‘Possibly,’ Emma smiled. ‘But it was really nice … Oh, bloody hell, Bev, I’m scared.’ Em was only now realising what that strange mix of emotions had been driven by last night.

‘He wasn’t a bit creepy, was he? A stalker type?’

‘Noo, not that – I’m scared that I might like him too much. Scared of what might happen next, scared of what Luke might think.’

‘Oh Em, if somehow Luke can see, hear, be around you, would he really want to see you unhappy and on your own?’

‘I’m not unhappy. I’ve just been getting on with things. Focusing on the chocolate shop.’ Emma became defensive.

‘You’ve been so busy, yes, but have you really been thinking about yourself? Your needs?’

‘I’m fine.’

‘Em, maybe it’s time for things to change a bit. Maybe this guy is the start of something new.’

‘Possibly.’

‘Did he stay over?’

‘Hah – nosy, or what?’

‘Just asking.’

‘No.’

‘Ah.’

‘It’s still early days – and I really don’t feel ready to take that next step just yet.’ Though she knew she was damned close last night.

‘Well, make sure you get some condoms, just in case.’

‘Be-ev.’

‘Better safe than sorry. Forearmed is forewarned and all that.’

‘Blimey, you’re sounding like my mother.’

But maybe her friend was right. Hah, she could just imagine the gossip if she went into the village stores for a white loaf, Lurpak, a half-dozen eggs – and a packet of condoms. She’d maybe have to take a trip to the larger supermarket in Alnwick.

But how would it feel with someone else after all this time? How would it feel to be with someone other than Luke? Physically, mentally, might it feel like a betrayal? Or just different?

‘It’s been seven years, Em.’ Bev’s voice was gentle but firm down the line, as though she’d been reading her thoughts. ‘I never met Luke, but he sounds like he was a great guy, not someone who’d selfishly never want you to move on.’

Emma sighed softly. ‘I know.’

‘Right, so when are we going to meet up?’ Bev’s tone was cheery. ‘Then you can fill me in on all the detail.’

‘Hah, perhaps.’ There were some details she was definitely going to keep to herself. ‘Pop in for a coffee later. I’m just about to open up shop as per usual.’

‘Yes, of course. I’m off to work too. So, shall I call by on my way home, say threeish?’

‘Great, see you then. You might even get a square of brownie.’

‘Yes, well, I hope it all goes really great today for The Chocolate Shop, and I can help for a few hours tomorrow if you need. I enjoyed it yesterday.’

‘Brilliant. That might give me the chance to get on with making the chocolate canapés I’m planning for the launch night.’