Page 68 of The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop

‘Anyway,’ Emma started, now it was just the two of them, ‘what on earth do you think you were doing getting in touch with Max?’ Emma was still cross with her friend for interfering.

‘Well, you weren’t going to give him a chance, were you?’

‘You had no right.’

‘Do you wish I hadn’t now?’ Bev raised a questioning eyebrow.

Em couldn’t answer.

‘Look,’ Bev tried to explain, ‘I could tell you liked him. Yeah, you said about the ex turning up, but you’d already told me it was all over in theory. And then Max came all this way to tell you as much the other evening too. So, I knew his name, knew he was a builder from Hexham with his own company – Google is a wonderful thing. He sounded really nice and genuine on the phone. I thought he deserved a chance. He wanted to help. He really likes you, Em.’

‘Huh! Well, it’s still meddling.’

‘He is pretty damned gorgeous.’

Emma couldn’t help but smile.

Pete arrived back and needed a hand with the last boxes. The chocolates were finally home. Once they were all set out on display, there was less than an hour to go until opening.

‘I’ll stay if you like. It might end up being busy,’ Bev offered. ‘I haven’t any other plans for today, and I’m sure there’s plenty you still need to be doing.’

‘Well, Holly is coming in to help soon, and she’s bringing in a group of friends to try out the café, but if you don’t mind staying, that’d be great. I’m really not sure how busy it might get.’ Emma hadn’t a clue if there might be an opening day rush. She would just have to wait and see, but an extra pair of hands would be wonderful.

Ten to two, the kettle was filled and ready in the kitchen with some of her mix-and-match cups, as well as teapots, cafetières and milk jugs. Emma had put out two trays – one, a pretty silver-plated one of her mother’s, the other with vintage-style roses on, which she’d discovered at the car boot sale. They set sugar bowls out on the tables, with little tongs dangling from the side. The Cosy Chocolate Shop Café was ready.

Holly bowled in. ‘Hi, I’m here.’ She stopped and looked around her. ‘Oh. My. Gosh. This is just lush in here, Emma. I sooo love it. Aw, the cushions, the bunting, all the finishing touches …’ Her assistant stood open-mouthed, taking it all in.

‘Yep, we’re all ready to go. We just need some customers.’ Emma felt a sense of trepidation.

‘Exciting.’

Bev came out from the kitchen just then. ‘Hi, Holly. I’m here to help too – all ready for the big rush.’

‘Cool.’

Just then, a text pinged in – Max.

Very best of luck. Go The Chocolate Shop Café! X

Emma smiled. Then her mobile rang:

‘Hey, I thought it would be nice to speak with you in person, so just ringing to wish you the best of luck, Em. Did you manage to get it all finished in time?’ Max.

‘Yep, just about. Oh Max, it’s all come together so well and really looks great. I am a bit nervous, though. I just hope people turn up.’

‘They will. You’ll smash it, I’m sure.’

‘Thanks.’

‘Have a good afternoon. I’m looking forward to seeing you later – I have a bit of a plan.’

‘Hmm, what kind of a plan?’

‘Now, you’ll just have to wait and see, won’t you?’ he teased.

‘Spoilsport. Ah, the suspense is killing me,’ she laughed.

‘You’ll enjoy it, I’m sure.’