Page 81 of The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop

‘Ah, okay.’

‘Tom’ll probably live here and keep an eye on this venture, while I continue to run the main place back inland.’

‘Right.’

Emma didn’t think The Fisherman’s Arms would be too pleased if a new micro-brewery hit the village, but she’d heard that small local breweries, serving their own real ale, were proving very popular. Maybe there’d be room for both. And this pair obviously had a good business already if they were able to expand. It might not be such a bad thing to have in the village – but not at the expense of The Chocolate Shop and her home, she mused.

She gave them the full tour and they seemed very positive about the property, chatting to each other along the way. The downstairs kitchen would apparently be great for the fermentation tanks and brewing equipment, being a good size. Outside in the yard they’d need to make a storage shed for the casks and bottles, but they’d keep a section as a beer garden and upstairs was ideal for Tom’s living quarters. It all seemed to be coming together nicely for them. The more positive they got, the more negative Emma began to feel. This was like a slow torture, having to show them around.

Alfie got made a fuss of upstairs in the galley kitchen, the canine traitor loving the attention as per usual, tail wagging happily in greeting.

There was then a hushed discussion between the lads about finances and offer prices, which Emma didn’t quite catch as they lingered on the landing and she politely headed on down the stairs, the men following shortly afterwards.

‘That’s great,’ said Ben. ‘Thanks for showing us around.’

‘Cheers,’ added Tom.

‘So, what’s happening with you and your business?’ Ben asked in a friendly tone. Maybe they weren’t aware of her situation.

‘Well, unfortunately I just rent the place. And I’m sadly not in the market to buy, much as I’d have liked to,’ Emma admitted. ‘So, when the new owner comes in, I’m out.’

‘Ah sorry, that sucks. I feel a bit crap now,’ said Ben. ‘So it’s not you we’re dealing with?’

‘Nope, but hey, it’s not your fault. It’s business, I realise that.’ Emma sounded matter-of-fact, despite her heart breaking inside.

‘Yeah, we’ve had our share of ups and downs too with setting up the brewery,’ Tom added.

‘Well, thanks so much for showing us around,’ said Ben. ‘Hope it all works out for you too.’

‘Thank you.’

They shook hands again before the lads left the shop. Emma stood frozen in the middle of the café, watching them go. She realised it was a sense of dread and foreboding that kept her fixed there.

She turned around; Holly was stood watching her with a sad look on her face.

‘Oh God, Holly. I think this might be it.’

‘No … it can’t be.’ Her assistant had gone ashen. ‘It can’t be.’

Was this the end for The Chocolate Shop by the Sea?

42

Emma had been waiting for the call from either her landlord or the estate agent to say an offer had been made on the shop, but three days had passed now and still no news. Honestly, it was excruciating! It was the Saturday of the August Bank Holiday weekend, just after opening time. Emma looked up from loading the refrigerated counter with some just-made goodies, to see Nate stood there. They’d both been keeping a low profile since ‘The Kiss’ and its subsequent fallout. She still felt distinctly uncomfortable.

‘Hi … Is it okay to have a word?’ He looked serious.

They hadn’t seen much of each other at all lately, both just getting on with their lives, giving each other some space and keeping it to a polite wave or brief ‘hello’ if they crossed paths. There must be some reason behind him coming in.

Emma looked across at Bev who was in with her. ‘You okay to keep an eye on things at the mo?’

‘Of course.’ She gave Emma a warning smile that said be careful.

‘Let’s go out into the courtyard,’ Em suggested. She knew there were no customers there as yet and it would give them a little privacy to talk. ‘Can I get you a coffee or anything?’

‘No, I’m fine, thanks. I won’t keep you long. I know you’ll be busy soon.’

They went out into the morning sunlight and sat down at the little white wrought-iron table for two – Emma’s favourite spot in the garden.