Henley smiled. ‘I can see. Just keep your focus, and trust the process.’ He raised a palm. ‘Yeah, I know. I sound like a motivational bumper sticker, but it’s true. If you know what you want, go for it, and don’t let excuses get in your way.’
Jamie was already fired up to get started. ‘It’ll be December in a couple of days. So, not long now.’
‘Christmas will be different for you this year.’
Even though the holiday was fast approaching, he hadn’t thought about the big day. His mind had been occupied with building a future. And on Alice.
‘It certainly will.’
The rest of the meeting flew by, and Jamie left feeling inspired and grateful.
He headed for the shops to buy some clothes, visualizing his grandmother in a frenzy clearing out his bedroom. It was so unlike her to do such a thing, but he understood her frustration and anger. It wasn’t as though he had made life easy for her.
It was quite surreal, shopping. The last time he was in a clothes shop, he’d stolen a belt. He felt a tad proud of himself paying for his goods, even though it was his nan’s money. It just made him feel like everyone else. Normal.
He wondered if he’d ever shake off the bad memories. If anyone had accomplished such a task.
With a handful of carrier bags, he jumped on the bus to head home.
‘Hey, Jamie.’ Demi waved a hand.
He smiled on seeing her and sat by her side. ‘Hello. Excuse my bags.’ He moved some to his lap so her feet weren’t squashed with how many he had.
‘Looks like someone had fun shopping.’
‘I thought I’d get a bit done after my appointment at The Butterfly Company.’
‘Ooh, how did that go?’
‘Good. I’m going to be doing an evening course at college next year. So, I just need to get a day job, which I’m hoping to sort once I’ve dropped these bags home.’
‘What kind of job?’
‘In the café or tearoom along the front. The owner offered me some shifts. Thought I’d take him up on it.’
‘Yes, definitely get involved there. Will’s a lovely man. Very friendly. And, not sure if you know, but Harbour Light Café has two nights a week where it opens as a food bank café for a couple of hours, serving dinner to those in need. It’s part of the Les Powell Trust. Not sure if you’ve heard of that. It’s run by Samuel Powell.’
‘Lottie’s partner?’
‘Yes, that’s the one. See if you can do some voluntary work there. All looks good on a CV, you know. And let’s face it, we need all the help we can get when we have a —’ she lowered her voice — ‘criminal record.’
Jamie nodded. ‘Did you find it hard?’
‘I was lucky, because I’m a trained chef, so I got placed quite quickly but then the restaurant closed down. Robson offered me a temporary job at his pub, then Alice gave me the role at hers.’
‘Would you like your own restaurant one day?’
Demi scoffed. ‘No thanks. It’s too much stress. Anyway, with my menu at the B&B, and my online stuff, I’m happy enough.’
‘What’s your online stuff?’
‘When I first got out, I lived on my own and was a little lonely for a while so, in my spare time, I started creating short videos showing how to make cheap and easy meals for one. I had noidea it would turn me into some sort of food influencer. I get paid to advertise on my socials now.’
Jamie breathed out a small laugh. ‘You just never know where life will take you.’
‘I know, right.’
‘I joined group therapy at the centre as well, so that’s something new for me to try.’
