Page 94 of The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop

The next morning, Holly called into the shop on her way to catch the bus into Alnwick.

‘Hi, Em. Just a quick hello.’

‘Hey, Hols. Time for a milkshake?’ Emma knew that was her favourite – with chocolate sauce, whipped cream and all the trimmings. The café customers were all served for now, so she had time for a chat.

‘Ooh, yes. Don’t think I can resist. My bus isn’t for twenty minutes yet.’

‘Off anywhere nice?’

‘Just to catch up with some pals from school.’

‘Sounds good.’ Emma smiled. ‘Follow me through to the kitchen then. I’ll make one of my specials up for you.’ She had a feeling Holly wanted a little reassurance and some company.

‘So, how’s it all going?’ she asked, taking out a tall glass.

‘Well, I’ve started doing some packing. There’s only about three weeks to go, now.’ Holly pulled an OMG-style grimace.

‘And how are you feeling?’

‘Excited … still a bit scared. Worried about missing Adam.’ Holly described the whole heap of emotions that were buzzing within her lately.

‘Aw, that’s only natural. You two back on track, then?’ Emma asked.

‘Yeah, more than ever, actually.’ Holly grinned, then blushed under her freckles. ‘I think it’s just going to feel a bit strange at first, being apart, that is.’

‘It most likely will for a while, but it’s funny how you get used to things.’ Emma had seen so many changes and shifts in her rollercoaster of a life so far.

‘Adam says he’ll come down to see me on his days off, and I’ll get back home whenever I can.’

‘Well, that sounds good. If it’s meant to be, Holly, you two will work it out somehow.’

‘I know. And it does feel like it’s meant to be.’ Holly looked suddenly confident.

‘Great, so you go and enjoy university and make the most of your course too.’ She added a swirl of cream and some chocolate chips to the top of the drink she’d just made, and then passed Holly the milkshake.

‘Yum! That looks amazing as always.’ She took a sip, ending up with a frothy white moustache.

Em laughed and pointed to her own lip exaggeratedly, and then the penny dropped with Holly, who grabbed a napkin from the stack on the side and began dabbing her mouth.

‘It’s just too good,’ she giggled.

‘Hah, yes. Well, we’d better head back out to the shop in case I get any more customers in,’ said Emma.

‘Yeah, of course. Ooh, Mum and Dad are arranging a bit of a farewell bash. Just a few drinks at home with some family and friends, if you’d like to come along. It’ll be one evening next week. I’ll let you know when.’

‘You try and stop me, Holly. Of course I’ll come along.’

‘Thanks, and thanks for everything, Em.’ Her voice began to waver.

‘Hey, no getting teary on me! The Chocolate Shop will still be here, and I’ll be waiting to see you when you come back home.’ That was fingers and toes and everything else crossed, but she didn’t want to spoil the mood.

‘Ooh, and I saw Bev yesterday. Did you get to see Max? Me and Adam are still feeling terrible about that. Adam feels responsible for you two splitting up.’

‘Hey, it really wasn’t Adam’s fault. Anyway, it looks like we’ve patched things up.’

‘Really? Aw, that’s brilliant Em. Thank God for that. I can’t wait to go and tell Adam, he’ll be so relieved.’

A family came in to choose some treats to take back to their holiday cottage with them. So Em had to set to work again. Once they were all served, Holly was at the bottom of her milkshake, spooning out the last creamy contents.