Page 23 of The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop

Alfie’s excited bark was the indicator that Max’s Jeep had finally pulled up outside. Em dashed through from the shop’s kitchen and opened the front door to save him having to do the usual after-hours walk around the back yard. He came to the door looking pale-faced and shattered.

‘Wow, what a day that was! Come here, you.’ He managed to smile, his arms opening.

They shared a hug and a slow, sweet kiss, right at the shop door.

A couple of teenage lads happened to be wandering by, who gave a wolf-whistle.

Emma and Max pulled away gently with a smile.

After a casual supper of pizza and garlic bread – the freezer having come up trumps – they sat in the upstairs lounge of the cottage flat above the shop. Em, comfortable with her legs curled up on the sofa, rested her head back against Max’s chest.

‘So, tell me all about this prosecco party, then.’

‘Yeah, it went off great. I thought the parties would need a bit of focus, so we made homemade truffles whilst enjoying the prosecco. And then there was time for chat and a bit of fun. The girls all loved it. I really think the party idea will work, once I get my licence completed. And, at least it’ll be another chocolate string to my bow.’

‘Exactly. It sounds good. What are you thinking of charging?’ Ever the business mind at work with Max.

‘Well, I’ve priced it out, and I was thinking, with say two glasses of prosecco included and all the chocolate-making ingredients, of charging £19.95 a head. That’s similar to a top-end afternoon tea, and quite fair as a glass of prosecco out is usually about six or seven pounds. If the group want to buy any extra bottles, I can charge that on top. It’ll keep the initial cost down per person but if a party are having fun, they can carry on with the bubbly that way.’

‘Yes, that seems sound. You’ll just need to keep an eye on your actual costs when you do the first few parties. You’ve got to make it worthwhile for the business too. You’ll be giving up a whole night of your time, remember.’

‘Yeah, I know, but I have to keep thinking of ways to improve the shop’s finances, especially with that bloody latest visit from Mr Neil.’

Max was stroking her hair gently as he spoke. ‘I hate to put a spanner in the works, but it may well be that your landlord has plans to sell the freehold on the shop, Em. There’s definitely something behind his month-on-month lease agreement.’

‘Yeah, so he can get out of it quickly, I know. But I’m just trying to pursue everything I can to make this business successful and to be the best chocolate shop along the Northumberland coast. That’s all I can do. There’s no way I’m going to give up now.’

‘That’s the spirit, Em. Good for you.’

‘Oh Max, if I think too much about the alternatives, the implications of maybe losing this place, it’d send me crazy.’

‘I know. But whatever your landlord is scheming is outside your control. Just keep focussing on what you can improve to make the business even better, and if The Chocolate Shop ever did have to move premises, at least your reputation and your business can move with you.’

‘Yeah, you’re right.’ But, even though his words made sense, the thought of ever having to leave this place, and maybe the village too, just broke her heart.

Later, as they sat, cosied up, watching some television, Emma realised Max’s breathing had slowed and looked up from his chest to see that he had fallen asleep. She got up carefully so as not to disturb him and went downstairs to let Alfie out the back yard, before locking up the back door for the night.

On her return, she gently shook Max’s shoulder. ‘Hey, sleepyhead. Time for bed.’

‘Wha—?’ He looked up, bleary-eyed and a bit startled.

‘You fell asleep in the middle of Poldark.’

‘Oh, right.’

They were soon settled in bed and within a minute he was off again, breathing heavily beside her. It was the first evening since he had started staying over of a weekend that they hadn’t made love. Emma sighed. He must be totally shattered, she reasoned. But still, she couldn’t help but feel disappointed. There was a time when he could hardly wait until he’d got inside the door to make love with her. And now this … Had things changed so much between them already?

The next morning, being a Sunday and a morning off, Emma and Max decided to take Alfie for a stroll along the coastal footpath to the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. As they walked, they could see the ancient landmark, rugged and dramatic, perched on a grassy rise up ahead.

The walking was easy and they meandered along the track on the bright April morning. They passed a family with a labrador, whom Alfie did his usual doggy meet and greet with – a sniff and circle manoeuvre – and some other ramblers who they said hello to.

It was lovely having a few hours together, holding hands as they strolled. There was a fresh sea breeze, but it was pleasant, invigorating. It was nice to get outside. Max seemed to have perked up a lot since last night. The colours of sky and sea, with the countryside rolling down to meet the rocks of the shore, were a bold mix of blues and greys and greens.

‘It’s beautiful here, isn’t it? I can see why you’ve fallen in love with this place Em,’ Max commented.

‘It has a wild, rugged beauty, doesn’t it? Still feels a little untamed. Just as it must have been years ago.’ They were nearing the castle ruins now. Em always found herself wondering what battles and adventures had gone on there in the past. It was quiet here now, bar the odd cry of a gull, the crash of waves on the rocks that fell steeply below.

‘I’m going to have to leave at lunchtime, Em. I’ll go when you open up the shop.’