Page 33 of The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop

‘He’s fine. Just seen him at the weekend.’

‘That’s good. I used to worry about you there in that shop on your own for all those years. A young girl like you.’

‘Oh, I was okay. But yes, it’s nice having some company now.’

‘I hope it’s a bit more than that.’ The old lady gave a cheeky wink.

Emma couldn’t help but smile, especially remembering Sunday morning.

They were ambling back down the pathway now, soon to turn into the main street.

‘I see you there in the shop, working so hard. You need a little fun in life too sometimes,’ Mrs C continued. ‘Life can be so short, Emma … but of course, you know that, pet.’ She gave Emma’s shoulder a pat. ‘Don’t hold back on the special things in life, that’s all I’m trying to say.’

‘I know … thanks.’

They were climbing the small hill up to the shop. ‘Just need a breather a mo, pet.’ Mrs C paused, her breathing a little laboured.

Emma guessed that she must be about eighty years old.

‘Always a bit of a bugger, this hill. Keeps me going, though. I’m not about to give up now.’ The old lady gave a wry smile that crinkled around her brown eyes.

‘Nearly there,’ Emma encouraged her, as they set off again. As they reached the door of the shop, Em opened it wide for Mrs C to go on through. ‘There now, get yourself a seat and I’ll fetch your tea. Do you fancy anything with it today?’

‘Hmm, I might. Have you got any of those delicious brownies left?’

‘Just made a new batch. There’s plain or chocolate- and-raspberry ones.’

‘Oh, I’ll try a raspberry – they sound scrumptious.’

‘Morning, Mrs C,’ Bev called from the counter.

‘Morning, Beverley. You okay, pet?’

‘Yes, great thanks.’ And they started to chat whilst Emma headed out to the kitchen to plate up the brownie, with some fresh raspberries for garnish, and make a pot of breakfast tea for one.

The old lady enjoyed her tea and her chat and a bit of a rest. Hilda and Stan came in too, so they shared a table. It was lovely to see the village community getting on so well. Her Chocolate Shop by the Sea was such a cosy hub at times.

17

In a quiet moment later that afternoon, when all the customers were served and happy, Emma chatted with Bev in the kitchen about her developing plans for the courtyard café. ‘I’ll need to get a move on mind, we are already mid-May now.’

‘You’ll manage. You can do anything you put your mind to, Em. I’ve seen you in action, remember. And I haven’t forgotten, I’ve started asking about for you for furniture already. It’s such a fab idea, I’m sure it’ll work out.’

Emma told her about the table she and Max had managed to get at a bargain price at the weekend. ‘So,’ she continued, ‘I just need to find three more sets and I’m ready for action.’

‘We could do a moonlight mission in the village and steal all the good ones from people’s back gardens,’ said Bev wryly.

‘Be-ev, you’re terrible!’

‘Only joking.’

‘Yes, and I’d end up being tracked down by PC Bob straight away.’

‘Hmm,’ was all her friend responded with.

‘What I need is to get some good second-hand ones, cheap. Mission Picnic Bench is about to begin!’

‘Hmm.’