‘Well, I felt awful letting you down like that at the weekend, lass. Least I could was make you something a little bit special for your shelves. Anyway, I enjoyed it. And if people like it and ask, let them know I can make more, in different sizes too. See, you’re actually doing me a favour having it on display here.’

‘Well, all I know is that it will look fabulous with my chocolates and fudge in.’

‘Glad to be of service.’ He gave a mock bow. ‘Nautical but nice,’ he added with a cheeky wink.

‘Well, let me settle up with you for all the work you did last night as well as this wonderful shelf creation.’

Ron named his price which seemed extremely reasonable. She was very proud to be able to pay him out of her takings for this week and she even had some spare to put towards the bubbly for tomorrow night, though she’d have to delve into her loan to make sure there was plenty for everyone to have at least a glass or two. She wasn’t quite sure how many were actually coming. She’d asked several people and put invitations up on the village noticeboard, in the shop, and at The Fisherman's Arms. There was also an article with a photo of her in the new coffee shop area going into the Gazette today.

‘Now, make sure you and Maureen pop along tomorrow night for the launch.’

‘Will do.’

‘And your son too; does he have a girlfriend? The more the merrier.’ Emma smiled. She just wanted to thank everyone who had helped, and hopefully spread the word about her venue too.

‘I’ll certainly mention it to him.’

She suddenly wondered how exactly she was going to fit everyone into the little shop – there could be up to forty people, maybe more. Ah well, if it was dry weather, they could spill out into the back courtyard or the pavement out front. It would all work out somehow.

After Ron had gone, Emma began creating her window display. She loved doing this – marking the seasons with her chocolate themes, hoping it might just catch the eye of a passer-by to draw them in. She set her iPhone to her cheesiest Christmas tracks and soon found herself humming along to George Michael’s ‘Last Christmas’.

At the base of each window she created a bed of fake snow, then she began hanging wooden-painted stars and silver baubles so they dangled halfway down the windows, along with some of her handmade chocolate stars, which had a dusting of sparkly sugar sprinkles on.

A face appeared on the other side of the glass, which made Emma jump out of her skin. When she focussed, she realised it was Holly, standing there laughing.

Em went to the door. ‘Jeez, Holly. You frightened the life out of me. What are you doing here?’