Page 28 of The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop

‘Do you know what,’ Em continued, the ideas flowing like melted chocolate now, ‘I think I’ll make a brand-new menu for the summer, with more emphasis on milkshakes, chocolate ice creams with fudge sticks in, choc-dipped waffles, oh yes and old-fashioned ice-cream sundaes too.’

‘I think I’ve died and gone to heaven!’ Bev said, then did an oh-shite-I’ve-put-my-foot-in-it-again face. ‘Soz.’

‘It’s all right. It’s just a saying. Anyway, we could source the ice cream from the local dairy to start. Their stuff is totally delicious, and we’ll be helping another local business. So, we all win.’

‘And the customers too. Summer chocolate bliss. Let me help you design the new menu, yes?’

‘Of course.’

‘So, how else can I help?’ Bev offered.

Em loved that her friend was so keen to get on board with her new plans. It showed how much she cared for The Chocolate Shop too.

‘Well, it shouldn’t be too difficult to get up and running. The main thing will be finding some good second-hand furniture for the courtyard. If you can put the word out locally, that’d be great.’

‘I certainly will.’

With that, another customer came in, Bev took the order, and Emma was back out to the kitchen again, with a cheery ‘No rest for the wicked, then,’ launched over her shoulder.

14

May sunshine streamed through the upstairs lounge window. She’d take Alfie out for his walk on the beach shortly, and then head back to make some more chocolate supplies before Max arrived. But what Emma really needed to do first, after a hectic Saturday in the shop, was to collapse on the sofa with a very large mug of tea. The summer season was already ramping up and she’d hardly had chance to breathe today. She couldn’t wait to get the courtyard area organised and open to make the most of the increasing visitor numbers. But first the kettle was calling …

She had just plumped herself down on the sofa when there was a knock at the back door. Max wasn’t due for another couple of hours, what with the long journey back from Leeds. Curious, yet irked at having to move so soon, Emma headed off down the stairs.

‘Only me.’ Nate was stood there, with a small rucksack in his hand, and what looked like a towel sticking out from it.

She hadn’t seen him for a while and had wondered if he might have left the village and set off on some new travels.

‘You know that offer of a shower? Can I take you up on it? There’s only so much you can do with a basin of water in a confined space. And my hair’s got all salty with the surfing.’

‘Yes, of course. Do you want a coffee or anything while you’re here?’

‘Yep, why not. A strong coffee would be great, ta.’

‘Come on up to the flat. I’ll show you to the bathroom, and then I’ll put the kettle on.’

‘Can I shower first? Can’t wait to get into some fresh clothes and feel properly clean again.’

‘Course. No worries.’ As they reached the landing, Alfie came bouncing out to greet the newcomer.

‘Howdy, mate. Cute dog.’ He gave Alfie a good old head rub. ‘Hah, our labrador, Barney, nearly bowled me over when I got home from my travels. You remember him, don’t ya?’

‘Yes, I saw him just a few months ago when I met up with your mum and dad. He’s still very affectionate, just got a bit slower.’

‘Hah, and a bit fatter. But crikey, he turned back into a big excited puppy when he saw me.’

‘Aw, he must have missed you.’

‘Yeah.’

‘Right, well here’s the bathroom. Go ahead. The water should be nice and hot. Take as long as you like.’

‘Great. Cheers, Em.’

She headed to the flat’s kitchen to put the kettle back on, then spotted the empty milk carton on the side that she’d just used up. Ah, not even a little drop left. And she knew the shop kitchen was out too, as there had been a busy spell just before closing with an order of three milkshakes – she’d only just had enough. She had intended calling Max and getting him to pick up some on his way and had forgotten. She glanced at her watch – five to six. It was the summer months, so Sheila should still be open now. If she quickly nipped down the street, she’d be in time.

‘Nate, I’m just fetching some milk,’ she called out. ‘I’ll be about five minutes. Okay?’