Page 96 of The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop

‘If I end up in a home or something as I get older, they’ll use the money from this house anyway. I’ve got some put aside in my will for the RNLI Lifeboats – Jim would have wanted that – and then there’s a little there for my two cousins. I’d much rather see my money do some good now, than leave it sitting in the bank. Anyway, no more arguing. The cheque’s already written. It’s over there in an envelope for you on the sideboard.’

‘I-I don’t know what to say.’

‘Yes, would be a start.’ The old lady’s eyes were sparkling joyfully.

Could this really be happening? Emma felt like pinching herself. Oh my, she hoped to goodness the lads’ offer hadn’t been accepted yet. For once, she hoped Mr Neil was being his usual greedy self and was holding out for a higher bid. Her mind started spinning. She’d ring the estate agent first thing in the morning – unfortunately it would be closed right now, or she’d have been on to them right away.

The money from Mrs C would still not be quite enough for the full deposit she knew she needed on the business loan but, by hook or by crook, she’d find a way. She was so close now. She would use all her own savings and try and get a personal loan or perhaps ask her parents to help with the last few thousand pounds she needed, on a promise to pay them back, of course.

‘Oh, Mrs C, this is just so generous. Are you really sure?’

‘Of course. Now, stop asking silly questions and take the cheque, for goodness’ sake, girl.’

Emma walked over to the sideboard and there, leaning against a framed photo of Mrs C and her husband, was the precious white envelope, neatly addressed to Emma Carter, c/o The Chocolate Shop by the Sea, Warkton.

‘Well, if I take this, you must have a share in the business.’

‘Oh, I don’t need to get involved with all that. It’s yours – given freely.’

‘Goodness. Well then, there’ll at least be free tea, cake and coffee for life, as well as a constant supply of chocolate brazils.’ She didn’t know how she could ever repay her, but she vowed silently to look after her dear friend in the future always.

‘That’ll do nicely.’

‘Oh my, thank you so much. I’m still in shock.’

The envelope trembling in her hand, Emma went over to give her friend a hug.

‘Mind the hip now,’ Mrs C said matter-of-factly.

‘Oh yes, of course.’

They both had tears in their eyes. Words just weren’t enough.

‘I can’t bloody believe it,’ Emma exclaimed down the phone to Max when she got back to her flat. She had to share her news with someone immediately.

‘What can’t you believe?’

‘Mrs C – she’s only gone and given me £10,000 to help me buy the shop.’ It still sounded absurd. A dream come true. A miracle.

‘Wow. That’s amazing, Emma.’

‘I know. And no strings attached. She won’t hear of me paying it back. It’s a gift. Wow!’

‘Bloody brilliant. Is she of sound mind?’

‘Hah. Yes, she’s fine. Other than her hip. Though that thought did cross my mind too. I’ve got the cheque and everything.’ It all sounded too good to be true, but it was. It really was. ‘I can ring the estate agent in the morning and I’m going to go in at the asking price. I’m sure I can top The Brewery Boys’ offer that way. As far as I know, it hasn’t been accepted yet.’

‘Well, best of luck.’ Max sounded really happy for her. ‘I bet the lads went in quite a bit lower. You’ll have a good chance, I think. And Mr Neil doesn’t have to know it’s you who’s bidding just yet either. Why not go in anonymously?’

‘That sounds a good idea. I’ll need to confirm everything with the bank first thing for the business loan. Oh God, I so hope it works out. I feel really nervous now.’

Could The Chocolate Shop really be hers?

‘Ring me in the morning and let me know how you get on. Go for it, Em. Good luck.’

It was so good to be able to chat with Max about stuff again, about life and work issues. And it was wonderful to be able to share this mammoth, exciting news with him.

‘Oh, Em, by the way …’