Page 78 of The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop

‘Oh man. Look, I’m so sorry I said anything, Em. I didn’t mean to stir up any trouble. I just wanted to warn Max, as a mate, for him to keep an eye out on Nate; that was all. I never imagined he’d up and leave.’

‘I know, nor did I. But I can’t blame him. What I did was sooo stupid.’

‘Bloody hell, I wish we hadn’t seen anything that night.’

‘Hey, it’s not your fault. It was me and Nate that did wrong.’

‘Yeah, but maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned it. I’ve just caused a heap of trouble.’

‘It’s just one of those things, Adam. I don’t blame you or Holly. I got myself into this mess.’

‘We just feel terrible about it.’

‘Hey, don’t beat yourselves up … it’s okay.’

It wasn’t really; the situation was a bloody mess, but it wasn’t Adam’s fault.

‘But it’s not, is it? You two are great together. And now you’re apart. I can’t help thinking if I had just kept my bloody mouth shut …’

‘It’s all right. There’s no hard feelings, Adam. If me and Max can work it out, well, that’s up to us.’

‘Do you think you might?’ His face brightened.

‘I really hope so – but honestly, I don’t know. I let him down, Adam. Let down all of you.’

‘I’m so sorry, Em. But if there’s anything me and Holly can do, or if you just want to come out with us for some company, anything, just say.’

She didn’t really fancy being the third wheel but appreciated the gesture. ‘Will do, and thanks.’

Adam sighed. ‘Ah, it’s just such a shame.’

‘I know.’

‘You take care of yourself, Em.’

‘I’ll try.’

She looked so sad there, trying so hard not to. Adam felt a lump form in his throat. ‘Ach, come here.’ He gave her a friendly hug. ‘I really hope you two can find a way back.’

‘Me too. Well, I’d better go,’ she said, trying hard to hold it together.

It was a full week later when Max finally answered his phone.

‘Oh Max …’ The relief was immense. But hearing his voice at last took Em by surprise and she didn’t quite know how to phrase her words.

‘Emma, please, I can’t do this any more. Can you just leave me alone?’

Shit. That was not the response she had hoped for. It felt like she had been winded.

‘Max, do I at least get the chance to explain? Can I come down and see you?’ This was all too hard over the phone.

‘I’m sorry, Em.’ His tone was resolute. ‘You kissing Nate … it’s all I’ve been thinking about and it’s killing me.’

‘It didn’t mean anything Max. It was just a stupid, crazy mistake. I’m so sorry.’

‘Look, I believe you’re sorry. But it just goes to show that what we have isn’t right.’

‘You’re wrong, Max. We just need to move on. I swear I’ll never do anything like that again. I hate that I’ve hurt you.’