Page 43 of The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop

She asked if Nate would mind helping her out with the table and chairs that were taking up most of her kitchen, so she’d have space to work once more, and after they’d done that, she told Nate to go on up and shower while she got on with some baking downstairs – she’d go and get ready herself later. The implication being very much after he’d gone. Leaving no room for any confusion.

22

The ice cream delivery arrived at 8.30 a.m. much to Emma’s relief. She already had a large fridge-freezer in the shop’s kitchen, so she hoped there’d be enough space in it. With a bit of clever stacking and juggling around, she managed to shut the freezer door on it all. If it proved popular, she might well invest in a further countertop freezer for all the individual pots. The flavours were delicious – she’d already tasted most of them, with it being her favourite local ice cream. The Utter Chocolate and Alnwick Rum Truffle were just the bee’s knees.

Her mobile rang just after nine. It was Max. ‘Hey.’

‘Hi, there.’ Em sounded chirpy, looking forward to the day ahead.

‘All going okay? Ready for the grand courtyard opening?’

‘Yes, thanks.’ She thought it wise to say nothing about her morning serenade. No point putting the cat out amongst the pigeons again. And she was certainly not going to say anything about her visitor showering there too.

She looked around her, the tables had their herb and fruit mini flowerpots on and she’d cleverly thought to paint a number on each so it would be easier to keep track of which table had ordered what. The tables themselves were totally revamped, all freshly painted and varnished, and the mix-and-match furniture worked well. Even her original put-you-up set for two sat quaintly in one corner. Her new clematis from Bev was planted next to a wooden trellis that Ron had helped secure against the stonework.

‘It looks good. I wish you could be here to see it.’

‘I know. About that, and the way things were this weekend … I’m sorry it’s all been so crazy lately. It will get better, honestly. I’m not always going to be working so far away.’

‘Yeah, and I need to make sure I get down to see you too,’ Emma conceded. ‘Even if it’s after work and we snatch an evening together at your house. It’ll save you always being the one to have to come up here.’ A little give-and-take might be just what they needed to help them move on. She could see things clearer today, the frustration of Saturday night having subsided.

‘Well, I hope it goes really well.’

‘Cheers, Max. Thanks for the call.’

‘Bye then. Chat later.’ It sounded like he was busy on site. There was a noise of drilling in the background.

‘Bye.’

It wasn’t long before a cheery face appeared at the gate.

‘Helloo! All ready to go, hun?’ Bev said.

‘As ready as I ever will be. I hope we can cope between us.’

‘Well, there is a queue like the Harrods sale snaking down the high street.’

‘Really?’ Em fell for it for a second.

‘Now come on, this is Warkton we are talking about. It’s not even ten o’clock – even the seagulls are still a bit dozy. But Stan and Hilda are waiting outside. I said I’d come around the back first and then let them in. No point keeping them waiting.’

‘No, absolutely not. It’s all set and ready here, so I’ll keep an eye out here as well as minding the kitchen and orders. If you can take the orders as usual out the front, that’d be great. I should be able to manage, but I’ll shout if I need you.’

‘No worries.’

‘Hey, how’s your mum, hun? Any better?’

‘Much the same. We went for the scan, and she’s just waiting on the results. There’ll be a follow-up appointment soon with the consultant.’

‘Send her my love and best of luck.’

‘Thanks.’

‘And Pete? Did you finally talk?’

‘Yeah, it’s all good.’ Bev smiled.

‘Phew.’