‘They’re just keeping him in for observation through the day. He dislocated his shoulder yesterday and that was put back in, and the broken collarbone is in a support sling. It doesn’t need surgery, though he’ll need physio later.’

‘Oh, poor Max! But it could have been so much worse.’

‘He’s been lucky.’

‘Yes. Thanks so much for letting me know. Can I come down and see him?’

‘We’re not sure quite when he’ll be released from hospital, it may well be later this afternoon. Shall I let you know? You could call at the house this evening – we’ll be having him with us to convalesce for a while. Make sure I can keep an eye on him so he’s not doing too much with that arm. I know what he’s like.’ She spoke the words fondly.

Emma had to smile. ‘Yes. Well, I’ll come down straight after work, if you’re sure that’s okay.’

‘That should be fine. I’ll confirm later, when they’ve discharged him from the ward.’

‘Thanks again, Christine, for letting me know. Send him my love. Oh, I’m so glad he’s going to be all right.’

‘We are very relieved too. I’ll be in touch soon, Emma. Bye.’

‘Bye.’ Emma clicked off the call.

‘Oh, sorry.’ She realised the chap was still standing there, with a bar of chocolate orange and another of mint crisp, ready to pay.

‘No worries.’ He was smiling.

‘He’s going to be all right,’ she couldn’t help but blurt out, still tearful. She didn’t even know this guy, but he was bound to have heard most of the call.

‘Well, that’s good news.’ He was still holding the chocolate bars.

‘Oh, that’s four pounds ninety-eight, please.’ And she popped them into a bag.

He passed over a five-pound note. ‘Thanks, and you have a happy Christmas.’

‘You too. Merry Christmas.’

Just the customer saying that made her feel all emotional. She needed to go get a tissue or she’d be blubbing all over the chocolates at this rate.

Emma found the address Christine had given her in a tree-lined avenue in Morpeth. It was a large red-brick townhouse. She pulled up outside and found herself feeling a little nervous. As well as seeing Max all bashed up, she’d be meeting his parents for the first time too.

She rang the doorbell and stood waiting anxiously, desperate to just run in and find Max and gently give him the hugest of hugs.

A tall, elegant-looking lady came to the door. She was very slim, with coiffed short grey hair, wearing smart navy trousers, a white blouse and a blue-patterned scarf at her neck. Her eyes were a kind blue-grey but they looked tired.

‘Hello, you must be Emma. Lovely to meet you.’ She extended a hand in greeting. ‘Come on in.’

It all seemed quite formal.