Alice followed her into Sea Shanty Shack, closing the door on the gust of wind that pretty much helped push them inside. ‘Hi, Matt,’ she said, giving a slight wave to the tall dark-haired man behind the cold counter.
Matt’s pale blue eyes held a sparkle as Sophie kissed his cheek. ‘Were you in the Hub as well, Al?’
‘No, I was just going for a walk.’
Matt grimaced at the window. ‘In this?’
Alice shrugged. ‘Stretch the legs.’
Sophie put on her white work coat. ‘I found her outside the café when I came out the Hub. Staring out to sea, daydreaming, by the look of things.’
Alice frowned.
‘Although,’ added Sophie, ‘I happen to know it’s Jamie’s first shift in the café this morning, so she was probably spying on him.’ She turned to Alice. ‘Will was in the Hub with me.’
Alice motioned towards the door. ‘As you just pointed out, I was staring at the sea. So, no snooping at all.’
Sophie chuckled. ‘Alice, we all know how much you worry about people. It’s obvious you’d be thinking of Jamie today. And if it helps, Will did say Jamie was doing just fine.’
It did help, but she refused to admit that fact.
‘Ask Lizzie to read his cards if you’re that concerned about how his life will go from now on.’
‘My mum’s not talking to him, let alone whipping out the tarot for him.’
‘Why isn’t Lizzie talking to Jamie?’ asked Matt.
Alice sighed quietly. ‘She thinks he’s still a rotten egg.’
‘Doesn’t sound like your mum to not give someone a second chance.’ Matt looked at Sophie.
Sophie shrugged. ‘Jamie was no angel last time he was here. It’s natural for Lizzie to be wary. She’ll see in time he’s changed. We all will.’
‘I don’t need time,’ said Alice. ‘I already know he’s a different person.’
Sophie waggled her phone. ‘And we’re going to do our best to help settle him back into the community. I got your dinner request, and Matt and I will be there.’
Matt nodded. ‘Sophie texted me straight away. I’d like to meet him.’
Alice smiled at her friends. ‘He’s going to group therapy tonight with Demi at The Butterfly Company. Do you go there, Matt? I hope you don’t mind me asking, but I know you spent some time in prison, so I wasn’t sure if you go to those chats they have for ex-offenders.’
Matt shook his head. ‘No. I’ve never been, but that’s not to say I wouldn’t. I know about those things. They help others struggling with life back out here. January Riley told me about the centre.’
Alice slapped a hand to her mouth. ‘Oh, perhaps I shouldn’t have mentioned it. I’m pretty sure Jamie won’t mind, but still, me and my big gob.’ Alice glanced at Sophie. ‘I wonder if Jan will be there. She would help Jamie if he needed any extra support. She’s the best therapist I know, not that I know loads. I just know she helps so many around here.’
‘My advice,’ said Matt. ‘When it comes to people and their healing journey, it’s best to let them get on with things their way.’
Sophie raised an eyebrow. ‘Basically, Matt’s politely telling you not to poke your nose in.’
Matt frowned. ‘I’m not being rude about it, Alice. I’m just saying it’s okay to offer help, by all means, but don’t arrange anything for him. Let him guide you.’
Alice dipped back to one heel. ‘I don’t want to do anything that would harm him in any way. I just want him to, well, to stay on the straight and narrow.’ She sighed, scratching beneath her hat. ‘I trust him. I do, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t enter my mind, especially as he’s staying at mine.’
‘We’re only human, Al,’ said Matt. ‘Soph and I talk a lot about my mental health, how I’m coping with being in recovery from addiction. I’ll always have my battle with alcohol, but with the support I get, and love, I lead a good, happy life.’ He smiled at Sophie.
‘Jamie will too,’ said Sophie. ‘It’s probably a bit overwhelming for him right now. The man was away for years. And if he’s turned his back on crime, then it might take a while for him to find his feet doing a proper day’s work. Just talk with him about his day, like we do, and give him help when he asks.’
Matt placed his arm around Sophie as she snuggled to his side. ‘From the moment I met you, Alice, I could tell you were the motherly type. So, all I can say to you is, don’t fuss the fella.He’s a grown man, and he needs to be your equal not a project or charity case or treated as a child in need of care.’
