‘Yeah, pretty much full-on. The Gateshead job is going okay, but then I checked on the other job we’ve got near Corbridge, a barn conversion, and we were waiting for the kitchen units to come in and half the cupboards are missing. There’s always something.’

‘And then getting all this ready for this evening …’

‘Ah, it’s just a little something. Good job I have a local deli nearby, that’s all I can say.’

‘Sounds good to me.’

‘So, anyhow, tell me all about your day. The first day of the coffee shop. Did the new window seats hold up?’ He smiled.

‘Yes, they were well tested, and seemed fine. Very strong and solid, in fact.’

‘And there were quite a few people in?’

‘Yes, but I don’t think everyone knows we have a café now. It’ll take a little time. Oh crikey, Max, I hope it works out.’

She felt she could be honest with Max. He had his own business, understood the worries of having to make it work. At least she didn’t have a team of workers relying on her like he had. But she’d hate to have to let Holly down if it ever came to it; hopefully the new coffee shop venture would mean more working hours for her lovely assistant rather than less.

‘Well, I know how much it means to you and how much hard work has gone in to it. So it deserves every success.’ Max topped up her glass. ‘Cheers to The Chocolate Shop Café. May it prosper!’ He sounded like he was launching a ship or something.

Emma grinned, and put her worries aside for the moment. Yes, they should be celebrating today. ‘Cheers!’ They clinked glasses once more. It was lovely to be here celebrating with Max. It was lovely to feel happy, as if there was a future …

Max opened the picnic hamper. There were pies, prawns, a quiche, some salad, mini tomatoes, olives, grapes and a cheese selection as well as some gorgeous-looking fresh bread. There was enough there to feed a family of eight, never mind just the two of them.

‘Blimey, you’ve gone to town. It looks great.’

He passed her a china plate, no less, and she began helping herself.

‘As I said, thank the deli, not me.’ He smiled.

‘I don’t mind at all. I didn’t imagine you were busy baking quiches and pies this morning, whilst popping across to the building site. And I don’t think I’d have had the energy to cook tonight.’

‘I do make a mean cheese on toast, I’ll have you know. You add a dash of Worcester sauce. Delicious.’ He did a happy chef gesture with a finger-flick from his lips.