Page 35 of The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop

‘Your carriage awaits, Madam.’ Em smiled as Bev opened the passenger door. She wanted to make sure Bev relaxed and had a nice time this evening. Troubles had a way of building, then all you could see was the downside. She hoped to God that Bev’s mum would be okay, and that Pete wasn’t up to anything sinister; in fact, she’d risk a bet on it, but she’d be there to support Bev whatever the case. That’s what friends were for. And Bev had been her crutch on many occasions in the past.

They drove through winding hawthorn-hedged country lanes, with the windows wound down and their hair flapping in the breeze, the radio on. Parking up at Low Newton-by-the-Sea, Em let Alfie out of the hatchback and they headed down the short hill to the beach. The view of the sands, dunes and sea stretched all the way to the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle on the horizon. As they reached the base of the hill, there was a cluster of quaint, white cottages set around a green by The Ship Inn.

They were soon strolling leisurely on the sands, Alfie in his element.

‘So, how are you feeling after our chat earlier?’

‘Ah, not bad. It’s nice to come out and do something different, to be honest.’

‘And how was your mum?’

‘So-so. Still no appointment come through. I think I’ll have to get on to them at the hospital, see if I can chase something up. It’s hard not knowing what we’re dealing with. Your mind plays all sorts of tricks on you. I can tell Mum’s worried too.’

‘She’s bound to be.’

They neared a rocky area and rounded the headland, then the golden sweep of Embleton bay was there before them.

‘Wow, I love this place. What a view,’ stated Bev.

The castle ruins stood rugged and moody on the far cliffs, the odd gull circling the sky above it.

‘Isn’t it just?’

They walked in amicable silence for a short while, Alfie at their heels.

Emma was still mulling over Bev’s relationship concerns. ‘About Pete? And I don’t believe it for a second, by the way, but has there been anything to make you suspicious? Or is it more about the amount of time he’s away?’

‘Well, he’s a bit distant lately, I suppose. I think we just take each other for granted after all these years. And with all the captaincy stuff going on … Oh, I don’t know! It might be nothing.’

‘No, it’s a real concern. Even if it is down to the golf, he’s got to know you’re finding it hard being on your own so much. That it’s affecting your relationship. Don’t let this drift, Bev. Promise me you’ll discuss it with him.’

‘Yes, okay. Blimey, you sound like bloody Oprah Winfrey.’

‘Hah – if only I could sort my own life out as well.’

Alfie found a big stick of sea kelp that Emma launched across the sands for him. He went bounding off after it like a shot.

‘And what about you, Em? What’s the latest with Nate? Is he staying on in the village now? I spotted him at the grocer’s just this morning.’

Em had already told her friend of the shower incident, and Max’s reaction.

‘Yeah, looks like he might be.’

‘Just be careful, Em.’

‘What do you mean?’ Em paused to look across at Bev.

‘Well, from what you’ve told me, he’s the kind of guy that comes and goes. He’s been travelling the world, moving on all the time. He’ll be off again before you know it.’

‘Well, yeah.’

‘Just don’t let yourself get too attached.’

‘He’s Luke’s brother, Bev. We’re just friends!’ Em pulled a face. Bev seemed to be going a bit over the top.

‘Yeah, I get that. But there will be a special link there too, with what you’ve both been through. Something only you two can understand … Just wouldn’t want to see you get hurt, that’s all. Don’t want us both in a bloody mess.’

‘O-kay,’ Em conceded. Of course she’d not get too involved. No doubt Nate’d be off again in a matter of days anyhow.