‘Fine, then tell me which charities she gave to.’
‘Nope. I loved Mabel,’ said Alice. ‘I won’t betray her.’
Shannon snarled. ‘Oh, you’ve always been so stupid.’
‘She’s not stupid.’ Jamie rose from the sofa.
‘You would say that. Got your feet well and truly under the table here, I see. She doesn’t even realize you’re using her, does she? You’ve always been able to con this one.’
‘You don’t know what you’re talking about,’ snapped Alice, moving to Jamie’s side.
He hoped Alice wasn’t buying into his sister’s spiteful words. ‘I think we both know you’ve always been jealous of Alice. I wonder why. Oh, that’s right, it’s because people like her.’
Shannon scoffed. ‘Oh, please. You know she’s a soft touch, that’s why you keep her around. I bet you’ve already found a way to get your claws into this place.’ She smirked at Alice. ‘Hashe got you to sign anything yet? Put something in his name perhaps?’
‘No, he hasn’t, because he’s not devious like you. There is no agenda here, just friendship. You just don’t recognize that because you never had any mates.’
Shannon stormed off to the foyer. ‘I keep my circle small, and I know exactly who is inside, but you, Dipple, think you know my brother. I’m telling you now, he’s using you. Laughs behind your back. I bet he’s in your bed every night declaring his love while thinking up ways to take Seaview from you. Wake up, you fool.’
‘That’s enough.’ Jamie pointed at the door. ‘Go away, leave us alone, and don’t come back. You’re no family to me. You’re just poison.’
Shannon smirked over her shoulder as she went to step over the threshold. ‘You’ll see his true colours one day, love. When all this disappears from your grasp.’ And with that, she moved to the Christmas tree and pushed it over before marching off.
Alice stared wide-eyed at the baubles and tree ornaments rolling her way. ‘Really?’
Jamie pinched the bridge of his nose as a headache loomed. He was used to Shannon’s nastiness so not much surprised him when it came to her. But trying to plant seeds in Alice’s mind was the last straw. He swore to himself there and then that his twin was now dead to him. He never wanted to see or hear from her again.
‘Spiteful cow,’ muttered Alice, crouching to pick up the tree.
Jamie rushed to help. ‘What she said about me, I—’
‘Hey, I know that’s not true. What, you think I’d believe her? I grew up with her too you know, and obviously, she hasn’t changed much.’
They straightened the tree, then set about gathering the decorations sprawled all over the floor, a couple broken.
Jamie went to fetch the dustpan and brush from the cupboard by the stairs. ‘I just don’t know what to say.’ He was now wondering if anyone else thought he was using Alice. ‘I get paid soon. I’ll be able to start paying my way here. You’ll see I’m not using you.’
Alice stopped tucking the fairy lights back in place. ‘I know you’re not doing that. Don’t let her get inside your head. She sure as hell isn’t in mine.’ She approached him and took his hands in hers. ‘What have we always said about ourselves, eh?’ Before he could reply, she added, ‘No one understands our friendship but us.’
He nodded, dipping his head, fed up that his sister had stirred the pot. It was reassuring to hear that Alice didn’t believe her, but he still felt like crap.
‘Everything’s okay, Jamie. Just stay focused on your goals. Don’t let her ruin anything for you.’
He met the sincerity in her eyes, knowing she really was such a kind person. ‘I still want to start paying my way.’
Alice gave his hands a gentle squeeze. ‘Sure, that’s fine. You can help out around here as well, if you like. Some housekeeping on your days off. Bit of handyman work.’ She stepped back to continue picking up baubles. ‘I’ve never seen you as a user, just my friend. And if you want to be part of the team here, then chip in when you can.’
Jamie felt a little less rattled. ‘I want you to know I’d never try to take this place from you. You’re the only person I know who loves Seaview as much as Nan did.’
Alice glanced his way. ‘I know you wouldn’t.’
‘I can sign some documents to prove that if you want. You know because—’
‘There’s no need for anything like that. I don’t even need your word. I know you’d never do anything to hurt me.’
He lowered his eyes. ‘I did hurt you though, didn’t I? Being stupid and getting arrested the year your sister died. You needed me, and I wasn’t around.’
‘I don’t want to talk about that time.’
