The Chocolatier's Secret (Magnolia Creek, Book 2) by Helen J. Rolfe Page A

here, Andrew had been well aware of the former Finnegan’s café. He was anxious to be a real part of the community, and the last thing he’d wanted to do was be a direct competitor. He’d even chatted with Bella and Rodney Finnegan before they opened up Magnolia Creek Chocolaterie and had adjusted what his own café supplied in accordance with what would again be available in Magnolia Creek when Finnegan’s café reopened. In doing so, he had commanded Bella’s respect in particular, and she was a key member of the community. She even volunteered with Magnolia Creek Fire Brigade, keeping them all organised, and he’d found in her an ally. They’d devised their menu for the upstairs with Bella and Rodney in the forefront of their minds, and they now sold simple snacks of cookies and various flavours of ice cream.
    ‘It is a magnificent view of the bush.’ Bella thanked Andrew for the hot chocolate. ‘Last time I was in here, with Jane, we tried the tasters.’
    ‘Ah, they’re new. What did you think?’
    Her eyes rolled heavenward as Andrew took an order from another customer. ‘They’re to die for.’
    Their most recent offering, the Trio of Tasters, was a set of three espresso glasses, each one filled with a different type of hot chocolate: white, milk and dark. They hadn’t sold many so far, but come autumn and winter Andrew knew they’d entice people in out of the cold, and already Stephanie had produced some posters advertising the new addition to their collection.
    ‘So how’s Louis?’ asked Bella. ‘I saw Gemma earlier, but she looked crazed.’
    Andrew sighed. ‘He’s not good.’ He mixed another serving of the melted chocolate with milk frothed in the machine and took it over to one of the mums reading a book and looking out at the spectacular view.
    Andrew kept his voice down low when he returned to Bella. ‘He’s going on to dialysis four times a week.’
    ‘I’m so sorry, Andrew. Is he anywhere near the top of the transplant list?’
    Andrew shook his head. ‘He’s a long way off.’ He hesitated. ‘I said I’d donate to him.’
    ‘Good on you.’
    Andrew shrugged. ‘I bet you’d do the same.’
    ‘You’re not wrong there. I’d do it for family or for a friend. It’s saving a life. It’s saving a life that’s part of your own.’ When Andrew nodded, she said, ‘But you’re worried about this place?’
    ‘Wouldn’t you be?’
    ‘You know, a couple of years ago I would’ve been petrified that a setback, weeks or months out of action, would’ve finished us for good, but since the bushfires and losing the café, I realise … I mean, really realise … there’s nothing more important than your own life and the lives of those around you. Sure, money helps, money helps a lot, but it isn’t the be all and end all.’
    She sipped her hot chocolate. ‘What does Gemma think?’
    ‘I think Gemma’s sick of life dealing us crap.’ And life wasn’t done yet either. She still had no idea about Julia or the daughter he had, the biological child Gemma would give her right arm to have with him. They’d talked about IVF a few months ago but since then had done nothing about it. Maybe it was time he put his wife and her dreams first.
    ‘She’s a fighter, Andrew.’ Bella’s red lipstick had left its mark on her cup. ‘And both of you have become friends. Without Finnegan’s up and running for another couple of months, I’m here if you need me. I can work a till, make deliveries and I promise not to eat all your chocolate.’
    Tears rarely sprung to Andrew’s eyes, but the welcoming from this community heightened his emotions. ‘Bella, thank you. You’re a true friend.’ Whether he accepted Bella’s offer or not, he warmed at how they were settling into life here surrounded by people who genuinely cared.
    ‘And if I know Stephanie well enough,’ Bella continued, ‘she’ll leap at the chance to work some extra shifts and earn a bit more pocket money. When I was her