‘Thanks. I’m seeing someone tomorrow about work, but I’ll keep that in mind.’
‘I can take you over to the Sunshine Centre as well, see if it’s somewhere you’d like to join,’ Will said.
Alice turned to face Jamie. ‘It was built not long after you went away. It’s designed for people with disabilities and thoseneeding emotional support or respite. Lottie goes there for art therapy.’
Jamie stopped staring at the light-wood table on hearing Lottie’s name. ‘I need to see Lottie. I owe her an apology.’
Alice offered a sympathetic smile. ‘You don’t have to go around saying sorry to people.’
Jamie stood. ‘I do. She was a friend once, and . . .’ He headed for the door. ‘Do you think she’ll be in her flower shop?’
Alice nodded. ‘Yeah, she should be. Do you want me to come with you?’
‘No, it’s okay, but thanks. Will you wait here for me, though?’
‘Sure.’ Alice turned and smiled at Will. ‘I’ll put the kettle on.’
Jamie went back into the cold and walked a few doors down to Berry Blooms. He inhaled the salty air, then opened the door, looking up as a small antique bronze bell jingled above his head.
Lottie was sat in her electric wheelchair at a small table to the side of the shopfront, making bows from silver ribbon. Her sea-blue eyes and rosy cheeks lost all sparkle when she recognized who had entered. ‘Jamie.’
‘Hello, Lottie. I’m here to apologize,’ he told her softly. ‘The last time I saw you—’
‘Was when you threw a brick through that window.’ She stabbed a finger towards where he stood.
‘I didn’t know you were inside until you came out the door. I’m glad you didn’t get hurt by the glass.’
Lottie pursed her lips. ‘I was working late, and it scared the living daylights out of me.’
Jamie dipped his head but kept eye contact. ‘I’m sorry, Lottie.’
‘I always thought we were friends until you did that.’
‘I was an idiot. Drunk and acting on a dare.’
She flicked back her strawberry-blonde locks. ‘Well, you certainly paid for your stupidity.’
‘I’d like to repay you somehow.’
‘Mabel paid for the repairs at the time.’
No one had told him that. Had his nan gone around fixing all his damage? He wished he could ask her. Apologize to her. But Mabel was gone. All he could do was try to make amends where he could. Let them all see his remorse. His shame.
‘Perhaps there’s some other way I can make it up to you. Sweep the floor, deliver some flowers—’
‘Clean the window you smashed?’ Lottie quirked an eyebrow.
Jamie nodded. ‘Yeah, even that.’ He glanced over at the doorway leading to the back room as a tall dark-haired man appeared.
Lottie immediately followed his gaze, and judging by the glare in the man’s amber eyes, Jamie figured he’d overheard their conversation and was probably Lottie’s partner.
‘Sam, this is Jamie Stark. Mabel’s grandson.’ Lottie turned back to Jamie. ‘This is Samuel Powell, my partner.’
‘I guess you heard us just now,’ said Jamie.
Lottie spoke before Samuel had a chance. ‘Yes, he did, but you’ve said sorry, so we’re going to wipe the slate clean and leave it at that.’ She gave Samuel a knowing look, which he seemed to understand.
‘Thank you,’ said Jamie.
