‘It’s going to look great here for the launch night, Em. You have done such an amazing job.’
‘Aw, thanks, Hols. And thanks for all your help tonight.’
‘Hey, I’ve had a ball doing it. This isn’t like work at all.’
‘Right, well I’ll get these spare decorations put away.’ And she ought to let Alfie out into the back yard. In fact, she might even take him out for a quick stroll down to the harbour and back. The fresh air and a stretch of her legs might do her good.
‘I’m going to take Alfie out in a minute, Hols. Shall I walk you back?’
‘If you want. Yeah, that’d be nice.’
They soon set off, the girls chatting away, Alfie trotting on his lead by their side. It was only a five-minute stroll to Holly’s house on the other side of the village.
‘Night, Hols. Thanks again.’
‘Night, Em. And I really enjoyed myself tonight. I’ll see you tomorrow night for the launch, then.’
‘Yes, exciting, hey. I just hope it goes off well.’
‘It will do. It’ll be brilliant, I’m telling you.’
They shared a hug, and Holly went in to her family.
As she walked back, Emma could hear the buzz of people in The Fisherman's Arms, but she didn’t want to join them, just stood leaning on the black metal harbour rail, watching the reflections of light in the calm bob of the water. A half-moon had risen over the sea, casting its silvery light on to the waves outside the harbour. Alfie stood waiting patiently beside her, his tail wagging slowly to and fro. There was a sense of peace here. She was glad she had found this place, had come to think of it as home.
When it had all changed, and her life had been devastated, there was something about this coast, the harbour here, and this particular community, that had captured her heart and helped her heal.
35
Her phone woke her up. She fumbled for it on the bedside table. It was still pitch dark in the room. Max lit up on the screen. What on earth was the time?
‘Hey.’
‘Hi! Is it as early as it feels?’
‘Yes, thought you would be up getting ready for your big launch day.’
‘Not quite.’ She glanced at her watch through foggy eyes. Six thirty and her alarm was set for six forty-five.
‘Oops, sorry. I was just heading off for the site. Thought I’d catch up with you before it got hectic there.’
‘Okay.’ She was still feeling a little woozy.
‘Well, you have a good day, and I’ll see you this evening.’ Neither mentioned about him staying over. ‘I’ll be coming up as soon as I get finished here, after a quick shower.’
‘That’s great. I’ll see you later.’
‘You all organised? Anything I can do or bring?’
‘Yeah, I’m pretty much sorted here, thanks. Just bring yourself and your smile for your waiter job.’ She was waking up now, happy that he had thought to call her.
‘See you later.’ His voice was honey-warm down the phone.
‘Yeah, see you later.’ And she felt nervous and excited all at once at the prospect of getting to know him even more tonight.
Emma was making another batch of chocolate canapés, afraid she might not have made enough. She had poured melted chocolate into the moulds earlier and was now filling them with golden salted caramel. It was only eight thirty, but she wanted to be sure she was ready for this evening, in case today proved busy in the café.
So much to do, so little time. After dashing about before opening, and making several calls, she was as prepared as she could be for tonight and it was all systems go again because Friday was usually a busier day anyhow.
Some ramblers came in and asked if she did takeaway coffees. For now, she couldn’t help, but she assured them that as from next week she would have a supply of cardboard cups for takeouts – another way of making money, hopefully. She could put a little ‘Takeouts available’ sign in the window.
Adam appeared at lunchtime, grinning cheerily as he came through the door. ‘Hey, Emma. It looks great in here.’
‘Cheers, Adam. Your gran did a brilliant job on the seat pads for me.’
‘I’ve just popped along from work.’
‘Everything fine for the hotel? Have you got enough of our mini chocolate boxes for the turndowns?’
‘Yes, that’s all fine. They’re still really popular … It’s just … I noticed your new window display and it looks really good, but I know Gran’s got something that might just make it even better.’
‘Interesting. Tell me more.’
‘Well, my grandad liked making things – he was really clever like that – and one year he made me a toy sleigh, out of wood. It was really cool. I loved it. Gran kept it at home, so it came out as a special treat every year. Well, the thing is, she still has it. And last night, I spotted your Christmas window display and seeing that wooden train brought it to mind, so I mentioned it to her and she’d like to let you have it for the shop, if you’re interested.’
‘Well, it sounds lovely.’
‘It’s got that old-fashioned look.’
‘Santa on his sleigh … hmm. Does it have room for chocolates in the back?’
‘Absolutely. We could even suspend it with some thin wires and have it mid-flight over the forest you’ve made,’ Adam suggested.
‘Well, it sounds absolutely perfect. If you’re sure your gran doesn’t mind.’
‘No, she said she’d like to see it used again.’
‘Aw, well thank her so much. Actually, take a couple of packs of the coffee and orange creams she loves with you as a thank you. And bring her along this evening too.’
‘I’ll take the chocolates to her, that’ll make her day. And I’ll mention the launch, but she’s not always keen on coming out in the dark evenings.’
‘Well, if she does fancy it … Will you be coming with Holly? How are things going with you two?’
‘Yeah, great, thanks, we get on really well. She’s getting really excited about Christmas already and I have no idea what to get her. I’m not very good at that kind of thing.’
‘Come and see me nearer the time. I’m sure we can come up with some ideas together.’
‘Thanks, Em. Right, I’d better head back. I was just picking up some soya milk from the stores – hotel customer with allergies or something. I’ll call back in my lunch hour with the sleigh.’
‘Brilliant. I can’t wait to see it. Sounds fabulous.’
‘Cheers.’
‘Bye, Adam, and thanks again.’ She passed him the bag of chocolate goodies to take away, adding a packet of whisky truffles for himself too.
What to wear? It was ten past six. Emma had set out her chocolate canapés on white china platters ready to pass around and had pretty, red paper napkins with festive snowflakes on that matched the new seating area colours. The cushions had all been plumped and the shelves were full of goodies, including Ron’s wonderful boat-shaped stand. The shop was looking so lovely with the fairy lights on behind the counter and soft lighting focussed on the festive window displays.
But Emma had kind of forgotten about herself until now. She was still in her workwear of black trousers, white T-shirt and black apron. Now then, what should a chocolatier, café-running, chocolate-shop boss look like? She had invited the local press from Alnwick along, as well as her landlord, and couple of village councillors, so she ought to look fairly smart; there might end up being some photographic evidence, which was all good for publicity, but she didn’t want to look too stuffy and formal either. Smart casuals, that’s what she needed. She had one last check that all was ready in the shop, then headed upstairs to her bedroom where she frisked the wardrobe.
She could get away with keeping on the black trousers if she teamed them with something more colourful. She dismissed a few jumpers and a casual Breton-style top that looked a bit washed out, then she landed on a blouse, navy-blue with a red and green pattern of roses on – that might do. It was a soft chiffon-s
tyle material, and would need a strappy vest under it as it was a bit see-through, but yes, it was pretty, and as she put it on she felt comfortable in it. Sorted.
She ran a brush through her long, wavy red hair. Should she put it back? She always wore it in a bun or a high ponytail for work, and when she was full-on chocolatiering she wore a white protective cap to save any red hairs appearing in the mix. She laughed out loud: a hygiene hat, now that would be some sexy look! Hah, perhaps it might turn Max on, she mused. Not that he seemed to need any help in that department. She felt a little frisson of anticipation, thinking that Max would be here with her in less than an hour. And then, later this evening … Right, focus on the task in hand, Emma. She needed to make sure this launch went off well, to publicise her business and as a lovely thank you to the local community. She dragged her mind back to where it should be.
Bev was the first to arrive at six thirty. Several bottles of Prosecco were chilling in the fridge, and an overflow box of six were outside in the back yard – it was certainly cool enough there to keep them chilled.
Emma hadn’t quite planned what would happen when people arrived, other than serving them a glass of fizzy and passing round the chocolate platters. She hoped people would just chat, relax, and mill about a bit. She would have to do a bit of circulating and she supposed she ought to say a few words of thanks at some point and pronounce The Chocolate Shop Café officially open. She didn’t really like to think of the attention being on her – she’d keep that bit brief.
‘We’d better have a bit of music, don’t you think, Bev?’
‘Yeah, just some background style, easy listening.’
Emma had a small speaker that linked to her iPhone, choosing a mix of Adele, Keane, John Legend and Coldplay.
The sleigh in the window caught her eye. Adam had come back with the prized wooden toy his grandad had made, as promised. It was now hung in pride of place in the window and she had filled the back of the sleigh with mini bags of fudge and chocolates (ideal stocking fillers), and some small gold boxes tied with festive red ribbon. She had even found just the right size chocolate Santa figure to pop in the front. Below it, she had rearranged her chocolate reindeer to stand in two rows of four with red ribbon strung from them up to the sleigh, so it looked like they had just landed in the snow. Perfect. It looked magical.
Pete was due to join them soon, but there really wasn’t much to do until the guests arrived. First in the door, at five to seven, was Max, bearing a gorgeous smile and a bottle of champagne. He gave Emma a kiss on the cheek, saying, ‘Congratulations.’
Bev eyed them curiously, wondering exactly was going on between them. Emma just smiled.
Then several people arrived at once. James and Chloe, with the twins who were delighted to be staying up late drinking lemonade and eating chocolate. Emma’s parents, who had driven over from Rothbury, soon followed. Her family had supported her so much, not just with the chocolate shop but with everything since Luke had died. She didn’t know how she would have managed without them.
‘Hello, darling,’ her mum greeted her with a warm hug. ‘My, this looks wonderful in here. What a difference.’
A difference that they had kindly funded and Emma was so grateful. ‘Yes, I’m so pleased with it,’ she said. ‘And thank you both so much for your help with it all.’
Her mum clasped her hands together joyfully as she looked about her. ‘You are so welcome.’
‘Hello, Dad.’
Her father, Geoff, was bringing up the rear as usual with a bottle of bubbly and some gorgeous flowers. ‘Hello, love.’
‘Aw, these are so pretty. Thank you. I hadn’t even thought of flowers. They will look great on one of my new tables.’ She gave him a one-armed hug as the bouquet was handed across. She introduced her parents to Max (as a friend). She saw her mother’s eyebrow twitch slightly as she gave her daughter the most subtle of glances; was her mum’s intuition kicking in already or was Emma just feeling sensitive? Emma left them chatting to Bev as she went off to find a vase to pop the bouquet of pink and cream roses in.
Lucy and Olivia then spotted their grandparents and ran up to them keeping them busy with their animated chatter.
When Emma came back just a few minutes later with the flowers in a glass vase, Bev was serving Prosecco to Holly and Adam who had just arrived. Maureen and Ron then appeared, closely followed by Danny from the pub with his latest girlfriend, a pretty girl with a mass of wavy blonde hair, who he introduced as Clara.
Soon The Chocolate Shop Café was more than cosy, more like bulging at the seams as Sheila from the village stores arrived, bringing along old Mrs Clark with her. Emma found a space for them to sit down in one of the new window-seat areas and they had to leave the shop door open at this point so some of the guests could spill out on to the street. A few more friends and acquaintances from the village community arrived, as well as a guy from the local newspaper with a huge camera slung round his neck. That sight filled Emma with a touch of dread – she hated being the centre of attention, but she knew she ought to say a few words. After all, that was the whole point of the evening. So, she topped up everyone’s glasses, including her own, and took a big gulp from it, before dinging on her glass with a metal spoon.
The room hushed and all eyes fell on Emma. She tried to smile, and took a deep breath. Damn, she wished she’d made a few notes now. She hoped her mind wouldn’t go blank on her.
‘Hello …’ The last few strands of conversations halted. ‘Thank you all so much for coming. I really appreciate it …’ How to put into words how she felt about this lovely community? ‘Well, I hope you like the new Chocolate Shop Café, and I hope you’ll become regular visitors and spread the word. But, more than that,’ she felt a lump forming in her throat, ‘I … I just want to thank each and every one of you for all your help, not just with this venture but in welcoming me here to Warkton-by-the-Sea several years ago, when life was quite difficult for me, and for making me feel at home. So many special people have helped me on my journey – Mum, Dad, James and Chloe and the girls, Bev, Pete, Danny, Holly … Sorry, I can’t name you all … and more recent friends,’ she looked around and her eyes settled on Max, ‘who have helped so much. A great big thank you!’
She raised her glass, because she knew her voice might not hold out much longer as the tears that had misted her eyes were threatening to jam up her throat. ‘Cheers.’
‘Cheers!’
‘To Emma!’ Bev shouted out.
‘To The Chocolate Shop Café,’ Adam rallied.
‘To friends and family,’ Emma managed, and proceeded to clink her glass with so many people’s she was afraid it might break. One little tear escaped her eye and possibly plinked down in to her Prosecco, a happy, thankful tear – she didn’t think anyone had spotted it.
Chocolates were passed around – Max and Holly were proving handy – and the platters refilled. Emma stood in the middle of the action, holding a bottle ready to top up glasses, but stopped for a second and just watched – people were chatting in clusters or sat at the new table areas, sipping their drinks in the glow of the fairy lights, with a backdrop of chocolates and Christmas decorations, and Ron’s boat-shelf taking pride of place (it had been getting lots of positive comments), the sounds of laughter and conversation. She felt a glow of pride.
Max caught her eye in that moment and gave her the most gorgeous smile. He’d been chatting with her brother James and they looked like they were getting on fine. She smiled back at him, took a slow breath, then began circulating again.
The evening passed in a whirl. Her landlord, the Eel, turned up late and had one quick drink as he cast a greedy eye over the new improvements, no doubt scheming the next rent hike. Then it seemed that, no sooner had people had arrived, than they started to drift away again. In reality, it had been over two hours since the start of the event. Her guests left with lots of thanks and kisses and hugs, until there was only Bev, Pete, and Max left. Emma suddenly found herself feelin
g shattered. She stifled a yawn.
‘Well, that seemed to go off fabulously,’ Bev announced.
‘Yes.’ Em glanced at her watch. ‘Wow, I can’t believe it’s gone nine.’
‘Let’s help you get shipshape here.’ Bev started clearing the mostly empty platters of chocolate away, swooping two salted caramels into her mouth at once. ‘Just tidying up,’ she grinned after they had melted enough for her to talk. ‘Waste not, want not.’
Emma had to smile, and Max and Pete started on the washing-up.
Emma was busy wiping over the shop surfaces when Bev and Pete came through from the kitchen.
‘Right, well that’s us done,’ Bev stated.
Max came back through too and stood near the counter at that point. ‘Well, I’ll just help Emma with the last of the tidying,’ he said coolly, obviously intending to be the last one there.
‘Night then,’ Bev said.
Emma felt a little nudge in her ribs as her friend put down the box of flutes she was holding and gave her a goodnight kiss on the cheek, whispering, ‘You little minx, you. What exactly is going on?’
Emma declined to answer, so Bev added loudly and pointedly, ‘Well, I’ll be ringing you tomorrow! It’s been a great launch. Well done, Em. You should be proud of yourself.’
Emma grinned. ‘Woo-hoo to The Chocolate Shop Café! And thanks so much for everything.’
‘Always welcome, my lovely friend. Take care.’ With that, Bev gave Max a sharp look, as if to say look after her, or else.
‘Night guys.’
‘Night,’ Max answered, as the men shook hands.
‘Have a good night,’ Bev said as she was half out the door. It was so obvious that she was gossiping with Pete as they passed the window that Emma and Max turned to each other and laughed out loud.
‘Well done, Em. It went really well. It looked wonderful in here, and the chocolates were just stunning. I kept hearing loads of positive comments from everyone as I was passing them round.’
‘Aw, thanks. I’m happy. Tired but happy.’
There was a tension notching up through the room, as they both knew the time had probably come to take the next step – but who was going to make the first move?
The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop Page 22
