‘Nope. She’s gone to a bridesmaid fitting for Sophie’s wedding.’
Just for a second, Jamie visualized Alice dressed as a bride. Any man would be lucky to have her, he knew.
‘She said to tell you there’s lunch in the fridge with your name on it.’ Benny carried on reading his book.
Jamie went to his room and plopped his bags down, feeling he’d had a productive day so far. He couldn’t wait to tell Alice how everything went with Henley.
Glancing down at the bed, he smiled at how it had taken him a moment to gather his bearings when he’d woken at six that morning. He still couldn’t believe he was home.
He opened the balcony door and stepped outside to inhale the fresh salty air. Even though it was cold, it didn’t matter. The sea breeze on his face lifted him higher.
‘Oi, Stark!’ came a voice from the street.
Jamie peered down to see someone from his past. ‘Gregg?’
‘I heard you were out.’
‘News travels fast around here.’
The lanky man stepped closer to the B&B. ‘Come down, I might have a job for you.’
Jamie shook his head. ‘Not in that game anymore, mate. New life now.’
‘Oh, come on, Stark. Easy money.’
‘There’s more to life than money.’
Gregg scoffed. ‘Since when?’
Jamie waved one hand. ‘Don’t knock for me, Greggy-boy. I’m not playing out.’
Gregg grinned. ‘You know how to find me.’
Jamie watched his past walk away, knowing that was where it was going to stay. He didn’t blame Gregg for trying, reaching out in his own way, but unlike Gregg, Jamie had grown up and moved on.
Benny came into sight, first glancing down the road, then looking up at Jamie’s balcony.
Jamie stared back, raising a palm.
Oh, so you heard that.
In a way, Jamie was glad Benny had heard the conversation, because at least it showed the old days were over. He went inside and caught a glance at himself in the mirror, feeling pretty pleased with life.
Yep, it’s been a productive morning.
Chapter 7
Alice
Alice gazed at herself in the full-length silver mirror in the wedding shop. Her long crimson bridesmaid dress fitted her tall slim frame perfectly. She had never felt so pretty.
Lottie poured some champagne at a nearby table. ‘It doesn’t look like you need any more alterations done, Alice.’
Alice glanced at the hem. ‘I agree. I think I’m ready.’ She turned to Ginny. ‘How about you, Gin?’
Ginny was checking out a row of shoes. ‘I can’t see myself losing any more baby weight before the wedding, so I’ll stick with this size. I’m going to pick the four-inch heels though. Help give me some height.’
Alice pointed at the flat pair. ‘I’ll take those, then we’ll level out a bit in the photos.’
