‘Pretty much the same thing you’re doing now. Talk to people. See what they need. Make up food parcels. I can put your name down to work a couple of hours with me, then I can show you the ropes if you like.’
It didn’t take a lot of thought. Jamie already knew he wanted to be part of the Hub. It was one of Alice’s favourite subjects, so he knew some things about the role. He just wasn’t sure if he’d be the right fit.
As if reading his mind, Matt offered a sympathetic smile. ‘Are you worried someone might come in and tell you you’re not welcome or something?’
‘I guess I’m just finding my feet around here, and even though so far no one has had a go at me, I’m still expecting someone to say something at some point.’ He didn’t include Lizzie, as he understood she was just concerned about her daughter.
Matt patted his arm. ‘Look, if someone comes into the Hub with something to say, that’s your chance to tell them you’ve changed and you’re now someone who volunteers and helps. It’s up to them what they do with that info, but at least they can see the man you are now.’
‘I suppose.’
‘So, should I put your name down? We really could do with an extra set of hands this time of year. It gets busy.’
Jamie nodded. ‘Okay. Oh, and, Matt — thanks.’
Matt smiled. ‘No worries, mate. Don’t know if you know my story, but when I arrived here, I was homeless and the Hub helped me no end. Mostly Jed, who was on a mission to give me a new life. Seriously, the man went above and beyond. A real diamond he is. Don’t get me wrong, I had already reached a stage where I’d started fighting for myself, but to have that kind of support makes all the difference.’
Jamie’s thoughts were with Alice. ‘Port Berry has always been a friendly place.’ He hated himself for being one of the few that had caused problems and trouble.
‘I love it here,’ said Matt.
Jamie grinned. ‘Sophie have something to do with that?’
Matt laughed. ‘Yep. It wasn’t just the harbour I fell in love with.’ He shook his head. ‘When I think back to life before Sophie Moore, it’s hard to believe someone as wonderful as her was in my future. It does blow my mind sometimes.’
‘You just never know what’s around the corner, right?’
‘I never had the best life, Jamie, and I had no idea where I would end up when I started walking away from London. Even though I had goals, never in my wildest dreams did I think my life would ever be this happy. I’m not just grateful to Jed and Sophie and the people around here for their help and kindness, I’m also grateful for whatever it was inside my brain that pushed me towards change. Lord knows where I’d be today if I didn’t make that decision to change my life.’
Jamie knew the feeling.
An elderly couple came in, so Jamie went over to show them to a table and see how he could assist. He carried on working through his shift with a pleasant smile for everyone and a real sense of belonging. And when Alice popped in at the end of the night to playfully ask if he wanted someone to walk him home, his joy lifted to the highest level.
Chapter 17
Alice
The last few days had been so lovely for Alice. Christmas songs playing, and the last of her guests departing in full festive mood, assuring her of their return again one day. The hearty lunches Demi served had people coming in from the cold for something warm and homely, and all of her aches and pains sat at a level two.
She grinned to herself as she unlocked the front door, knowing no more guests were due till New Year’s Eve. She could relax a little and perhaps get some Christmas shopping done.
Wondering what she could buy for Jamie, and so pleased she could get him anything that didn’t have to be approved by the authorities, she swung open the door to see the snow they were having on and off had left a thin covering on the pathway.
‘Oh, how beautiful is . . .’ She glanced down, spotting her door wreath on the floor.
At first, she assumed it had fallen off, but on closer inspection, she could see it had been ripped apart.
Alice looked around the front for signs of any other damage, but all was in order. She picked up what was left of the wreath and headed over to the desk. Jamie was making his way downstairs.
‘What’s happened to that?’ he asked, frowning.
‘I guess it fell off the door and some animal got its claws into it. Oh, what a mess, and the competition was today. We won’t be entering now.’
Jamie picked up what was left of the small gold bell that had been attached. ‘You sure it was an animal?’
‘Well, unless someone ripped it off the door and stomped on it, then yeah.’ Alice slapped a hand to her mouth. ‘Oh no, you don’t think that masked man is back, do you?’
‘One way to find out.’
