‘He worries about you. We both do.’
‘He apologised to me.’
‘He did?’ This was news to Jack.
‘Yes, but he still didn’t explain why I lost my job, why it came to that.’ She took a deep breath. ‘And I think I need to know to help me accept the apology.’
Jack nodded. ‘You know, sometimes I can’t understand him myself.’
‘You’re a good man.’ She smiled at him, her eyes kind and warm. ‘Now keep being a good man and take out a pot of coffee.’
‘Certainly, ma’am.’ He mock saluted and when he emerged from the kitchen with the piping hot pot of coffee, Evie was looking at him. And she didn’t look pleased at all.
‘Attitude problem?’ he asked now, after she’d demanded to know why he was here. ‘You’ve got one, not me. I’m here helping.’ He cleared another table, the plates gratefully cleaned of all food. ‘Excuse me,’ he said when she got in his way.
When Evie grabbed the broom and took her frustration out on the floor beneath the most recently vacated table, Nicole scurried out from the kitchen. ‘Jackson, be nice.’
‘I am. It’s her who has the problem.’
‘Jackson.’
‘Okay, okay. Now what can I do to help next?’ Now he was here he was relaxing and, dare he say it, enjoying it. A few of the regulars had chatted with him. They hadn’t shared woeful stories, they hadn’t moaned. They’d chatted about inconsequential things: the weather, the traffic chaos at rush hour, politics even. Who knew?
They spent the next hour doing more of the same—clearing plates, washing up, pouring coffees, loading the dishwasher, mopping up spills. Nicole showed him the haul of coats folded and placed on shelves at the back of the shelter when the latest newcomer turned up in shirtsleeves and a blanket around his shoulders. Jack had taken him to the cupboard and pulled out one in his size, a bright orange puffer jacket that’d be sure to stave off the winter chill, and the simple act of kindness had given him a strange sensation, much like when he helped the homeless man on the corner. He wondered what his father would make of all this.
‘Where did this come from?’ Jack stooped down to pick up a necklace, a delicate gold heart pendant hanging onto a chain that was broken.
‘Oh, no.’ Nicole took it from him as Evie appeared. ‘Your necklace is broken, Evie.’
‘Damn it.’ Evie looked crestfallen as she held the gold chain in her hand, the heart cupped in her palm.
‘It was my gift to her on our first Christmas together.’ Nicole told Jack. She gave Evie a hug.
‘How about I take it to the store to have it fixed and give it back to you tomorrow?’ Jack suggested.
Evie was about to hand it over to him when a clatter behind them caused Jack to turn and run over as quickly as he could.
‘It’s Barry again.’ Nicole leapt into action and followed him.
‘He’s drunk,’ Evie whispered to Jack, as she pocketed the necklace while Jack had his hands full lifting Barry up off the ground, perching him at a table. He was heavy and the dead weight of a drunk was hard to bear on his own.
They gave Barry some food, lots of water, black coffee and he stayed there for an hour before staggering out into the night again. And by the end of their shift, and after Nicole and Evie had directed people to shelters where they’d be able to find a bed for the night, it was time to go.
‘I’m meeting an old friend from school tonight.’ Nicole eased on her coat and wrapped her scarf around her neck.
‘That sounds nice.’ Evie pulled on her gloves. ‘Have a lovely time.’
‘I will. We’re going to be tourists in my own city,’ she smiled. ‘And Jackson?’
He looked at her as he fastened the buttons on his long business coat.
‘Thank you for helping out tonight. I’m glad you came.’
‘Me too.’ He hugged her tightly. ‘I can walk you to wherever you’re going.’
‘No need.’ She smiled at them both. ‘But I’ll see you again?’ It was a question rather than a statement.
‘You’ll see me again.’
