Page 33 of The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop

‘I will. I will. Do-do I have to leave my job?’ Holly sounded choked up. She looked tearful.

‘Oh Holly, of course not,’ Emma replied. ‘Just make sure you think before you start chattering on next time.’

‘I will. Of course I will. If I’d realised what might happen … I never meant to upset you, or spoil the shop’s reputation.’ A big fat tear spilled down her assistant’s cheek.

‘Come here, silly.’ Em opened her arms wide. They shared a hug.

‘Right then,’ Holly announced, wiping her eyes with the tissue that Emma had just handed to her. ‘I’m off to set things straight. Warkton will soon know The Chocolate Shop by the Sea is here to stay.’

Emma had to smile as Holly marched into action and out of the shop.

Ali was already there at Bev’s when Emma arrived. Emma found the pair of them sitting in the patio area, with a jug of Pimm’s positioned on the white-painted wrought-iron table and four glasses ready.

‘Hi, Em.’ Bev stood up and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

‘Hello. Hi, Ali, good to see you. Wow – isn’t this lovely and what a gorgeous warm evening.’

‘Yeah, it seemed a shame not to make something of it. You’re just on time, I was about to pour,’ said Bev, giving the fruit and ice cubes a final stir.

Bev’s house was set at the far side of the village, overlooking country fields. It had been a two-bedroomed cottage, but they had extended it downstairs to make a larger kitchen space and conservatory and an extra room upstairs. Their grown-up son was now at university down in Leeds, so it was mostly just Bev and Pete there now. Emma liked going over to Bev’s house; it was always welcoming and a relaxing place to be.

Emma took a seat as Bev handed her a tall glass of Pimm’s.

‘Cheers.’ The three of them raised their glasses with a clink, just as the side-gate swung open and Joanne arrived, bearing a bottle of Prosecco and a huge bag of Kettle chips.

There were more hugs and hellos as the last glass was filled then they all settled back in their seats.

‘Sorry to hear about all the gossip going around that the shop is closing,’ Ali started. ‘Bev’s told me there’s no truth behind it. What a nightmare. I can’t believe what this village can be like at times. We’ll be sure to set the record straight, won’t we, girls?’

‘We will indeed,’ said Jo.

Emma was grateful for Bev’s discretion and for her other friends’ support. ‘Thank you. It’s just one of those things, I suppose.’

‘Hah, do you remember poor Mrs Bell trying to get her husband a surprise new car for his birthday? Well, they had her down for having an affair and everything, with the owner of the garage in Seahouses. There had been a few sightings and comings and goings and that was it. They can put two and two together round here and make six, or even ninety-six, given a few days!’

Emma had to laugh, and she was relieved that the focus had shifted from her problems. The village did have its downsides occasionally, tittle-tattle being one of them, but most of the time it had been a blessing and huge support for her. She began to relax and enjoy the company.

They sat and chatted in the early evening sunshine, looking across the fields to the ruined remains of Dunstanburgh castle. The garden was mostly grass, with some pretty shrub borders, and some colourful pots of petunias beside them on the flagstones of the patio.

The Pimm’s jug was getting low. It seemed surprisingly strong, and Emma began to feel quite lightheaded, though she realised she hadn’t had a proper supper, just a quick slice of toast before she came out. Thank goodness for the crisps Jo had brought along.

‘This Pimm’s is gorgeous – what have you put in it?’ Em asked. ‘I can see the strawberries and the orange. Oh, and I can taste mint …’

‘And cucumber,’ Bev replied. ‘Oh, and there’s a splash of brandy too.’

Brandy, Em nearly spat out her drink. ‘I thought it was Pimm’s and lemonade? No wonder it’s started going to my head.’

‘Yeah, I’m feeling it a bit too,’ added Ali.

‘Well, when I read the back of bottle it said to add the “spirit” too.’

‘Well, the spirit was probably the Pimm’s.’

‘Oh, I thought it meant another spirit, whatever you fancied, and I thought brandy would go nicely with all the fruity flavours.’

The four of them chuckled.

‘Well, it is rather nice,’ said Ali.