Will smiled and sipped his drink. ‘As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.’
Spencer leaned closer to the table. ‘I’ve got some other plans for this year.’
‘Okay, now I’m intrigued, especially as you’re whispering.’
Spencer laughed. ‘I haven’t told anyone yet, that’s why. Lottie will make a big deal out of it, and I’d rather just stay under the radar, so to speak. No doubt she’d ask me to do one of her interviews for the Hub’s website. Hey, you could do one aboutlife at sea. Although her chats are usually well-being related, but I’m sure there’s an angle there.’
‘Mental health and the military. I’ll speak to her. But meanwhile, what’s going on with you?’
‘Ever since Lottie had her accident, it made me think about working in mental health care. She’s a really positive person, but even she had her moments in the beginning when she found out she’d never walk again.’ Spencer wrinkled his nose. ‘I haven’t got much in the way of exams under my belt, as I didn’t take school very seriously, so last year I started an evening course in mental health care for kids at a local college.’
‘Good for you, Spence.’
‘Thanks. It hasn’t been easy keeping it a secret. But with help from Debra at the Sunshine Centre, I managed to get a work placement there.’ Spencer glanced over at Lottie sat by Samuel sharing a plate of chips. ‘My sister started going there for art therapy, and I told Debra I’d like to help out, and she was the one who pointed me in the direction of the college.’
‘So what will you be doing exactly? Working at the centre?’
‘Only part-time. I’m still needed in the shop, and I like my job at Berry Blooms. But I used to help out at Scouts, so I thought with my clean police record and the mental health care certificate, I could focus more on the kids that attend.’
Will nodded. ‘I’ve already signed up there for summer activities. You know, the adventure stuff.’
Spencer bit his lip as he chuckled. ‘Rock climbing.’
The thought of Ginny trapped on the side of the cliff had a shiver run the full length of Will’s spine. He was sure he’d never get over that day.
‘Sorry,’ added Spencer. ‘I shouldn’t joke.’
‘Ah, it’s okay. At least we survived.’
‘Bloody hell, mate. What a nightmare.’ Spencer sipped his drink. ‘I might have to go climbing with you myself.’ He sat upstraight, shifting closer again. ‘This is the type of stuff I want to do with the kids. The ones there won’t join the Scouts. Debra told me. No confidence or their anxieties get in their way. So I want to work with them and see if I can get them outdoors building camps, mixing with people, that sort of thing. I know they’ve got it in them.’
Will agreed wholeheartedly. He’d witnessed first-hand what the members of the Sunshine Centre were capable of, and the younger ones too. ‘Emotional support goes a long way, Spence.’
‘It certainly does. So that’s what I’m currently working on. I need some sort of set-up that works well for the group Debra has in mind.’
‘I can always help with that. You just let me know if and when you need a hand, and I’ll square it with Debra.’
Spencer raised his glass to clink it with Will’s mug. ‘Cheers, mate. Oh, and keep this between us for now. I will let Lottie know, but I just want to wait until I’ve got some more cover for the shop. The last thing I want is for her to think I’ll leave her to it alone.’
Will gestured over at Samuel. ‘I don’t think your sister will ever be alone, judging by the way he makes eyes at her.’
Samuel raised his head to look over their way. ‘Why do I get the feeling I’m being spoken about?’ he called.
‘Because you are,’ said Spencer, grinning.
‘Saves everyone else from being gossiped about,’ said Lottie, flicking a chip over at her brother.
‘Oi! No throwing food,’ boomed Robson from behind the bar.
Lottie wriggled a hand in the air. ‘Sorry.’ She narrowed her eyes at her brother. ‘What are you saying about the love of my life?’
Samuel beamed, snuggling into her arm. ‘Yeah, what you saying about me?’
Spencer winked at Will. ‘Oh, just how gorgeous those golden eyes of yours are.’
Will laughed as Samuel fluttered his eyelashes.
‘They’re amber,’ said Lottie. ‘And they’re mine.’
