‘In your own time,’ said Henley softly.
‘Well, I guess what I want to know is, do you reach a point where you feel like chucking in the towel and going back to your old life because no one is willing to believe you’ve changed?’ Jamie noticed Demi frown slightly at him. ‘I’m not at that stage myself,’ he added. ‘I’ve not been out five minutes, and I’m hopeful for my future, but I am curious.’
Demi’s hand lifted a touch. ‘May I answer?’
Henley nodded. ‘Of course, Demi.’
Demi glanced around the group before placing her gaze on Jamie. ‘I had a tough time with my family at first. I didn’t blamethem. How could they just believe me when I’m a recovering addict? But it was hard not having that belief, I won’t lie. However, I found it made me believe in myself extra hard. I had to be the one in charge of what happened to me next. You can’t live your life worrying what everyone else thinks of you. You have to think highly of yourself.’ She looked around the circle. ‘So anytime you feel like giving up just because someone else doesn’t believe in you, that’s your alarm letting you know you need to up your game and believe in yourself.’
Jamie smiled warmly while one woman quietly clapped and a young man gave Demi a fist bump.
‘And those are the wise words we’ll end this session with,’ said Henley. ‘Thank you, Demi.’
Jamie followed her over to the table where tea, coffee, and biscuits were set up. ‘You’ve really got it together, haven’t you?’
Demi poured herself a tea. ‘Had to fight for myself, Jamie. It didn’t happen overnight, and though I have the most amazing man in my life now, I would still fight for myself even if Robson left me, because the one thing life has taught me is, this is my journey, and I get to call the shots.’ She looked up and smiled. ‘It would break my heart if Robson left me, but I wouldn’t let it break me. Do you understand what I’m saying?’
He nodded. ‘Yeah. Be in control of yourself.’
‘For your own sake. We humans can be quite fragile. Best to build on our independence. If we gain support along the way, that’s okay, but never let go of being the hero of your own story, because, trust me, being the damsel in distress in the tale sucks.’
Jamie breathed out a quiet laugh. ‘I know what you mean.’
Her words had made him think back to how he’d found unhealthy ways to cope with his stress. Allowing others to take the wheel, guide him into the danger zones.
When he’d discovered he could study in prison, possibly make something of himself on release, parts of him fell intoplace as though they should have been there all along. It was a major turning point in his life.
But his thoughts went back to Alice. His rock. The only constant in his life. Demi was right with what she said, and he knew he shouldn’t rely heavily on Alice’s kindness, but he felt so attached to her.
Unlike Demi, who would clearly survive no matter who left her, he was quite sure he’d crumble away to nothing if anything happened to Alice. Nobody knew how strong their bond was but them. He needed to speak to her tonight to straighten a few things.
The bus ride home with Demi seemed to take longer than normal, not helped by the driver stopping to remove two drunk women dressed as elves singing Christmas songs at the top of their voices while pressing the bell over and over, annoying everyone.
Demi gave him a hug outside the pub, then entered the front beer garden to cuddle up to Robson, collecting glasses.
Robson glanced over her shoulder, spotting Jamie. It was obvious he wanted to say something, so Jamie remained on the pavement, waiting.
‘Long time no see,’ said Jamie.
Robson approached with Demi holding his hand. ‘Hello, Jamie. I would ask how you’re getting on, but Demi hasn’t stopped singing your praises.’
Demi beamed his way. ‘Jamie deserves praise.’
He smiled at how encouraging she always was. ‘I’ve not done much yet, but I’m getting there.’
‘Glad to hear things are looking up.’ Robson’s piercing blue eyes were almost boring into him. ‘I’ll see you here tomorrow for dinner.’
Jamie figured that was his way of saying goodnight. ‘Yes, I’m looking forward to it.’
‘So are we,’ said Demi.
Unlike Demi, Robson had lived in the Jolly Pirate all his life, so he knew Jamie well. And being a few years older, Robson remembered more about the Stark family, so Jamie had to wonder why Robson was being friendly now.
With little thought, Jamie blurted, ‘Sorry about my dad.’
Robson’s head bobbed slightly as Demi frowned.
‘I know he caused a lot of trouble in your pub,’ Jamie added. He looked at Demi. ‘He was a nasty drunk.’
