Charlee and the Chocolate Shop: A Heartwarming Tale of Two Christmases (Christmas on Castle Street) by Jessica Redland

Author:Jessica Redland [Redland, Jessica]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Little Bear Books
Published: 2017-09-30T16:00:00+00:00

1 Year Later

Chapter 16

Saturday 18th November

‘And now for the final award of the evening, for the best new independent retailer. This category includes cafés and bars as well as shops. The nominations are: Heart and Home, Pink Mist, Glitter and Glitz, Snackies, and Charlee’s Chocolates.’

My heart thudded as the compère read out the list. Around the table, all eyes were on me.

‘It’s yours,’ Sarah mouthed from opposite me.

I shook my head. No way. The shortlist had been announced on Thursday and Jodie and I had discussed the competition in detail. She was convinced we had it in the bag, but I wasn’t so sure. I didn’t particularly see Snackies – a cheap and cheerful café at the top of town – as a threat, but the other businesses were all seriously impressive. They all had huge followings on social media, which was where half of the vote was coming from, with the other half coming from the independent traders in town. The Castle Street traders were an incredibly supportive bunch and, as I was the only shortlisted business on Castle Street, I knew I had their votes. Would it be enough? I wasn’t local; something I was very aware could stand against me.

‘And the winner is…’

Jodie squeezed my hand.

‘… Charlee’s Chocolates.’

It was only when everyone at my table got to their feet, clapping and cheering, that I registered that I’d won. Me! In a daze, I was pulled to my feet and pushed towards the stage. ­Self-­consciously, I tugged down the skirt of my short, flared, navy cocktail dress and prayed that I wouldn’t go splat, unaccustomed as I was to wearing heels.

‘Go Charlee!’ someone yelled as I ascended the few steps to the stage, blinking in the spotlights.

The compère shook my hand and kissed me on both cheeks. The Lady Mayor did the same, followed by some other random bloke in a tux. Probably should have been listening at the start when they made the introductions. The compère signalled towards the podium.

‘You want me to make a speech?’ I asked.

‘Just a short one. If that’s okay.’

Still in a daze, I stood in front of the microphone as the applause settled. ‘Er, evening everyone. I should probably have taken the advice of my assistant manager, Jodie, and prepared a speech but I didn’t dream for one moment that I’d actually win. I’ve watched the Oscars before so I can probably blag something.’ I paused while I tried to get my brain into gear and was surprised to hear the crowd laughing. Had I made a joke? ‘They said short so I won’t upset them because they still have my trophy…’ More laughter. ‘I’d like to thank Jodie and Ashleigh who’ve been with me since day one. You two are amazing and this award is as much for you as it is for me. I didn’t think I’d find anyone else as enthusiastic and devoted as you two but our new apprentice, Josh, is already following in your footsteps so thank you to Josh too.

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