Page 97 of The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop

‘Yeah?

‘You know what we talked about – about how we need to spend more time together? How about a night away together this coming weekend? Do you think you can get away a little earlier on Saturday? Maybe get some help in for Sunday afternoon too?’

‘Yeah, I think so. Just let me check with Bev and the girls. Leave it with me.’

Life was soo looking up!

48

It had been a hectic morning with phone calls being made left, right and centre. Emma had put her offer in with the estate agent the minute they had opened. Gulp! She’d put down her mobile and felt a huge sense of excitement and trepidation. Would The Brewery Boys now up their bid too? Could she still be scuppered at the last? If so, she’d have to do the right thing and hand the money back to Mrs C then, of course, she decided. It was excruciating, but all she could do was wait.

She tried to concentrate on her chocolate making, but her head was swimming and she managed to splash water into the tempered chocolate in the mixing bowl, as she took a sip from her glass. Disaster. It had ‘seized’ completely, so she’d have to start again. She hated waste. It cost money and time. Right, calm down, Em, she told herself.

This evening Luke’s parents were calling by too. She was feeling a little nervous about that, after the goings-on with Nate, though she was certain nothing would have been said by Nate himself. They had phoned saying that they were coming up to Warkton to see Nathan, and to collect a few of his belongings – his camper van was apparently rather overloaded after living in it all summer – to take back down to their house in Harrogate. They thought it would be a lovely opportunity to catch up with Emma too.

So she’d offered to make them a light supper after work, as they were staying over for the night at a farmhouse B&B just a few miles outside the village.

By late afternoon, the weather wasn’t playing ball – steady summer rain had set in – so her plans of having supper with Luke’s parents out in the courtyard had to be abandoned. Now the shop was closed for the day, she set out the cutlery and some place mats into the window-seat table of The Chocolate Shop. There was more space and light there than up in the galley kitchen of her flat.

She’d managed to get some fresh cod down at the harbour and was preparing it as gratin with Parmesan breadcrumbs, some roasted cherry tomatoes and new potatoes. Simple, but hopefully tasty.

They arrived at seven with flowers, hugs and a bottle of white wine that would go perfectly with the fish.

‘So lovely to see you, Emma,’ Angela, Luke’s mother, greeted her warmly. ‘You’re looking well. Life on the coast must suit you.’

‘The Chocolate Shop is looking fantastic,’ John added. ‘You’ve done an excellent job here. Last time I saw it, it was just a shop, no tables or chairs. I bet that has really enhanced the business.’

‘Yes, it certainly keeps me busy. Right, well make yourselves comfortable. I thought it would be nice to have supper down here. I’ll just chill the wine a little more and fetch some glasses.’

The three of them chatted whilst the fish was baking in the oven. Angela told how they were going to get Nathan’s things from the camper van in the morning and they were looking forward to having some time at home with him. Emma had asked for him to join them for supper, slightly awkward though that may have been for reasons Angela and John were totally unaware of, but he was working his very last shift at the pub that night.

Emma served the food, along with some fresh bread and butter. She asked about old Barney the dog, the cricket season (John being an avid fan), and how the wider family were. Angela said that Luke’s granny, Jean, was frail but still managing to live in her own home and was doing well. She had sent on her best wishes to Emma.

‘This is delicious, Emma.’ John took another mouthful of cod, followed by a sip of wine.

Angela then looked across at her husband, who nodded to her, as though it was time to say something.

‘Emma, there’s something we want to put right.’ Angela sounded rather serious.

Oh my, had they heard about the stupid kiss with Nate? Was it going to haunt her for life? Em felt herself go cold.

‘When Luke died he had some savings – not a huge amount or anything …’ Angela stalled.

John took up the conversation for her. ‘Well, it’s just stayed in the bank. Because you two hadn’t been married, and you didn’t own your own property, everything that was left came to us.’

‘But that doesn’t seem right any more,’ Angela said, rallying. ‘Luke would have wanted to help you, Emma, and Nathan has spoken to us about the business here … about how The Chocolate Shop has been put up for sale. We’re sorry to hear that, Emma. He also mentioned that you might have to move out soon and find new premises.’

‘Yes,’ was all Emma could say at this point, wondering where this was going.

‘Well, it’s not an awful lot, just under £5,000, but we’d like you to have it, Emma. We think Luke would have wanted that.’ Angela reached across to hold her hand. They had been through so many difficult times together.

Emma’s eyes brimmed with tears. Was there an angel up there looking out for her? A Luke-shaped angel by any chance? ‘Oh …’

‘We don’t need it, love. We have good pensions and everything we need at home,’ John stated.

‘But you’re still starting out, Emma. You have your whole life ahead of you. I’m just sorry we hadn’t thought of this earlier.’ Angela smiled across at her.

‘This is just wonderful. If you are both sure …?’