Page 13 of The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop

‘Soz, I got a bit carried away with the idea. But the good news is that everyone thinks it sounds like a brilliant idea, so surely that bodes well for the business angle? And all the girls will bring along a bottle of prosecco so all you need to provide is …’

‘The chocolates. Yes, I guessed that. And the venue, of course.’

‘Naturally. So, it’s okay then? You’ll do it?’

‘I don’t suppose I have much of a choice now, do I? But yes, of course. It’s what we’d talked about anyhow.’

‘Great stuff. I could really do with a girlie night. It’s been ages since we had a proper get-together. So, when shall we set the date for?’

‘Hah, I thought you’d have already planned that too.’

‘Well, no, not quite. Though next Friday might just have been mooted.’

‘I knew it. You are incorrigible.’

‘Well, I had to get an idea of who might have which night free. We can all do that one.’

‘And what about me? I might have a night of passion lined up or something.’

‘Ah …’

‘Just because I’ve been out of action for seven years. Remember that things have changed a little now.’

‘Ooh yes, the delectable Max. How is he?’

‘Good, thanks. But as usual, he won’t be around until the Saturday, as far as I know. So yes, okay, my arms have been twisted so much they’re nearly broken, but yes, let’s go for it. Next Friday it is. Who’s invited so far?’

‘Holly’s coming and is bringing a friend. Then there’s Jo and Ali in our little gang, and I may have mentioned it to the practice nurse. She started a couple of months ago and is a hoot. Maybe you could ask your sister-in-law Chloe? And see if she wants to bring a friend?’

‘Yeah, I’m sure she’d love a night out. Then I could ask Sheila from the grocer’s – she is a bit of a gossip but her heart’s in the right place – and her daughter, Laura, who’s on Reception at the hotel. They are both good fun and if it goes well they are sure to spread the word about the prosecco parties once we get the licence sorted.’

‘Hmm, good thinking.’

‘So, that’d be about ten of us. A good number, bearing in mind the size of the shop. We’ll stick with that, give it a try and see how it goes. In fact, shall we go the whole hog and do a chocolate truffle-making session too?’

‘Ooh yes, absolutely. Can you show me how to make those gorgeous Eton Mess ones, you know, with the meringue pieces? Though it’ll probably just end up a mess with me involved.’

‘Yes, no worries. You’ll be fine, I’m sure, and then I’ll think of a couple of others – the Baileys ones are always good, and maybe chocolate-dipped strawberries.’

‘Scrummy bliss. I can’t wait.’

8

Before Emma could catch a breath, it was the eve of the planned prosecco party. She was in the shop serving a lady who was choosing chocolates for a wedding anniversary gift box when the doorbell chimed and she glanced up. She felt her body go cold. There were prickles in the back of her neck. She couldn’t believe her eyes … Luke?

But it could never be. This guy, though, he looked so like Luke it was unnerving. He was grinning at her and gave a small wave, realising that she was in the middle of serving a customer. Which was more than Emma realised at that moment in time. OMG – was it Nathan?

‘Did you say there were some fruit flavours? Excuse me …?’

‘Oh, I’m so sorry.’ Emma had stopped still and was just staring at the newcomer. ‘Yes, of course,’ she rallied, ‘there’s a lemon and blueberry, raspberry ripple, Eton Mess with strawberries and meringue pieces. All equally scrumptious.’

‘Ooh, I’m sure they will be, they sound delightful. One of each, then.’

Emma placed them in dainty paper cases before adding them to the gift box. ‘Just two more would make up your twelve.’

‘Any other suggestions?’ The woman smiled.

‘Well, the sea-salted caramels are always popular, and the Irish Cream truffles are a personal favourite.’