Page 53 of The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop

‘Okay, well, they’ve been to school today. Been making books on what they did at half-term. Your Chocolate Shop features prominently.’ They had in fact been in for their milkshakes, cookies and ice-creams in the courtyard – twice. ‘Honestly, it’s like having promo for you at the school. It’s soon sports day, and there’s lots of trips coming up for them. In only a few weeks it’ll be the end of term, so we’ll have the long summer holidays to fill. And they are already excited for that to say the least.’

‘Is that Auntie Emma?’ A high-pitched voice could now be heard in the background. ‘Can I talk to Auntie Emma, Daddy?’ ‘And meee,’ another voice piped up.

‘Hang on. They want to talk.’

‘That’s great. Put them on.’ And that was just the lift she needed, hearing all about their swimming lessons and the friend they each had coming for tea tomorrow when they were going to have pizza and ice cream as a special treat.

James came back on. ‘You really okay? It’s no bother to call around, you know.’

‘I know, but I feel a bit better already, just chatting. It’s not like it’s going to happen overnight, is it? It’s no good me moping about. I’ll just have to keep my head down, keep the business running as well as it can, and be prepared to keep my options open.’

‘That’s the attitude, Em. You take care of yourself, sis. And if there’s anything you need …’

‘Yes, I know where to come. And, thank you.’

A few minutes later there was a knock on the back door, which opened more or less at the same time.

‘Em?’ It was Bev’s voice. She’d had to take her mother to the specialist’s appointment so hadn’t been at work today, which was why Holly had filled in. ‘I heard about the bloody “For Sale” sign.’ News travelled fast in a small village. ‘You all right, hun?’

‘Been better.’

‘Yeah, I expect so.’

‘It’s funny how two little words can just go and wrench your heart out.’ Em sniffed. For Sale.

‘Oh, Em. Come here.’ With that, her best friend gave her a hug. ‘Can I make you a cup of tea? A stiff gin and tonic?’

‘That might be more like it, but I don’t have any.’

‘I could always pop back home and grab a bottle from the drinks cabinet.’

‘I think the way I feel right now, I’d just down it in one, so thanks but that’s maybe not such a good idea, Bev.’

‘Right, well, tea it is then.’ Bev headed over to the kettle. ‘Why don’t we go and sit outside. It’s still bright out there in the courtyard.’

She made their tea and they wandered out to the little wrought-iron table and chairs set Emma had hand-painted, full of hope and plans for the future, just those few weeks ago.

‘Well, it’s an absolute bastard,’ Bev uttered angrily. ‘All the work you’ve put in here. And now he’s selling it from beneath you. How are you feeling, hun? Or is that a silly question?’

‘Pretty shite.’

‘Yeah, I bet. I’m so sorry.’

‘Hey, it’s not your fault. And I can’t do much about it, can I?’

‘No, I suppose not. That horrid man owns the place after all. But maybe something good will come of it, Em.’ Bev was trying hard to find a bright side. ‘Maybe you can start looking for a place somewhere else?’

‘But where? There’s nothing like this in Warkton. And then what? In the next village, the one after that? Away from here, away from you lot?’

‘No! We couldn’t let that happen.’

‘I’ve spent so much time and effort getting this place just right, how I wanted it to be … the courtyard, the café. I just can’t imagine being anywhere else. And this village, this community, is my home.’

‘I know.’ Bev rested a hand on Em’s shoulder. ‘Come on, let’s have a slice of Margaret’s scrummy chocolate cake to go with this tea. It’s the least we can do in the circumstances. Needs must.’

Emma felt slightly sick, to be quite honest, but she didn’t have the heart to protest.

Bev soon came back out with two generous slices of cake, on pretty tea plates with forks.