‘The chocolate was probably a little too warm. Were you handling the bowl a lot?’
‘Hmm, maybe.’
‘Ah.’
‘Well, look at these little beauties.’ Bev was beaming.
‘These are brilliant, Bev. Ooh, you can help me crafting in the shop, now I know you’re a natural.’
‘It’s been so much fun,’ added Laura. ‘Now do I get to lick the bowl?’
‘Sure do. And when they are finally set, I’ll give you all goody bags of them to take home.’
‘That sounds great,’ said Chloe. ‘Better keep James away from them or I’ll not get a look-in.’
‘Brill, but can I take Bev’s ones instead? They look so much more appealing than mine!’ said Jess.
‘Keep your hands off, you!’ Bev threatened. ‘Oh, okay, I’ll donate one or two then.’
The evening carried on with the sounds of chatter and laughter, ending with an impromptu medley of chocolate and confectionery inspired songs. ‘You’re Sweet Like Chocolate’ being Holly’s contribution (they all knew she was singing about Adam), ‘Sweet Caroline’ a tentative link from Ali, ‘Sugar, Sugar’ from Jo, ‘The Candy Man Can’ from Sheila, and a fabulous twist on ‘I Love Rock ’n’ Roll’ by Bev which turned into ‘I Love Rocky Road’ which they all chanted happily along with as a grand finale, with much table drumming and arm swaying.
All too soon, it was time for the group of ladies to go; the time had flown and it was nearing midnight.
‘Past the Cinderella hour,’ Sheila sighed. ‘Sorry, folks, it’s been great fun, but I have a shop to open in the morning.’
‘Hotel Reception to run,’ echoed Laura.
‘Yes, “Doctors’ surgery, how can I help you?”’ Ali put on her best receptionist voice.
‘Sixth Form …’ Holly began. ‘Ooh no, bliss, it’s Saturday.’ Holly was gleeful.
‘But you are working for me,’ Emma reminded her.
‘Oops, yes. I’ll be here, never fear.’
‘Well, it’s been amazing, Em.’ Jo was sporting an extra-wide prosecco-fuelled smile.
‘Just brilliant. Thank you,’ said Jess.
‘These prosecco nights will be fabulous.’ Chloe gave her a big thumbs-up. ‘As soon as you get your licence we’ll all spread the word for you.’
‘I’m sure the hotel guests will love it, too. Especially for birthdays, special occasions and the like. It’ll be perfect,’ Laura added. ‘I’d be happy to put some fliers out for you. They already love the turndown chocolates as it is.’
‘We’ll be behind you all the way.’ Sheila grinned.
‘And if you ever need any more practice runs …’ offered Ali with a cheeky smile.
‘Aw, thank you. Love the support from you lot.’ Emma gave them all hugs on their way out.
She closed the shop door with a happy sigh. There was just her and Bev, who’d offered to stay and help tidy up. It had been such a good night, and just what Emma had needed after the shock of Nate’s appearance and that blast from the past.
Soon afterwards, that same evening, Bev was wiping down the tables so the shop would be shipshape for opening in the morning.
‘Well, that seemed to go down well,’ her friend confirmed with a grin.
‘Yes, I’m so pleased. I really think it will work. Thanks so much for the idea.’
‘You’re welcome. Yep, it’s been great tonight.’
Emma didn’t answer. Tiredness, as well as all her tumbled thoughts over the past couple of days, were now creeping up on her.
‘Em, you okay, hun?’
‘Yeah, why?’
‘Just, you seem thoughtful. And you were a bit quiet when I first got here? That rent man’s not been hassling you again, has he?’
‘No, it’s not that.’
‘So?’
There was no hiding from Bev. How did best friends manage to suss you out in that way?
‘Okay, you’ve got me. I-I saw Luke’s brother yesterday.’
‘Oh, right. Whoa. That must have been a bit strange.’
‘Yeah. The last time I saw him was at Luke’s funeral. He was still a teenager, the kid brother.’ Emma sighed. ‘They got on so well those two, despite the age gap. Nathan adored him.’
The two ladies sat back down at the window-seat table. Bev placed a hand gently over Em’s where it rested on the tabletop. Emma hadn’t realised but she had started to cry.
‘Hey, it’s all right,’ her friend soothed.
‘Oh Bev, it was just weird yesterday. When I first saw him, just for that split second, I thought it was Luke. It was like an electric jolt right through my heart.’
‘Aw, bless.’
‘Of course, then I knew it couldn’t be. He just looked at me with those eyes … I didn’t think I ever would, but I had started to forget those eyes, how they really looked, and then the way he flicked his fringe out of them. Luke used to do just that when his hair got a bit longer. It took me right back …’ Em snuffled a bit.
Bev fumbled in her pocket, then passed her a tissue.
‘Ah, I’m sorry. This sounds silly.’
‘No, it doesn’t.’
‘It was just such a surprise … Hah, who’d have thought. The end to a perfect party night and me blubbing like a loon. I should be pleased that he’d thought to come and see me.’
‘Yeah, true. And I bet it’s been hard for him too.’
‘Yes, it must be. I suppose we have a lot in common, really. I think that’s why he disappeared off abroad for all those years. Just to get away from all the memories … That’s why it was easier for me to come here. To be somewhere else. I didn’t have to look at where Luke worked, where he ate, the bed where he’d slept with me, every day. It was hard enough without that.’
‘Yes, I can only imagine how awful that must be …’
‘I’m okay. Really. It was just a bit of a shock, that’s all. Come on
