The Chocolatier's Secret (Magnolia Creek, Book 2) Read Free Page B

downstairs to join Louis again. An hour later the conversation was flowing along with the red wine, and Andrew refused to let anything ruin the precious moment, at least not tonight. There’d be plenty of time for that later.
    Generous serves of pasta bake were scooped out of the glass dish onto plates for Gemma and Andrew, a crisp green salad added to each portion. For Louis, Gemma served lean basil chicken with the salad, following the diet plan given to them by the hospital. Since Andrew’s mother died six years ago, Louis had lived in the annexe. When they’d moved to Magnolia Creek, an annexe had been a prerequisite and the three of them now happily coexisted in Myrtle Close. They often shared meals with one another, spent time together whenever it suited, and it was the perfect solution with Louis’ health a constant concern. It also meant Louis was there to talk business, and some of Andrew’s favourite times were with his father sitting at the kitchen table as they were doing right now, talking over new flavours and variations of chocolates, seasonal trends and customer orders that were helping his business to grow.
    ‘I’m telling you, toffee would work well with mango,’ Andrew insisted as he topped up his glass of wine, enjoying himself as they waxed lyrical about their joint passion. ‘It’s fresh and fun.’
    ‘It’d work well, but why not try something different?’ Louis hadn’t eaten much at dinner, but Andrew was pleased to see the colour back in his cheeks when they talked shop.
    ‘What do you suggest?’
    ‘What about dark chocolate with a lemon infusion?’ said Louis. ‘Or a variation with cardamom, now we’re coming into autumn.’
    Gemma stacked their plates on top of one another and took them over to the sink. ‘I think someone’s missing the chocolatier business,’ she called over her shoulder to Louis.
    ‘Do you miss it, Dad?’ Andrew ran hot water into the oven dish, added a squirt of washing up liquid and told Gemma he’d let it soak and tackle it later. ‘You know you’re welcome in the chocolaterie anytime.’
    ‘I know, son. I try not to interfere, but maybe I’ll walk down tomorrow. Sometimes all I need is the intoxicating smell of a kitchen full of chocolate and it’s enough to put a smile on my face. If you set me up with a chair in the corner of the kitchen, I’d be a very happy man.’
    Andrew and Gemma exchanged a fond look as Louis lost himself in his memories. Louis was in his early seventies now and although he hadn’t wanted to retire, the job had become too physical for him. Some people romanticised the life of a chocolatier, but it was hard work and long hours. You had to love it to do it well. Luckily for them, Louis’ love had been passed down a generation to Andrew, who loved nothing more than talking about the chocolaterie with his father, coming up with new flavour ideas, suggesting changes to the range they sold in the shop. Louis’ encouragement went further than anyone could ever realise.
    ‘Are you okay, Dad?’ Andrew asked as he returned to the table and picked up his wine.
    ‘I’m a bit tired. I’m old.’
    ‘Here we go.’ Andrew laughed. ‘Trying for the sympathy vote again?’
    Louis grinned at him, the youthful part of his mind held in the sparkle of his eyes.
    ‘The test results will be in soon,’ Andrew said, all joking aside. ‘I’ll take you to your dialysis next time, give Gemma a break.’
    ‘You two shouldn’t have to run around after me.’
    ‘Nonsense.’ Andrew and Gemma laughed when they said the same word at the same time. Louis was forever apologising for being a burden, and as hard as it was to manage sometimes, he really wasn’t.
    ‘Can the other staff manage the shop?’ Louis asked.
    ‘Course they can. I’ve learnt to delegate.’
    Louis’ laugh was weaker than usual. ‘You always had a problem with letting anyone else do anything for you.’
    ‘I take after you.’ Andrew’s smile faded. ‘And