Beth followed his finger to the window. ‘How long have you been open?’
‘Springtime last year. We wanted a place where people could pop in if they needed help with anything, so we got the community involved. Take Matt, for instance. He was able to get free dental treatment and health care. There are loads of small businesses signed up with us. It wasn’t until we visited Sam’s place that we started our own small food bank. Now we have more people come in for food than anything else.’ He pointed at the noticeboard. ‘Although we get a lot of eyes on that as well. Got quite a few people jobs that way. We know what’s available around here before the job centre.’
Beth smiled at the thought of such a small place doing so much. ‘I can see why you were so quick to help me now.’
‘Ah, you’re different. You’re family.’
His casual comment went deeper than he’d ever know. Beth was quite taken aback. It was best to tuck in to the lemon drizzle slice and perhaps change the subject.
She went to say something about the weather when the door to the Hub opened again.
‘Hello,’ said a young woman. ‘I was wondering if you had any free nappies by any chance.’ She glanced back at her pram she was holding outside.
Beth jumped up. ‘Come inside. It’s cold. Here, let me help.’ She held the door open for the woman to roll her pram inside.
‘Ooh, thanks. And there was me thinking it was going to be a bit milder today.’
Spencer handed over the tea he had just made for himself. ‘Fancy a cuppa?’
‘No thanks,’ she replied politely. ‘I’ve got an appointment to get to. But as I was passing, I thought it worth an ask. I know some of the food banks have baby food. Wasn’t sure if this place had any baby bits.’
Spencer shook his head. ‘Sorry, we don’t have anything like that, but I do have some spare nappies in my son’s baby bag. I only have size three.’
‘My boy still fits that size, for now. But I couldn’t take from your own kid. Wouldn’t feel right.’
‘It’s okay,’ said Beth, rushing off to collect four nappies from Archie’s bag. ‘Here, please. We’ve got more at home.’
Home?
She quickly shook off calling Spencer’s flat her home. She hadn’t even moved in yet. All they did that morning was bring a few bits over from hers, and most of that was Archie’s.
‘Thank you so much,’ said the woman. ‘I don’t get my money till tomorrow, so was caught a bit short.’
‘No worries,’ said Spencer. ‘Happy to help.’
Beth opened the door for her, then watched her stroll down the street. She stood there for a while, shivering but unable to look away. What if that was her one day? An arm came around her shoulder, guiding her back into the warmth.
‘Come and finish your cake,’ said Spencer’s gentle voice. ‘I’ve made you tea.’
She sat in the comfy blue chair, staring at the steaming mug. ‘So far I haven’t had that worry,’ she said quietly.
‘And you never will.’ Spencer had turned back to the small worktop, stacking fruit into a colourful glass bowl. His tone was firm but gentle.
Beth picked up the plate. ‘Do you think we could ask for donations for babies, Spence?’
I just called him Spence.
She quickly shovelled some cake into her mouth to hide her blush as gleaming blue eyes peered her way.
‘It’s a good idea. I’ll call a meeting, and we can discuss it. After seeing the price of nappies, I can understand why people struggle to afford them, and the milk! Jeez, that costs some.’ He took his tea and sat opposite her. ‘If you feel up to coming out for dinner with the team, we can have the meeting then. Robson serves some nice grub at his pub.’
‘Do you have all your meetings in there?’
‘Mostly. There’s a big beer garden out front, so we sit out there when the weather’s nice, and we found ourselves sitting outside more and more or going to one of our homes once Matt joined us. But he goes in the pub now, so we’re back to talking there again. More room, you see.’
‘Why didn’t Matt go in the pub?’
‘Oh, he’s a recovering alcoholic. And as he was homeless when he first arrived, he hadn’t tested the whole pub atmosphere for a long while. He’s okay now. He’ll be two years sober this year.’
