Chapter 21
Alice
The lunch trade at the B&B was closed for the Christmas holiday and Alice and Demi were helping Ginny make festive cupcakes in Ginny’s Tearoom.
Not only were they going to hand them out for free at the Hub, they were going to take a large batch over to the Sunshine Centre for the workers and volunteers there as a thank you for all their help with the Hub over the year.
Green, red, and white icing covered Alice more than the cakes, and the silver and gold sprinkles were strewn across her table, seemingly having a life of their own.
‘I hear Jamie’s doing his first shift in the Hub this morning with Matt,’ said Ginny, icing her cupcake perfectly.
Alice glanced at the blob she’d created on her one. ‘Yeah. They’ve got loads of food parcels to make up, so that should keep them busy.’
Demi was packing some of the sweet treats into boxes, ready to transport. ‘How did it go at the hospital yesterday, Al?’
‘Aww, the kids loved their presents. It was so good of the church to get the locals to donate.’
Ginny started icing another cupcake while Alice tried to tidy her own one. ‘And how’s your knee today?’
Alice glanced down at her lap. ‘Much better, thank you. Jamie made me a lovely hot bath last night, and that helped soothe the old bones.’
Demi laughed. ‘And did he stay in the bathroom with you?’
Alice felt her cheeks flush. ‘No, he did not. He was just being thoughtful.’
Handing over a fresh cupcake to Alice to ice, Ginny grinned. ‘Any developments to talk about, chick?’
‘What do you mean, developments?’
Ginny scoffed. ‘Erm, you know exactly what I mean.’
‘There is nothing to report. We’re just friends.’
‘You’ve never been just friends .’ Ginny looked at Demi. ‘Seriously, I’ve never known friends to act the way they do.’
Alice reached for the red icing bag. ‘It’s not a big deal to us how we act. It’s just the way we are, and nothing has developed.’ She eyed Ginny when she said the last word.
The door to the tea shop flew open, and in rushed Benny, all rosy cheeks and big smile. ‘Mum, you’ll never guess what’s happened!’
Alice frowned. ‘Why aren’t you in school?’
Benny shrugged, closing the door to keep the chill out. ‘We break up next week for Christmas. There’s not much going on right now, so we had a free lesson.’
‘I’m pretty sure you’re still supposed to stay in school when that happens.’
Ginny looked up. ‘We used to go over the park whenever we got a free lesson.’
Alice frowned at Ginny. ‘Yes, well, I’d prefer Benny to stay in school.’
‘But I have big news,’ Benny cried.
‘Ooh, let’s hear it, chick.’ Ginny lowered her hands and sat up straight.
‘Trey said Alan got arrested last night and is going to prison.’
All three women gasped in surprise.
‘What does Trey Seabridge know about Alan?’ asked Alice.
Benny shrugged. ‘Nothing. His mum told him.’
Ginny turned to Alice. ‘Wouldn’t the police let you know if they were charging him, chick?’
Benny shook his head. ‘It’s not about us. Trey’s mum said he’s been harassing another ex-girlfriend as well, and she had loads of evidence, even stuff showing his face. He’s in serious trouble this time.’
‘And this ex of his has only just come forward with her proof?’ questioned Alice.
Benny nodded. ‘Trey’s mum said the woman heard about what happened with us, and that’s why she decided to tell the police what had been happening to her.’
Demi raised her brow. ‘Trey’s mum says a lot.’
Ginny agreed. ‘She’s that type. Got her nose in everything.’
Demi smiled softly at Alice. ‘At least he’s off the streets now. A win for all women.’
Alice wasn’t sure how to feel.
Benny sat close to her. ‘He’s getting what he deserves, Mum. Don’t think about him anymore.’
Alice faced him, blinking back tears. ‘I’m sorry I brought him into our lives.’
He leaned into her arm, giving her a cuddle. ‘It’s not your fault.’
‘He’s right,’ said Ginny. ‘All you did was try to find love. How’s anyone to know who the weirdo narcissists are at first? They’re skilled manipulators. I’m just glad he’s been arrested.’
Alice composed herself and nodded. ‘Yes, so am I. It sounds like that poor woman had it far worse than me.’
‘I better get back.’ Benny kissed Alice on the cheek. ‘But I had to see you as soon as I heard. You feel better now, don’t you?’
‘A little. People like him should be behind bars.’ Alice saw Benny to the door, giving him a cupcake to take with him.
‘Well, what a turn up for the books, eh, chick?’
Alice smiled at Ginny, feeling slightly lighter. ‘It’s good news Alan is off the streets.’
Ginny waggled a hand towards the door. ‘Go on then.’
‘Go on then what?’
‘You know you’re dying to go to the Hub to tell Jamie.’ Ginny winked. Alice grabbed her coat and scarf.
‘I’ll be right back.’
A gust of salty sea air hit Alice straight in the face as she made her way along Harbour End Road to the Hub. Not even the harsh weather at the harbour could dampen her mood.
What a relief it was to know Alan wouldn’t be popping up anymore. She figured he wouldn’t come near her again anyway, especially after his encounter with Jamie, but she was certain now, thanks to the bravery of his other ex, whoever she was.
Alice passed her family’s shop first, so went inside to tell her mum and nan the news.
Lizzie raised a hand from behind the counter. ‘Benny just told me. Bloody brilliant, eh, love?’
‘Yes. Have you told Nan?’
‘Yep, but I think she’s still finding ways to hex him.’
Alice breathed out a laugh. ‘Between Nan and the woman who got him arrested, he doesn’t stand a chance.’
‘Good riddance to bad rubbish.’
Alice waved. ‘Got to go. Speak later.’ She laughed as she heard her mother let out a squeal of delight.
Jamie was at the front of the Hub, handing over a food parcel to a young man as she approached. He said goodbye to the man, then flashed Alice a warm smile. ‘Hello, Angel. You here to see me?’
‘Yes.’
‘Come inside, it’s cold.’
Alice went straight to the big blue comfy chair and sat down.
‘Matt’s just out the back, packing more food parcels.’
Alice wiggled her index finger, beckoning Jamie closer.
He grinned as he leaned to her cheek.
Alice told him the good news about Alan, then bit her lip and waited for his reaction.
‘I want to shake that woman’s hand.’ He pulled up a chair to her side. ‘How are you feeling?’
‘Relieved.’
‘He wouldn’t have come near you again, Alice. Just know that.’
She raised an eyebrow. ‘Well, you never can be too sure with people like him, but I do know he would have been afraid of you, so that would have stopped him. He’s a bully who only picks on women. He’d never take on a man.’
Jamie sat closer. ‘I’m so sorry for whatever he put you through. I know you’ve never gone into details about your time with him, but whatever happened, it wasn’t good, and I’m just glad you got yourself away from him.’
‘Yeah, well, I’ve had enough misery in my life without him adding to it.’ She stared into his eyes. ‘And I don’t want you blaming yourself.’
‘We’re all about moving forward now, right?’
She nodded. ‘Definitely.’
‘Good. Now, how about fish and chips for dinner tonight, on me, and a Christmas film? Something funny.’
‘Sounds perfect.’
‘You want to stay in here with me for the rest of the day?’
Alice stood. ‘I can’t. I’m in the tea shop, making the cupcakes, then I’m off to the Sunshine Centre with Ginny and Demi to drop some off. We’ll be back in here later with some of the cakes, so I’ll see you then.’
Jamie followed her to the door. ‘Okay. Look forward to it.’
She turned, grinning. ‘What, seeing me?’
‘Nah, scoffing one of the cupcakes.’
Alice burst out laughing. ‘Life’s good, isn’t it, Jamie?’
‘Yep. And it’s going to stay that way, Angel.’
Alice practically skipped all the way back to the tearoom.