She needed to get on with some baking for the café’s opening; a double batch of brownies and some chocolate cookies. She’d need more than that, but time was short. She could phone Maureen, Ron’s wife and maker of the most scrummy chocolate cake, see if she could make a couple of her chocolate cakes by tomorrow lunch time. It was worth a try. Then James arrived with the second of the two tables.

‘Who were the two blokes, by the way? The ones doing the joinery work?’

‘Oh, just a friend and an acquaintance of Danny’s.’ She kept her answer purposely vague.

‘Ah, right, they seemed pretty sound. Great they could help out.’

‘Yes, they’ve been brilliant.’

‘Looking good in here, sis. I like the paint colours. Chloe’s nearly finished the cushions for you, by the way.’

‘Aw, thank you so much, James, and Chloe too. It’s going be fabulous,’ Emma confirmed, picturing a cosy Christmassy space, perfect to settle down with a slice of chocolate cake and a huge hot chocolate piled with cream and marshmallows. She felt a buzz of happiness. Her dream was about to come true.

‘Right, gotta go, sis. I’ve promised the girls a trip to the park when I get back.’

‘Yeah, I’d better go and take Alfie out soon too. He’s been cooped up for two days, out of harm’s way. He’ll be going stir crazy up there. Thanks for everything, bro.’ She gave James a gentle punch on the arm, a gesture they’d hung on to from childhood, and then a big hug.

‘No worries. It’s great to see it all coming together for you. I wish you all the success in the world, Em.’

A tear misted her eye. She so hoped it would all work out for her little chocolate shop by the sea. After everybody’s help, she couldn’t possibly lose it now.

32

It was the morning of the big opening day. Emma drew the curtains on a pinky-grey dawn that warmed the sky.

This was it! There was still so much to do, and thoughts of the impending evening with Max kept creeping up on her. She needed to take the dog out first, and she knew that the fresh air and a pacy walk on the beach would do both her and Alfie good, so ten minutes later, Emma set off down the road with him. As she reached the dunes, Alfie scampering ahead, she heard a beep on her phone. She took it out of her pocket – a text from Max.

Good luck with your opening day! Looking forward to seeing you xxx

A mix of excitement and fear welled up inside her. Why on earth had she agreed to see him on opening day? There was enough to think of as it was.

Me too x she replied, still feeling cautious about the whole thing.