‘The food bank is used the most,’ said Samuel. ‘And now the café is open some evenings for free meals, we get a few people come in there, too.’
Will nodded. ‘You wanted to do some voluntary work, Jamie. You can help out one evening there if you like.’
Alice started to cut her roast chicken as talk of the Hub continued. It was one of her favourite things to discuss, and even though they weren’t having one of their meetings about the place, it still felt a tad strange that her mum wasn’t there to join in.
Lizzie, Luna, and Jed were all missing from the group. She knew Jed was at choir practice with the Berry Buoys, singing sea shanties, and the only reason Will wasn’t there with him was because he had a bit of a sore throat.
Benny was with his grandparents for the evening at the B&B, as Luna had offered to sit at the front desk while Lizzie and Benny cooked dinner.
It was the Port Berry way to lend a hand, so there wasn’t anything odd about looking after someone’s business. Alice had helped Mabel no end throughout the years, and she often jumped behind the bar to serve when Robson’s pub got busy and there wasn’t enough staff for the rush. One time she even worked in Berry Blooms, as both Lottie and Spencer had flu. That was her biggest work challenge, as making up bouquets wasn’t as easy as it looked.
The conversation switched to Sophie and Matt’s upcoming wedding, and Alice smiled to herself at the glow on Sophie’s face each time she spoke of her big day.
It was so nice sitting with her friends and Jamie. It was something she had wished to happen for so long. Looking at him happily chatting to Matt as though they had known each other for years brushed away the last of her concerns.
Chapter 12
Jamie
Jamie briefly placed his hand over Alice’s beneath the dinner table, showing her he was doing okay. He’d noticed she kept checking on him with her eyes every five minutes. He knew her inside out and could tell she was fretting about him fitting in with her friends.
The group around him was nothing but friendly, inviting him to join in with their Hub work, asking after his well-being, and Sophie and Matt even inviting him to their wedding.
He had no expectations when he first stepped off the bus to meet Port Berry again. All he had thought about at the time was putting one foot in front of the other, and taking one day at a time. If it hadn’t been for Alice, he probably wouldn’t have returned at all.
Looking around the pub, he could remember being inside as a lad, ready to help his dad walk home. They weren’t the best memories, but inhaling the scent of alcohol brought it all back as though it were yesterday.
His nan would be shouting, his dad slurring curse words, and his sister would be staying put in her room. Shannon never did mix with any of them much after their mum died.
He wondered for a moment if his twin was happy. The last time he saw her was the day he got arrested. Her face was blank, her eyes as empty as ever. She simply stared at him as the police placed him in handcuffs and took him away.
Mabel was in tears, pleading with them to give him another chance, and Alice looked ready to pass out.
Jamie clenched his jaw and raised his chin as he glanced at the woman by his side. She was trying her best to bring joy to hislife so the horrible memories had to go. If only they could leave him forever.
One of the bar staff turned the music up a notch, and Ginny and Lottie started singing along to the Christmas tune playing, livening up the group.
Jamie looked over at the Santa’s sleigh ornament on the fireplace, then smiled at the large twinkling tree nearby, lopsided at the top, making the angel look as though she were as drunk as the two men at the far end of the tinsel-adorned bar. He laughed to himself, then turned back to Alice as a chocolate dessert was brought out.
‘We can leave early if you like,’ she whispered close to his ear, her breath warming his skin.
‘What, and miss out on hot choccy fudge cake and custard?’ He winked, pleased to see her smile. Making her smile had the ability to raise his spirits. He only wished he had done it more often, rather than let her down so much. Things were different now. Now he was a better man; one determined not to waste any more of his life going in the wrong direction, having everyone hate him. Hating himself.
‘Are you coming to the Christmas tree lighting tomorrow night?’ Beth asked Jamie. ‘We’ll all be there.’
‘First Saturday in December as always,’ said Lottie.
‘Will’s supposed to be singing with the Berry Buoys,’ said Ginny. ‘But don’t let that put you off.’
Will chuckled, nudging her arm. ‘Oi!’ He looked over at Jamie. ‘I have a great voice, I’ll have you know. I’m saving it for the event. Last year we raised money to buy some chickens to add to hampers for the food bank. Hopefully, we’ll get some more this year, and if my voice isn’t up to scratch, I’ll mime like I had to last time.’ He shook his head. ‘I always seem to catch something this time of year.’
Ginny grinned. ‘That’s why we’ve stuck you in the corner out of everyone’s way.’
Will touched his neck. ‘It’s just a sore throat.’
Ginny pointed at his bowl. ‘Eat your pudding while it’s warm, that’ll help your pipes.’
Jamie bobbed his head their way. ‘I’m going tomorrow, with Alice and Benny.’ He met Alice’s gaze, looking for confirmation.
