‘On the first Saturday in December every year.’
Jamie laughed. ‘I think I was a kid the last time I went to that.’ He stopped smiling. ‘I never really cared about much in my teens.’
‘No, you didn’t.’
He met her eyes, seeing the regret he felt. ‘Seems I have a lot to catch up with.’
‘You want to go?’
Jamie nodded. ‘Yep. I’m working at the tea shop that day, and seeing how it closes at four, I’ll be able to pop along and watch the event. Is it still at Old Market Square?’
‘Yep. Do you want to go together?’
He grinned as they made their way over to the short pier across the road. ‘Are you asking me on a date, Alice?’
Alice blew out a laugh. ‘No.’
‘Ah, well, never mind. I’ll still go with you.’
They leaned on a rail, listening to the hum of the water washing against the pilings.
Jamie looked up at the stars. ‘It’s absolutely beautiful out here.’ He’d never been one to stop and smell the flowers, but since walking out of prison, he noticed everything, big or small, and so much about life now made him smile on the inside.
‘It’s peaceful when the sea is calm.’
‘I’m a big fan of peace and calm nowadays.’
Alice smiled. ‘Me too.’
They stared down into the dark water.
‘Jamie, is there anything you haven’t told me?’
He gazed her way, frowning. ‘Is this about Gregg?’
‘No. I just know that when we used to write to each other, we kept it light. So, I wondered if anything might have happened to you that you’d like to talk about now you’re out of that place.’
He shook his head, then went back to looking out to sea. ‘No. I pretty much told you everything in those letters. I know there wasn’t much to tell during the first couple of years, but once I settled down, I was happy to share all the positive things going on with me.’
‘I was worried more about the negative stuff.’
‘I didn’t get into any more fights after I started therapy.’
Alice leaned a little closer. ‘I was thinking more about your health.’
‘Ah.’ Now it made more sense what was playing on her mind. ‘I never had any health scares.’
‘Would you have told me?’
He nodded. ‘Yes. I never hid any of my cancer worries from you. Why would I? You’ve seen me at my worst. Mopped my brow and read me to sleep. You were always there throughout my treatment. I remember you trying to keep me up to date with school work, and the times you’d just sit and hold my hand. You’re my angel.’
‘It’s what friends are for.’
He wanted to place his arm around her shoulder and give her a gentle squeeze, but thought it best to keep his arms to himself. ‘You went above and beyond. We both know that.’
They shared a warm smile, then Alice looked away.
‘I’m surprised you never went into nursing or something along those lines, especially after Lisa,’ he added. ‘Have you got any more presentations lined up before the schools break for Christmas?’
