whatever you need us to do to help with the changes here, just shout. We’re here to help.’

‘Thank you.’

29

Friday, it was all hands on deck.

All the chocolate supplies needed to be moved out of the shop after the close of business to be stored safely over the weekend whilst the work was being done.

Emma was carrying a cardboard box of truffles out to Bev’s car – her friend was helping with storage over the weekend – when her mobile buzzed in her pocket.