Page 44 of The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop

‘He’s a bit stressed with it all too. The captaincy has a lot more to it than he’d imagined. Says he’d never have time or the energy to fit in an affair. But yes, he’s going to try and not take on so much from now on. We’re actually going out to the pub for supper tonight.’

‘Thank heavens. I don’t think I could have coped if you two weren’t right.’

‘Well, hun, let’s get this show on the road. The courtyard café is about to open. We’re keeping poor Stan and Hilda waiting!’

The kitchen was full of fresh baking. This morning, after her serenade, as well as setting out the final touches in the courtyard, Emma had made a batch of fresh brownies, croissants and some choc-chip shortbread. Maureen had delivered two fresh chocolate fudge cakes too. She and Bev would manage fine, she reassured herself.

She gave Bev the keys to open up, gathered her nerve in the kitchen with a deep breath, and then headed out to see Stan and Hilda. They were standing by the counter with a gorgeous bouquet.

‘Oh!’

‘These are for you and to wish The Chocolate Shop every success with its new venture.’

‘Thank you so much. They are just beautiful. I don’t know quite what to say, it’s such a surprise.’

‘Well, pet, you’ve always made us so welcome. It’s our favourite spot in the village, isn’t it, Hilda? Come rain or shine you’re always here ready with a smile and a kind word.’

Emma had tears in her eyes. ‘Oh, that’s so sweet, but don’t say any more or my mascara will be running.’

‘Hold on. Stay just like that the three of you. With the bouquet in the middle. Perfect.’ Bev took a snap on her mobile phone. ‘I’ll put this on the shop’s Facebook page if you all don’t mind.’ She liked keeping that up to date for Emma, who had enough to do as it was. ‘It’ll be a great picture to celebrate the courtyard opening and help spread the word.’

‘So, would you like to sit outside or in this morning?’ Em asked.

‘Well, I think we’ll have to try outside.’

‘It’s nice and sheltered there.’

‘Sounds lovely.’

‘And as you are the courtyard café’s very first customers, it’ll be on the house.’

‘Oh, no need for that, pet,’ Hilda said.

‘It’d be my pleasure, honestly. I won’t take no for an answer.’

‘Well, thank you, Emma.’

The bouquet of flowers took pride of place on the countertop as soon as Emma had put them in a vase. Her first customers were very happily ensconced outside at the wrought-iron table that was still in the shade, not wanting too much direct sun, Hilda had said. The pair of them sat with their newspapers spread out, and a pot of tea, along with a large slice of chocolate cake to share and two shortbreads.

‘This is the life.’ Stan grinned at Emma and gave a big thumbs-up as she stood on the back step of the cottage taking in the scenic image, just as a chap and his dog appeared through the back gate.

Several people came in through the morning, sitting both in and out. The orders flowed and Emma and Bev coped really well. It was only at around two, when a flurry of café clients appeared at once (with it being half-term week there were several families about) just as a gentleman came in who wanted a large bespoke box of chocolates made up, that a queue formed for orders. Em asked them to take a seat, mentioning the courtyard space too, and said she and Bev would be around to see them all shortly. A deep breath, a calm head and her usual kitchen routine served her well. They were all catered for within the half hour and, much to Emma’s relief, seemed pretty content.

Wow, the day had passed in a whirl. Emma knew she was certainly going to have her hands full during the high summer season, but it would be so worthwhile to see the shop flourishing and her rent being paid, with perhaps even a little left to save. It had been lovely seeing locals and holidaymakers alike sitting inside and outside today, enjoying The Chocolate Shop café as a welcoming cosy space, just as it was meant to be. Just as she’d dreamed.

Bev had left just a few minutes before with a big hug and a massive thank you from Emma. They worked so well as a team, even during that manic mid-afternoon phase. Em was so grateful. She now felt like wallowing in a deep, hot bubbly bath, but there was a spaniel waiting patiently upstairs, ready for his evening exercise. She went up, gave him an affectionate pat, and reached for his lead.

‘Come on then, Alfie. You know what this means.’

He wasted no time, leaping out of his basket and straight down the stairs after her. There were still several people milling about in the village. She said a few ‘hellos’ as they walked down the hill and gave Sheila a wave as they passed the grocer’s shop which was still open, making the most of the summer trade.

At the beach, Emma let Alfie off the lead and he ran about contentedly. She’d thought to bring a ball as she wasn’t sure how far her tired feet would want to take her and Alfie never seemed get worn out. Even better if she launched it into the foaming waves and he could swim after it. A couple were strolling the sands and it made her think of her and Max meeting here that very first time and the many times they had walked here since. She hoped they could work this present glitch out. It was probably just life getting in the way. And she thought of Luke and Nathan, and how life could change in an instant. She felt Luke would have been proud of her achievements today and everything so far with her Chocolate Shop.

It was time to head back, Alfie had had his fresh air and runabout, and it had helped her zone out from her working environment. The bath tub was calling, followed by an easy supper and, remembering her new supply in the shop’s kitchen, a wonderful tub of local ice cream. Hmm, now would it be Utter Chocolate or the Rum Truffle? Decisions, decisions.

23

For every step forward, there always seemed to be one back again.