The Chocolate Lovers’ Wedding (12 page)

Crush thinks that Marcus is blackmailing me into returning and I can see his point of view. Sort of. Marcus simply took advantage when an opportunity presented itself. Which, let’s face it, is what he does best.

There have been several arguments
chez
Lombard, all in hushed tones as my dear father is still sleeping in my living room. In the end, I persuaded Crush – against his better judgement – that this is my spiritual home. It is where I am meant to be. I am never happier than when I’m in my apron behind my rows and rows of delicious chocolates and delightfully displayed cakes.

Mind you, it has all gone to pot since Ms France has been in charge. The whole place looks a bit shabby and unkempt. The cushions aren’t plumped, the chairs are askew, the shelves aren’t fully stocked – I could go on. Instead, on my first morning back, I’m already hard at work with a damp J-cloth and a mop.

I’m sure when Crush sees how delirious I am, he’ll come round. The pay is great. Marcus has been true to his word. He’s advanced me a month’s salary and it’s a not inconsiderable sum. This will help our wedding fund no end. Though I’m hardly going to point that out to Marcus. Plus Crush and I can now come and have sex here any time we want to! Ha! I bet Marcus never considered that, did he? One to cunning chocolateshop manager. Nil to scheming ex-fiancé.

Though, in fairness, maybe Crush will be traumatised for life by his previous experience and may never be able to . . . ahem . . .
perform
in a chocolate shop again. I shudder at the thought.

Just as I’m considering my options, there’s the familiar throaty roar of Marcus’s Ferrari. If he’s come to gloat about his victory, he’ll get the sharp end of my tongue. From now on this is going to be a proper business-style relationship: he will treat me with the respect I deserve and not try to snog me over the summer berry tarts or anything like that. I might be back at Chocolate Heaven and on Marcus’s turf now, but nothing he can do –
nothing
– will come between Crush and me. Nothing.

‘Hey, Lucy.’ Marcus swings in. He looks like the cat who’s got the cream. ‘It’s great to see you back where you belong. You and this place are meant to be.’

‘It feels good,’ I have the grace to admit. I can now call all the girls and tell them that it’s safe to return once more. They’ve yet to discover that I’m back in the ’hood. ‘The place is a bit of a state, Marcus. No wonder business has been slow. It will be nice to get it up to speed again and I have great plans for the future. I’m so glad you got rid of that awful woman.’

‘Ah,’ Marcus says. He goes a little bit pale.
‘What?’
‘I’ve been meaning to talk to you . . . ’
I give him my best death glare. ‘Please tell me that she’s gone.’

I’m hoping that at this moment she is standing alone at Paddington station with her little suitcase and her sexy accent waiting for the Eurostar to whisk her back to Paris where she belongs. ‘
Mais non
,’ a voice comes from behind me. ‘I am
still
very

I turn, and lounging in the doorway in her silk kimono thingy again is Ms France. Gah. I look back to Marcus for an explanation.

‘Ah. I haven’t yet had time to convey our new working arrangements to Marie-France,’ he tells me.
Frankly, how long does it take to say, ‘You’re out on your ear, love – Lucy’s back in town’?
Ms France bristles and folds her arms across her chest. ‘What new working arrangement is this?’
Eeeeez. Theeeeez.
As the new manager, I’d really like her gone
tout de
flipping
suite
and be able to get in someone who has a passion for this like me. She’s really let this place down in the short time she’s been here. That’s never going to win her an Employee of the Month badge, is it?
‘What is
she
doing here?’ Ms France wants to know. As well she might.
‘We can sort this out, ladies,’ Marcus says smoothly. ‘I’ve brought Lucy in to help, Marie-France.’
Help?
‘Lucy ran this place before and I know that you can’t manage by yourself.’
Ms France pouts.
‘You’ll get on brilliantly.’
We both know that we won’t. Besides, I came back thinking that I’d have free rein, not be encumbered with someone whom Marcus has employed for skills other than those with chocolate. And customers.
‘I want her gone.’ Ms France flounces upstairs.
‘And I want
her
gone,’ I say when I look back at Marcus. ‘Looks as if you have a tricky situation on your hands.’ Marcus sighs. ‘You can win her round, Lucy. She needs you.’ ‘
If
she stays and
if
I stay, she does know that I’ll be her manager?’ Marcus goes a little pink. ‘Let me talk to her.’
‘If she’s your girlfriend, Marcus, why do you even want me here? I’m your ex. This was always going to be a bad idea.’ It breaks my heart, but maybe this isn’t workable. Perhaps Crush was right all along. Anything involving Marcus is never straightforward. ‘It’s probably for the best if I just leave. I was silly to think that I could work for you.’
‘You can. You can.’ Marcus sounds desperate. ‘Marie-France and I are just, well . . . you know.’
I know only too well. There have been so many women that I’m surprised Marcus can actually remember her name.
‘Just give it a chance. Please. I’ve sunk a lot of money into this, Lucy. And it was all for you.’
‘Then don’t jeopardise it by letting other parts of your body rule your head.’ I give a pointed glance in the direction of the offending article.
‘A week. See how it goes after a week. If you and MarieFrance aren’t best friends by then, I’ll sort something out.’
All the fight goes out of me. I really want to be here and I can’t fall at the first hurdle. I can’t go home to Crush after one morning and tell him that he was right all along.
‘OK,’ I say. ‘But you tell her that I’m in charge. You tell her that she needs to buck her ideas up.’ I don’t know what the French is for that. Buck
vos idées
up, chuck.
Marcus is nodding furiously.
‘You tell her that and I’ll stay.’
‘I will,’ he says. ‘Of course, I will.’
‘We do this on my terms, Marcus, or not at all.’ I even frighten myself by how stern I sound.
This is the new me. Lucy ‘Ball Breaker’ Lombard. And Marcus Canning better not mess with me.

The minute that Marcus leaves, I text all the members of the Chocolate Lovers’ Club.
CHOCOLATE EMERGENCY.
This is our call sign for everyone to come running.
Chocolate Heaven asap
, I add.

Just wait until they get here. They won’t believe their eyes. I’m still not sure that I believe it myself.
Already there are a few customers coming in today. I turn on the charm and serve them in my usual friendly and welcoming manner. A few boxes of chocolates to go are whisked away and there’s a couple sitting in to share a gorgeous cappuccino cake. It’s like getting back on an old, familiar bike. A few of them tell me that it’s good to see me back – I need to woo these people to return as regulars, and quick. They are all happy and smiley by the time I’ve finished with them. I tell you, Ms France could learn a thing or two from me. I might not be able to pout as if my life depended on it or have the legs of a supermodel, but I know a thing or two about customer service.
Of course, I had completely forgotten about the very best perk of the job. Ahem.
With my little chocolate-deprived heart beating faster, I pick out a couple of chocolates that are new to the range and savour them. An almond cream in a white chocolate shell with a caramelised almond on top, then a dark truffle with cocoa nibs smothered in cocoa powder. And, for good measure, a gianduja coated with nibbed hazelnuts and smooth milk chocolate. Ah, bliss. They both taste divine and it’s good to see that the standards here haven’t slipped. My waistline is totally going to take a battering this week, despite the continuing Wedding Diet. But it’s a small price to pay for being so contented.
My very next job is to phone Alexandra and get her back on board as my cake baker; there’s no way that the current cake offerings are up to scratch.
Half an hour later and Ms France returns. This time she is dressed and groomed as if she’s about to do a magazine photoshoot. Her long dark hair swishes glossily and her perfect mouth is enhanced with red lipstick. She’s wearing black spray-on leggings, a loose white linen shirt and killer heels. I’m in a T-shirt, jeans and aged Converse. I seriously have to up my game on the style front tomorrow.
She pouts at me, which I take as my cue to say, ‘Could you possibly dust those shelves and restock them? I like to see them nice and full. I haven’t had time to check what’s in the stock room yet, so is it all right if I leave that to you?’ That was really polite, right?
With a flick of her hair, she disappears again and then comes back with a duster and a few boxes of chocolates. She might not like me being in charge – resentment radiates from every cell of her sexy French being – but at least she’s doing what I ask.
While Ms France is occupied doing that, I titivate the window display. The chocolates here look a bit faded and tired, so I replace them with new offerings. And, though it goes against all that I stand for, with a slight whimper, I throw the old ones in the bin.
Marcus texts me.
All OK?
Yes
, I text back.
Chocolate Heaven is in safe hands again
.
I love you
, he sends back and there’s a big row of kisses, too.
I’ll say one thing for Marcus: he never gives up.
While I’m arranging some fresh muffins on a plate, Autumn arrives. She does a double take as she sees me behind the counter.
‘Hi!’ I give her a cheeky wave.
‘What are you doing here?’ Her eyes widen. ‘More importantly, what are you doing here on
that
side of the counter?’
‘It’s a long story and I’ll tell you when the other girls arrive, but I’m certainly glad to be back.’
‘It’s great to see you.’ She frowns. ‘Everything smoothed over with Marcus?’
‘Kind of.’ I nod towards Ms France tidying the shelves.
‘Oh.’ Autumn grimaces at me and I shrug.
‘Now then, can I get you your usual, Madam?’
‘I’m so glad we’re back!’ Autumn claps her hands with excitement. ‘This is permanent?’
‘I hope so.’
‘Wow. I’ll have a celebratory latte and a selection of chocs, please. I’ll let you choose.’
‘I can heartily recommend the almond cream in white chocolate.’
‘Hit me with it,’ she says. ‘Yay! This is just like old times.’
We have only been displaced and nomadic chocolate-eaters for a few months, but it does feel like a lifetime.
Next to arrive is Chantal. She manoeuvres Lana’s buggy through the door with the skill that comes with a lot of practise. Nevertheless, I go to help her. I think she looks quite drawn today and that makes me worry about her even more. ‘All well?’
She shakes her head. ‘So, so. Once I’ve had a double espresso to restore my equilibrium, I’ll tell all.’
‘What do you think?’ I point to my Chocolate Heaven apron.
‘You are a Malteser above a candle flame when it comes to Marcus.’ She sighs at me. ‘I knew you’d be back. It was only a matter of time.’
‘He’s giving me a great fat salary.’
‘And a load of grief to go with it, no doubt.’ Chantal looks at me ruefully. ‘But you look happier than you have in ages, so who am I to criticise? You go for it, girl.’
‘I can manage Marcus,’ I assure her.
My friend raises her eyebrows and I think better of telling them the story of Marcus finding Crush and I getting jiggy on the sofa in here and cajoling/coercing me into returning. When I think about it, it doesn’t sound that great. Instead, I opt for, ‘Anything to eat?’
‘Cake.’ A relieved breath. ‘A
huge
slice of it. The biggest you’ve got.’
‘Coming up!’
She goes to sit with Autumn while I oblige. I kick the coffee machine into life, the peculiarities of operating it all coming back to me. And to think that I could be in a temporary office position now doing filing. Hurrah for me!
I’ve just delivered Autumn and Chantal’s order when Nadia arrives. She hugs me straight away. ‘Look at you!’
I give her a twirl with my apron.
‘It’s as if you’ve never been away.’
‘I swear that my soul has relaxed today.’ Even the scent of cocoa is making me chill.
‘And so it should.’ She gives me a look. ‘I’m sure Marcus pulled off some hideous scam to get you in here.’
‘Yeah,’ I confess. ‘He did.’
‘Wouldn’t be Marcus otherwise.’
‘Latte and a muffin?’
‘Sounds good to me. I can’t stay long.’
I make up the order and, because the girls are currently the only customers, I sneak a minute to sit with them. I can dash back to the counter in a second if a customer comes in. Rather that than let Ms France serve them in her customary style, eh?
I’m so happy that we’re all here again, where we should be – The Chocolate Lovers’ Club back at Chocolate Heaven. I could jump for joy.
‘Marie-France,’ I shout over to my colleague. ‘These are my friends. You’ll be seeing a lot of them in here.’
She turns and regards them all coolly. ‘
Bonjour
.’
‘Hi,’ they say as one.
I wave to her. ‘Come over and join us for a minute.’
‘I am busy.’ Ms France returns to her task, flicking her duster a little more briskly.
Tricky
, Chantal mouths.
Ver y
, I echo. But even the one fly in the ointment can’t rain on my parade – if you know what I mean.
‘Right. News,’ I say. ‘I want to hear it all.’
‘Well,’ Chantal says, looking very coy. ‘Jacob has proposed to me.’
‘Fabulous!’ We all smother her with hugs and kisses.
‘That’s really great news,’ Autumn says. ‘And just the tonic you need right now.’
‘It will give you something to look forward to,’ Nadia agrees. ‘Another chance to be bridesmaids!’
‘Not so fast.’ Chantal holds up a hand. ‘I did point out to Jacob that I’m not even divorced yet.’
‘Technicalities,’ I say. ‘When is the wedding?’
‘I’ve told him that we can only go ahead when I’ve had my treatment,’ Chantal says. ‘I don’t want that hanging over me. Plus I don’t want to steal your thunder, Lucy. We have your wedding first.’
I clap my hands with glee. ‘Now that I’m back working again we can actually go ahead and book the venue.’
‘That’s great,’ Chantal says. ‘I can’t wait!’
‘And you
have
to be better by then.’
She laughs. ‘I’ll do my very best. I’ve got another appointment tomorrow to see the consultant. Hopefully, she’ll have more to tell me about my treatment then, and I can start making arrangements.’
‘I can change my plans if need be,’ Autumn says. ‘Don’t go alone.’
‘Jacob’s coming along,’ Chantal replies. ‘He’s organised the time off work. But it would be a big help if you could look after Lana.’
‘No problem. I’ve got Flo, too. I can take them both to the park.’
‘You should just set yourself up as a permanent childminder,’ Nadia says. ‘You’re brilliant.’
‘I do love it,’ Autumn agrees. ‘Maybe it’s something I should think about. I’ve been out of work for too long and I need to do something constructive.’
‘How did it go with Willow?’ Chantal asks.
Autumn grins happily. ‘Better than I could have hoped. She’s an amazing girl. You can’t believe how relieved I am. It was a bit difficult at first. She didn’t exactly rush into my arms, but she’s young and hurting. I’m sure it’s been a lot to take in.’
‘Did you get a photo?’
Autumn opens her handbag. ‘She took a lot of coaxing, but eventually she let me take one.’ She passes round her phone and a miniature Autumn stares back. But with more make-up.
‘She’s confused, very cross about everything and a bit lost,’ Autumn says. ‘Yet she seems willing to have a relationship with me. She’s agreed to come down to London so that we can go out for the day.’
I give Autumn a big squeeze. ‘I’m so pleased for you.’
‘If you’d told me last year that this would happen, I’d never have believed you.’
‘You’ll have to bring her here so that we can meet her. When is she coming?’
‘I’m not sure yet, but as soon as we can arrange it. I can’t wait to see her again. I just regret all the years we’ve been apart, but I’m so grateful that she looked for me. She’s struggling a bit at the moment but, underneath the hard little exterior she’s trying to create, she’s lovely.’
‘She’s her mother’s daughter,’ I remind her.
‘I feel as if I’m trying to tread a very fine line. I don’t want to undermine all that Mary has done for her. She’s the one who’s been there for Willow all of her life. I want to take it slowly so that Willow doesn’t feel crowded.’
‘You know that we’ll do anything to help you,’ Nadia offers.
‘Thanks.’ Autumn grins. ‘Miles has been brilliant, too. So understanding.’
‘You deserve some happiness after all you’ve been through.’ Chantal pats her knee.
‘It’s only sad that Rich will never get to meet her. He would have loved to be an uncle.’
I don’t think Autumn will ever get over the death of her brother and it’s times like this that must bring it all to the forefront again. Thank goodness she’s got Miles now.
‘What about your parents? Have you told them that you’ve been reunited with Willow?’
‘No,’ Autumn says. ‘That’s something I’ve yet to address. Part of me feels that they don’t even deserve to know about her. They were so quick to give her away and I don’t know if I can ever forgive them for that. I’m going to have to think on it a bit more. It also depends what Willow wants to do. If she wanted to meet me, then surely, she’ll want to meet her grandparents, too.’
‘It might soften their hearts,’ I suggest.
‘The death of their only son simply served to make them even colder,’ she says, ‘so I won’t hold my breath.’
That’s a bleak view for Autumn, the eternal optimist, but she may be right.
‘I had a visit from Anita last night,’ Nadia says. ‘My mum and dad want to meet up with me again.’
‘Oh, Nadia,’ I say. ‘That’s great news.’
‘Is it?’ she says with a weary air. ‘After so long, I thought I’d be thrilled, but I don’t feel much at all. You’ve been my family through the difficult times. They weren’t there for me at all. Perhaps my heart has hardened towards them.’
‘You never know, you might feel differently when you see them,’ I offer.
‘It’s not long before I go up to Cumbria, so I’ll wait until I get back. It might not go well and I don’t want anything to spoil the mood.’
‘Are you excited?’ I’m beside myself with glee for her. After all that’s happened recently, it will be good for her and Lewis to get away from London for a break.
‘Yes,’ she admits with a shy smile. ‘But I don’t feel I can go with you unwell, Chantal. I should cancel until you’re better.’
‘I don’t even feel that bad,’ Chantal says. ‘A bit tired, but who isn’t? You must go. You can’t put your life on hold just because I’ve got a lump that needs to be gone.’
‘I could rebook the tickets for the summer holidays.’
‘
No
,’ Chantal says. ‘Absolutely not. You need to get up there and grab that man before some tweed-wearing country type gets her claws into him.’
Nadia laughed. ‘Now you’ve given me something else to worry about! I admit that since I’ve finally plucked up courage to book the tickets, I can’t wait to see him again.’
‘This is all so lovely,’ I say. ‘I think it deserves another round of coffee and chocolate.’
Strangely, none of my friends disagree.
‘Before you do that,’ Chantal says, ‘I think you need to tell us how Marcus finally lured you back.’
‘I’ve sworn myself to secrecy. You’ll only laugh.’
‘Promise we won’t,’ Autumn says.
‘You know you can’t keep a secret, Lucy,’ Chantal says. ‘It will come out one way or another.’
I sigh. ‘Promise that you won’t laugh,’ I say. ‘Or think badly of me.’
‘Promise.’ All of them.
I take a deep breath and lower my voice so that Ms France can’t hear. ‘My dad’s still living with me, so Crush and I can’t . . . well . . . you know. My walls are paper thin. I hadn’t given my keys back to this place, so I let myself in here, so that Crush and I could have some . . . er . . .
privacy
.’
They all stare at me.
‘What? Tell me you wouldn’t have done the same if you were desperate.’ I plough on regardless. ‘Things were just getting interesting when the police arrived. Apparently, Ms France had called them. She thought we were intruders.’
‘You were,’ Nadia points out.
‘Yeah, I know. But not in the strictest sense of the word.’
Already there are little outbreaks of giggling. I do my best to ignore them.
‘So while I was still standing there in not much more than my undies and the policemen were swinging their handcuffs, Marcus coerced me into coming back by promising not to press charges.’
Now there is a group guffaw.
I’m mortally wounded. ‘You promised you wouldn’t laugh.’ ‘Oh, Lucy,’ Nadia says. ‘Even for you, that’s priceless.’
Between chuckles Chantal manages, ‘Marcus will never, ever change. You’d better have your wits about you, girl.’
‘Well,’ I say, ‘by hook or by crook, I’m back. And I’m delighted.’
Then they’re all falling about with laughter again, which I assume means that they’re glad too. So I stomp off and get more chocolate.