With the tarot revealing good vibes for Jamie, Shannon hopefully gone for good, and the past off of everyone’s chest, Alice felt she could get on with Christmas now. She smiled widely on seeing Jamie faffing about with the door wreath while quietly singing a festive tune.
‘What you grinning about?’ he asked as she spun in a circle on the pathway.
Alice put her palms out to catch the light snow flurry. ‘Sorted things with Mum. Oh, and Benny put in a good word for you, so now no one’s judging you on your old self and we can move forward.’
‘Speaking of which, I just saw Will a minute ago. I’m going to help out at the café tonight.’
‘The free meals evening?’
‘Yeah, it’s normally two nights a week, but he’s opening for three just for winter.’
Alice smiled. ‘Well done for helping.’
‘I want to give something back. Be a friend not foe.’
‘Well, that’s one way to make a start.’ She came to the door to inspect his work. ‘Have you had anyone say anything to you while you’ve been working?’
Jamie picked up a fallen pine cone. ‘No, not yet. So far, people have been quite kind.’
‘I think we should celebrate.’
He laughed as she grabbed his hands, spinning him into a dance. ‘What exactly are we celebrating?’
Alice twirled under his arm. ‘Kindness.’
Chapter 16
Jamie
Jamie had no idea what to expect as he started his evening shift at Harbour Light Café. Will was there, helping the cooks in the kitchen set up, and two women were ready to serve anyone that came through the door.
‘Hi, I’m Kaz,’ said a young woman with red curls. ‘I’ve been volunteering like this for a good while now, so feel free to ask me for any help. I know how nerve-wracking it can be when you’re new.’
Jamie smiled. ‘Thanks. To be honest, I don’t feel nervous, more inexperienced. I know I’ll be clearing up and serving food, but I’m not sure what else happens on these evenings.’
Kaz pointed at the door. ‘Basically, people on low incomes, or even homeless, come in for a free meal and a chat. We don’t just feed them. Some people like a bit of company, so just greet them when they come in, and see if you can pick up on whether they want to be left alone or not.’
‘And the one’s that want a chat?’
‘Sit with them. As long as we’re not rushed off our feet, which we never are around here, you’ll have time to keep them company.’
Jamie was only just starting to get used to the quiet life he now had, but knew from other inmates that some people needed others around them. He used to be that way too but, as the years passed, he found he enjoyed time to himself.
The door opened and a man in his early twenties entered, giving a small wave to Kaz.
‘Hey, Henry. How you getting on?’ asked Kaz.
Henry’s gaunt face showed how worn through he was. ‘Doing okay, but Mum’s in hospital again.’
‘Oh no. Hopefully she won’t be in too long this time.’ Kaz gestured at Jamie. ‘Henry, this is Jamie. He’s new to the scheme.’
Once again, Henry offered a small wave, and Jamie figured the young man didn’t want to shake hands so didn’t bother to try.
‘Hello,’ said Henry. ‘You can sit with me for a bit, if you like. I’ll help you get settled.’
Jamie smiled. ‘Thanks. Very kind of you.’
‘What can I get you to eat, Henry?’ asked Kaz. ‘I happen to know chicken and chips is on the menu.’
