Page 70 of The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop

‘So, what can I get you ladies?’ Bev was in full swing and obviously enjoying herself behind the counter. ‘This is so much more fun than the doctors’ surgery,’ she added for Em’s benefit.

Holly picked up the menu from the counter and passed it to the girls.

‘Oh, I’d like the hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream, please,’ Jessica said.

‘A chocolate milkshake for me.’

‘Hot choc with all the trimmings for me, too.’

‘Do you do any other flavour milkshakes?’

‘I can do banana or strawberry,’ Emma offered. (She’d bought some different syrups just in case, but of course chocolate would be the best.)

‘Banana then, please.’

It was the first hot chocolates for the café that Emma had had the chance to make and she went to town, filling the clear glass mugs with plenty of swirly cream and mini marshmallows on the top. She even popped in a chocolate-flake stick for good measure. She took these out before they melted too much, pausing by the counter for Bev to add a mini brownie on the side of each. Then she headed back to the kitchen to whizz up, first the chocolate, then the banana milkshakes in her blender, served with a dash of cream and chocolate sauce swirled on top for good measure.

‘These look a-maz-ing,’ Holly said as she passed them to her friends.

‘Better than the milkshake bar in the town,’ added her friend, Lily.

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.