Page 87 of The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop

‘Well, you’re not going to give up that easily are you, hun?’ Bev chipped in.

‘Why not go and talk to him? He might still be there at the hotel. You might catch him if you go now,’ suggested Em.

‘You think I could?’

‘’Course you can. I have a feeling you’re both going to be miserable otherwise,’ said Bev.

‘Tell him how you feel, what you’ve just told us,’ Emma added. ‘No one knows what the future holds for sure, but if you feel that strongly, you can make it work somehow. You can still see each other, pop back at weekends. It’s only an hour away, it’s not like you’re going to Australia or anything. Some things are worth fighting for, Holly.’

‘Yes, all kinds of different relationships work out – that’s if you both want it enough. Go tell him,’ added Bev.

‘Right. Thank you.’ Holly took a sip of her mega-milkshake. A glimmer of hope re-lit her eyes. ‘I’m going to find him. Right now.’

‘Good for you and good luck,’ said Emma.

‘Go Holly!’ Bev raised a high five.

With that Holly was off.

Holly spotted Adam’s car in the hotel’s car park. Phew, he was still there then.

She dashed into Reception to find Laura there. ‘Hey, Hols.’ She politely said nothing about Holly’s red eyes and nose.

‘Hi … Is he here? Adam?’

‘Ah, he went out about fifteen minutes ago. Said he wouldn’t be too long.’

‘Oh … Did he mention where he was heading?’

‘No, sorry, petal.’ Laura had the feeling something personal was going on.

So, if he wasn’t at the hotel, where was he then? Holly mused. If he was feeling anything like she’d been since their talk – as in totally crap – she reckoned he’d have needed a bit of space. So, maybe a walk?

‘Thanks, I’ll go find him.’

‘Any message?’

‘Uh …’ I still love you. Don’t do this. Are you hurting as much as me? ‘Uhm, no.’ They had to do this face to face. ‘Well, you can say I was looking for him.’

‘Will do.’

‘Thanks.’

There was no time to waste. Something drew Holly towards the beach, the place they had walked, held hands, kissed, talked about their hopes, their dreams, their future. It was a special place for them.

She was soon heading through the track in the dunes, saw the golden sweep of the bay open out before her. There was a young family on the sands playing rounders, a man walking his dog … and there, further away, someone was sitting on a rock looking out to sea. She could tell from the set of the shoulders, even though they were slightly hunched, and the sandy blond hair, that it was Adam.

She found herself running.

Just a few metres away now. ‘Adam!’

He turned, looked surprised. His eyes were reddened. ‘Holly …’

Was it really over between them?

‘Oh Holly … I’m sorry.’

Sorry he’d hurt her? Sorry it was still over? Sorry I’ve been a dick? Which sorry was it? ‘Do you still mean it? That we’re over?’ Holly was almost afraid to ask.