Page 54 of The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop

‘A slice of cake can’t really change things, I know, but it might just make us feel a teensy bit better.’ Bev gave an encouraging smile.

Tea and cake – a sliver, or slab in this case, of light in the gloom.

‘Oh Bev, how’s your mum? Sorry, I’ve been so wrapped up in my own problems, I didn’t ask how you got on at the hospital.’

‘Well, the good news is the scan has shown it’s not cancer, which was my biggest fear.’

‘Oh, that’s such a relief.’

‘But the not-so-good news is that she’s got bronchitis, which she’s had before and they think it’s left some scarring on the lungs this time. She’s on medication now, which should help her pick up generally, but unfortunately there could be some long-term damage. She’s just going to have to take it really easy for a while and let herself heal.’ Bev looked concerned.

‘Bless her. Well let’s hope she gets much better soon. Send her my best wishes.’

‘I will do.’

‘It’s just a gesture, but might a few coffee creams help cheer her up, do you think?’ Em remembered they were one of Bev’s mum’s favourites.

‘I think they might.’ Bev smiled.

‘I’ll box some up before you head off, along with a bag of Eton Mess truffles for you. Hey, gotta look after the carers too. And I know you’ll be doing a good job of looking after her.’

‘Thanks.’

They sat in the courtyard that sadly might soon no longer be Emma’s, and chatted about other things for a while. Em remembered the BBQ on the beach that she was meant to be going to on Saturday and Bev said she hadn’t been invited, not really knowing Nate, but she’d heard Holly talking about it.

‘I may as well still go,’ Em mused aloud. No point moping about here on her own, dwelling on things. ‘Holly and Adam’ll be there and I’m sure to know some others.’

‘Yeah, sounds as though it might be fun. You get yourself out there, let your hair down a little, Em.’

As Bev was getting up to go, chocolates in hand, Emma’s mobile went off. She looked at the screen. Max. Finally.

‘Hi.’

‘Hey, Em. Sorry I couldn’t answer earlier. I was just in the middle of a team meeting, putting the last plans in place.’

‘Right.’

Bev was mouthing ‘Max?’ and as Em nodded, she whispered, ‘I’ll get away, then. Call me if you need anything, hun.’

‘Will do,’ she spoke to Bev. ‘Thanks.’

‘Everything okay there?’ Max sounded concerned.

‘Not really.’ Emma sighed heavily, then gave him the whole story. By now, she was all cried out, and sounded fairly calm.

‘Oh Em, that’s so shit. I’m so sorry. I know how much that place means to you.’

‘Yeah …’ Her head was throbbing now.

‘I’m sorry I can’t be with you right now, Em.’

‘Me too. I could really do with one of your bear hugs, Max.’

‘Sending one right down the phone for you, madam.’ He tried to sound upbeat.

‘Thanks.’ But it really wasn’t the same as the real thing.

They talked about options for the future of the shop, which were limited, and whichever way they looked at it, involved having to leave the place she loved.