Page 18 of The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop

‘Darn.’

‘Spoilsport.’

‘Going to have to test a little on my fingertip then, if that’s the case,’ said Laura.

‘Don’t panic, folks, you can have the chocolate strawberries you made earlier while you wait,’ added Em.

‘And I suppose another glass of prosecco might help,’ Bev said, grinning. There were still plenty of supplies, after all, as everyone who had come along had brought a bottle.

‘Come on, then, let’s have a brainstorm while you’re all here. I’m always looking for new ideas for flavours for the shop; any suggestions for some new chocolates?’ Emma was keen to hear their thoughts. ‘And I promise I’ll make the best suggestions a reality.’

‘Ooh, now then …’

‘Gin and Tonic.’ Jo started the ball rolling.

‘Toffee vodka.’

‘Whisky and orange,’ added Chloe’s friend, Hannah.

‘Hah, they don’t have to all be alcoholic, mind. But what else can I expect with you lot!’

‘Ginger beer,’ came from Holly.

They all pulled a face.

‘What? I love ginger beer.’

‘Porn star martini,’ called out Bev.

‘Sex on the beach.’ Ali.

‘Now we’re talking,’ Jo rallied. ‘What’s that other one? Long slow screw up against the—’

‘Okay, enough, enough. I think we’ll stop the brainstorming now. You lot have one-track minds. I’d have to have an adult section in the shop with a black curtain over it at this rate.’

‘Ha ha, yes, an obscured section in the refrigerated counter for X-rated chocolates. Hilarious! How can I help you, madam?’ Bev winked.

‘We could have chocolate willies,’ Holly joined in. ‘We had them at Ellen’s hen do. They were brilliant.’

‘Oh, just imagine handling those.’ Jess pulled a face. ‘Were they life-sized?’

‘Nooo!’

‘We are not that kind of an establishment.’ Emma tried to keep a snooty voice going but ended up in a fit of the giggles. She should have realised a brainstorming session with her girlfriends after several bottles of prosecco may not have been the best idea.

The group chatted on about love, life and the latest village gossip, and it was soon time to do the next stage of the truffle-making. There was white and milk chocolate to coat, once the truffle centres had been rolled into little balls. This was the messy bit, and the girls had a hoot at this stage. There was much licking of fingers by the end.

‘Mine look like little turds.’ Jess wrinkled her nose at the end results laid out on her plate.

‘How come all my decorating chocolate has slid off the outside?’ frowned Sheila.

‘The chocolate was probably a little too warm. Were you handling the bowl a lot?’

‘Hmm, maybe.’

‘Ah.’

‘Well, look at these little beauties.’ Bev was beaming.