She smiled to herself, happy with the life they had created so far. The past was over, and she was sure that nothing from that time could set either of them back ever again.
Chapter 24
Jamie
Poor Benny looked a bundle of nerves as he pottered around in the kitchen, making sandwiches.
Jamie sat at the table, having a coffee. ‘Relax, mate. You’ve got this.’
‘It’s half ten, and I’m making lunch already. I don’t think I have got this.’
‘There’s nothing wrong with being prepared. And the sarnies will stay nice and fresh in the fridge.’ Jamie couldn’t help but be amused as Benny stopped rushing around to take a breath. ‘Did you check she hasn’t got any dietary requirements? Allergies?’
The lad’s face paled. ‘Allergies? She’s not mentioned anything about that.’
‘Probably not got any then, but double-check.’
Benny pulled out his phone and sent a text to Ellie. ‘I didn’t realize I’d feel so stressed when I asked her to come round for lunch.’ He looked up, flustered.
‘It’s not every day you bring a girl home, that’s why.’
Benny sat opposite him, slumping his elbows on the table. ‘What did you do?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘The first time you brought a girlfriend home. Did you make her lunch?’
The question made Jamie realize he’d never even made Alice dinner. Something he needed to rectify. ‘Erm, well, no. I never invited anyone home. There was only Alice, and she was here all the time anyway.’
Benny smiled. ‘Alice has been your only girlfriend?’
When it came to Alice, Jamie didn’t always know how to explain their relationship. ‘Sort of.’
Benny’s blue eyes held a twinkle of interest. ‘It’s okay with me if you’re together. I can see how happy she is with you. And I’m not stupid — I know that you’ve slept in her room.’ He gave a small shrug. ‘It’s none of my business what you two do. All I care about is my mum not getting hurt.’
‘We just talk, then end up falling asleep. And I’d never hurt Alice.’
‘I once overheard Granny telling Nan that you broke Alice’s heart.’
Jamie felt his own heart crack on hearing that information. ‘It was because I was sent to prison. It hurt her. It hurt us both.’
‘But you’re good now?’
‘I like to think so.’
Benny shifted in his seat. ‘What was it like in prison?’
‘It’s different for everyone, but for me, it was a nightmare. A place I didn’t think I would survive at first. You go in as one man and come out another. Not always in a good way. But I was one of the lucky ones. I had someone on the outside who believed I could be a better person. Alice saved me in some ways, then I started fighting for myself. You have to put in the work today that gives you a better tomorrow. Make good choices, Benny. Think before you act, and be grateful for any support you receive.’
Benny smiled softly. ‘Alice saved me too.’
‘She’s an angel, isn’t she?’
Benny nodded. ‘Granny was too old to look after me when my mum died, she just didn’t have the energy, and Nan fell apart and wasn’t right for a long time. It was Alice who held us all together.’
While still looking out for me.
Jamie closed his eyes for a moment, taking a silent deep breath.
