Page 77 of The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop

She smiled. ‘Sounds like we’re both under pressure.’

‘Yeah, a bit. There’s always something happening in the building trade, to be fair. Joys of running your own business too.’

‘Yep. Well, I’m going for some cheese and crackers now, and I’d better take Alfie out for a walk before Ron gets here. He’s coming to move the counter back. And then I’m going to have a long soak in the bath. I’ve still got two chairs left to paint tomorrow.’

‘Hmm, that’s sounds good.’

‘What? Painting? It isn’t that exciting.’

‘No, the thought of you … in a hot bath.’

She felt the heat rise up her neck, as an image of him and her in a hot bath flashed up unbidden.

‘Yeah, well …’ she virtually squeaked.

‘It’ll all be worth it in the end,’ he added in a normal tone. ‘See you, Friday.’

‘Okay.’

‘Have a good week. Miss you.’ His final words were warm and sweet and sounded like they were meant.

‘You too,’ she answered. ‘Max … on Friday … would you like to stay?’

There was a silent pause down the line, while he registered her words.

‘Right … great.’

There, it was said now, no chance of backing out or coming up with a million reasons why not. They both knew where this was heading.

Ron turned up soon after the phone call, which helped stop Emma’s head spinning. He’d brought his son along to get the job done quicker and Emma had already emptied out the refrigerated counter.

She left them to it, using the time to make some more brownies. They called her back through three-quarters of an hour later and shifting the counter back had really opened out the space.

Lovely Maureen appeared to see how they were getting on, bringing yet another chocolate cake. It looked gorgeous, with thick chocolate frosting. Emma thanked her and asked if she might be interested in a regular baking order, on a paid-for basis, providing at least two chocolate cakes per week. Maureen seemed thrilled her cake was so popular and said she was more than happy to do so. Result!

Ron mentioned he’d had an idea for some shelving for the side wall of the café – somewhere to put small bags of treats to catch the customers’ eyeline.

‘I have just the thing in mind, lassie. Can you trust me on it?’ He had a glint in his eye, as he spoke. He began measuring up the space. ‘I’ll make it up in my workshop tomorrow and have it with you ready to pop on the wall tomorrow evening. I’ll be in around five-thirty, if that’s okay, after you’ve closed. Save all the hammering and dust annoying your customers.’

‘It sounds interesting.’ Emma was curious.

Thursday whizzed by; she was hectic manning the shop and café single-handedly, as well as trying to get a step ahead with her chocolate canapé creations for tomorrow’s launch. She’d definitely need to take Bev up on her offer of regular help if it carried on being this busy. At least she’d have Holly back on Saturday, but she’d still have to be careful with extra wages for now.

Emma put the shop sign to closed and popped upstairs to collect the Christmas decorations ready to design her window displays. She heard a knocking at the shop door as she came down the stairs with armfuls of decorations. She put them down on a table top and went to open it to find Ron there bearing a large grin and a small upturned boat, or so it seemed. He carried it in and turned it around. The mini hull was painted with blue and white bold stripes. It was the most amazing shelf-rack shaped like a boat, with four shelves inside ready to load with fudge bags, chocolate lollipops and more. Just perfect for a harbour-village chocolate shop, and for her launch.

‘Thank you so much, Ron. I love it!’ Emma had tears in her eyes as she spoke.

‘Well, I felt awful letting you down like that at the weekend, lass. Least I could was make you something a little bit special for your shelves. Anyway, I enjoyed it. And if people like it and ask, let them know I can make more, in different sizes too. See, you’re actually doing me a favour having it on display here.’

‘Well, all I know is that it will look fabulous with my chocolates and fudge in.’

‘Glad to be of service.’ He gave a mock bow. ‘Nautical but nice,’ he added with a cheeky wink.

‘Well, let me settle up with you for all the work you did last night as well as this wonderful shelf creation.’

Ron named his price which seemed extremely reasonable. She was very proud to be able to pay him out of her takings for this week and she even had some spare to put towards the bubbly for tomorrow night, though she’d have to delve into her loan to make sure there was plenty for everyone to have at least a glass or two. She wasn’t quite sure how many were actually coming. She’d asked several people and put invitations up on the village noticeboard, in the shop, and at The Fisherman's Arms. There was also an article with a photo of her in the new coffee shop area going into the Gazette today.

‘Now, make sure you and Maureen pop along tomorrow night for the launch.’