Page 67 of The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop

‘Well, yes …’

‘I’ve not started off on the right foot at all in this village, have I.’

‘Maybe not. But as long as nothing else untoward is said …’

‘Of course it won’t be. I can’t believe how stupid and thoughtless I’ve been.’

‘Well then, we may as well move on and make the best of it.’ Emma took the flowers from her. ‘Thank you for these.’

‘Oh, I’ll be recommending you for tea and cakes from now on. Have been already.’ She gave a small smile. ‘And thank you for being so understanding. You don’t know how much this means to me.’

‘Well, we can all make mistakes.’ And boy, didn’t she know that.

35

The following week, the dust had settled after the explosive Rock Shop showdown and Emma was concentrating on crafting a special request for a birthday gift – a chocolate shoe for a Jimmy Choo fanatic filled with artisan truffles and ganaches. It was a delicate job getting the stiletto-style shoe just perfect.

Bev was looking after the counter and café for now, whilst Em was busy. The morning seemed to fly by.

At around 11.30, Emma popped through to the shop. ‘Everything okay?’

‘Yeah, all good thanks. It’s been fairly steady this morning, so I’ve managed just fine. I could do with a hand on a couple of orders that have just come in now, though.’

‘Okay, that’s no problem. The chocolate shoe is now moulded and is setting and I’ve just finished all the truffles to fill it, so I’m back in action for the shop again.’

Bev handed her two chits with orders on.

‘It’s funny, it’s a Tuesday and there’s been no sign of Mrs C today at all yet,’ Bev said.

‘Hmm, she’s always here like clockwork. I wonder if she’s away or anything? Though she never seems to go far nowadays, and she usually lets us know.’

‘She might just be a little under the weather.’

‘Yeah, possibly. There’s a lot of summer colds about at the moment. Still, I might just pop around later if she doesn’t show. Take her some chocolate brazils to cheer her up,’ Em said.

The two of them got caught up with the orders, Em making milkshakes, coffees, plating up cakes, chocolate croissants and more.

In the early afternoon, Em found herself chatting with an American couple who were on vacation, touring the UK.

‘We were on our way up to Scotland and had booked a night in a B&B here. It’s so beautiful. The beach, the bay, and all these cute little cottages – so quaint. We just don’t have places like this in the US. So much history,’ the lady enthused.

‘Thank you, and yes, it is very special here. It’s like a hidden corner of England.’

‘Exactly.’ The guy was smiling.

‘Yeah, and the chocolate milk is awesome too. How do you make this stuff?’

‘Just pure chocolate and whole milk whisked together slowly to warm.’

‘It’s to die for, honestly. This your own place?’

‘Yes, the business is mine.’ Emma smiled. She didn’t want to go into the technicalities on the property’s ownership, or the heartache that was causing right now.

‘Just gorgeous.’

‘Thank you.’

Emma had to go then and serve at the counter, as Bev was busy in the courtyard area.