Page 77 of The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop

‘Oh …’

‘Don’t look so happy to see me.’ Her friend’s tone was ironic.

‘I’m sorry. I just thought it might be …’

‘Max. I know. I heard all about it from Holly. Why didn’t you ring me, hun?’

‘Well, last night I was in a heap, and today I’ve just kept myself busy. I’ve not long got back from the hospital too. Anyway, come on in.’

‘I have a bottle of wine, thought you might need it. And of course, I’ll happily share it with you – just to keep you company, of course.’ She lifted up the bottle of Pinot Grigio in her hand.

‘Thank you.’

‘It’s chilled.’

‘Even better.’

‘So, tell me all about it then. And, what the hell has been happening with Nate?’

Emma groaned, then said, ‘Let’s get this wine open and find a cosy seat in my lounge first.’

‘Before we go on upstairs, can I have a few of those Eton Mess truffles?’ Bev smiled hopefully.

‘Of course, go help yourself.’

Tucked up on the couch, comfy cushions behind them and Alfie snuggled in between, the full story came out.

‘So there was nothing else going on with Nate, then? Just that one kiss?’

‘Yes, I didn’t – and don’t – even fancy him. I just don’t quite know how it ever got to that point. Maybe memories flooding back, how he has a look of Luke … it all kind of blended together and I was missing Luke so much that night. I’d had a few drinks, yeah, but I know that’s no excuse. I knew what I was doing, Bev. I could have stopped it.’

‘Bloody hell, and now this. Did Max fly off the handle when he found out?’

‘He wasn’t aggressive as such, he just seemed so hurt. Like I’d betrayed him. And now I can’t get hold of him. He’s not answering any of my calls.’

‘Oh dear. Holly’s mortified that Adam told him. And that it’s all blown up into this.’

‘Hey, it’s not Adam’s fault. I was the one who did wrong. I didn’t even realise the pair of them had been there, that they had seen. It’s my own stupid bloody fault.’ Em took a big swig of wine.

Bev munched thoughtfully on a truffle.

‘Life, hey?’ Emma said.

‘It’s sometimes a bitch and sometimes beautiful,’ Bev stated.

‘Cheers to that.’

And they clinked glasses.

40

‘Hey, Em …’ Adam caught up with Emma the next morning in the car park of The Seaview Hotel, where she’d just dropped off her delivery of turndown chocolates. ‘Are you okay?’

‘Ah, so, so.’

‘Holly told me last night that you guys have split up.’ He looked awkward.

‘Yeah.’