Ginny was pleased the subject had been well and truly changed from her cliff horror story. The memory still had the ability to cause a shiver to run the full length of her spine. What would have happened if Will hadn’t climbed down to her side?
‘Would you like a selection box as well?’ asked Alice, poking her head around the door to smile over at the waiting woman. ‘Oh, hi, Janine. Didn’t know it was you.’ She turned to Spencer. ‘Janine’s got two girls, so make sure you pop a couple of those in with her parcel.’
Spencer did as he was asked and handed everything over. ‘Merry Christmas.’
As soon as she left, another woman entered, swiftly followed by two men and an elderly couple.
‘Need an extra set of hands?’ asked Will, closing the door behind him.
Every part of Ginny beamed. Ever since he saved her, she’d not wanted to spend a second away from him, making sure he spent each night in her arms.
‘Here, stick this on.’ She placed a pair of reindeer antlers on his head, then tipped her own to tickle his chin while his head was bent.
Will lifted her mouth to his for a quick peck. ‘Where do you want me?’
Ginny bit her bottom lip as she grinned, knowing exactly where she wanted him.
He gave her a knowing look, then gestured at the small gathering taking up half the Hub.
‘Help Alice in the back room,’ she suggested. ‘Then see if you can bring any more carrots down from Lottie’s.’
‘Excuse me,’ said a meek voice from behind her.
Ginny turned to the middle-aged woman matching her height. ‘Happy Christmas, chick. How might I help you on this crisp winter morning?’ She followed Will with her eyes, then paid full attention to the lady.
The woman pointed at the ceiling. ‘I heard upstairs is going to become an office for the Les Powell Trust. Is that right?’
‘Yeah, that’s correct. Did you want to see Samuel about something related?’
‘I wondered if he might need a cleaner.’
Ginny slid the plate of mince pies towards her, offering one. ‘I reckon he’ll need one. Let me check for you. Have you got a minute to wait?’
‘Got all the time in the world, me. My husband passed away this year, and I don’t know what to do with myself. Someone suggested a part-time job might help. I’m okay for money, not rich but comfortable, so it’s more for my mental health than my pocket.’
Knowing how much work helped her own mental well-being, Ginny nodded. ‘What’s your name?’
‘Rita Callaghan.’
‘Pleased to meet you, Rita. I’m Ginny.’
Rita nodded. ‘Yeah, I know who you are. You’re that lass who fell off the cliff. Saw you on the news.’
Great!
‘Let me just make that call.’ Ginny raised a hand to Spencer, gesturing towards the kettle.
Spencer made Rita and some others a cup of tea, then went back to handing out food parcels and chicken vouchers.
Ginny went in the back room to call Samuel, pleased he said he’d pop down to the Hub in about five minutes. She stoleanother quick kiss from Will, gaining her a smile from Alice, then went back to let Rita know Samuel was on his way.
The morning was flying by, and the need for two days’ worth of food plus extra treats for the holly jolly season had failed to ease.
‘I wish we could do more,’ said Alice, once the Hub was clear.
Spencer nodded. ‘I know we’re trying to keep everything upbeat here, but blimming heck, it’s so sad seeing people needing this kind of help.’
‘At least that Rita lady got a job with Samuel. Another win for the Hub,’ said Will.
