Page 36 of The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop

They moved the conversation to easier topics as they walked on. It was beautiful down there, the seascape colours muted to silvers and pale golds with the fading evening light. People were milling about enjoying the balmy weather, families, dog walkers, but it wasn’t in the least crowded.

Emma suddenly felt her tummy rumble. ‘Shall we turn around? Think I’m ready for my fish and chips.’

‘Yeah, that sounds good.’

Half an hour later they were sitting on a wooden bench in the garden of The Joiners Arms, a glass of cider and a lager to hand, fish and chips smelling delicious before them. Oh, that crispy batter, salt and vinegar, melt-in-the-mouth fish delight – it seemed like seaside summer on a plate.

‘It’s lovely out here, isn’t it,’ said Bev.

‘Yeah.’

‘You know, I’ve been thinking of your courtyard café area back at the shop and it’ll be great.’

‘Thanks. I’m quite excited about it.’

‘Yeah, I can just picture it out there on a sunny day, in your lovely stone-walled garden. Chocolate milkshakes, ice-cream sundaes – oh yes, and flowing chocolate fountains to dip marshmallows and strawberries in. I wonder if we could rig something like that up?’

Emma raised her eyebrows, grinning, ‘Wow! I’m not bloody Willy Wonka. How do you think I’m going to create that?!’ But Emma was glad that Bev seemed to be back on her chirpy form.

‘Just letting my imagination flow. Don’t stop me while I’m on a roll. It would be cool though, wouldn’t it? It’d look like a water fountain, but instead it spouts chocolate. Brilliant. Anyway, Emma Wonka – you already make the most amazing chocolate creations.’

‘Thanks, but we’ve got to keep it realistic and within budget.’

Bev pretended to yawn. ‘Hah – ever the voice of reason.’

Emma gave her friend a playful punch.

They finished the last of their fish and chips, giving a very grateful Alfie the last few scraps. He’d been patiently sitting beside them, gazing up with hopeful hang-dog eyes.

‘Aw, thanks Em. This has been such a lovely evening. Just what I needed.’

‘You’re welcome. I think I was in need of a bit of time out too.’

‘You know, I think I’ll have that chat with Pete tonight, when he gets in. No point letting things fester.’

‘Yeah, that sounds wise. Good luck.’

When she dropped Bev off at home half an hour later, they shared a hug in the car, then Em watched her friend walk up the path and turn around to wave by the front door. She gave her a big thumbs-up sign in support and hoped the chat with Pete would go well. She’d be ready at the end of the phone tonight, just in case.

18

There was a ‘toot’ from outside the shop the next morning, just before opening time, then a louder and longer one. Emma headed out to see what the fuss was about.

There was her brother, James, in a white van, with Chloe beside him.

James jumped out of the vehicle. ‘Hey, sis. We’ve got something for you. Best to take it around the back, I think. We’ll park up by your back gate. See you there in a sec.’ He was grinning – but giving nothing away.

‘O-kay.’ Em was curious. She dashed back through the shop and courtyard, opening the gate. She heard the van reversing down the track. She could hardly wait to see what was in the back of the vehicle.

Chloe got out first. ‘Hi, Em.’ She gave her sister-in-law a brief hug. ‘I’m so chuffed with this find.’

With that, James pulled open the rear doors of the van. Inside was a lovely old wrought-iron table set with two chairs. Admittedly, on closer inspection it needed a bit of TLC.

‘Isn’t it delightful? I heard about a house clearance near Alnmouth and couldn’t resist popping along. I saw this and could just picture it in your courtyard. James had told me all about your plans the night before. And there it was. Fate.’

‘It’s perfect.’ Emma could see it now, repainted white (it was a tarnished pale green at present), looking like something from an English country garden.

‘And there’s more,’ James announced proudly. ‘Look behind.’