15C O/C
Had some time yesterday, so got several pages ahead on the story, soon be time to start thinking about another start.

When Irene came out to the kitchen Alicia was composed and had her emotions in check.

“Can I help?” Irene inquired.

“No, the coffee is made and I’m just setting out these few things. Do you think they will want to be in here or out in the living room?”

“I think here is just fine, that way they can get their elbows on the table and write notes or whatever they think they need to do.”

“Are you ready for a cup now?” Alicia asked.

 “Please, that would be nice.”

Alicia filled two of the cups and together they sat down.

“I’d like to ask you about everything, but I’m sure we will be hearing all about it soon.” Irene smiled. “But give me a head start, tell me about you.”

“Oh, there’s not a lot to tell, I was born and raised here, well actually I was born in Port uh Port Alberni. I went away to school when I was in my teens. Then went to university then work. What about you Irene, are you an island girl?”

Irene smiled again, “Yes, actually I am, I was born in Victoria but when I was nine or ten we moved to Nanaimo and that’s where I’ve been ever since. Met and married Jim and I work part time at a boutique.”

The two women chatted for several minutes, both very comfortable with each other. Finally Irene said, “Okay they’ve had long enough, I’ll go get them.”

As she walked to the front, the two men with Natalie attached to one of Bob’s arm came through the door.

“Good timing.” She said. “We’re going to sit in the kitchen.”

Before they even sat down, Bob went to Alicia and said, “Jim has got a lot done and everything is done or underway, it looks like it will all be back to normal soon.”

Alicia involuntarily put her hand on his arm, “Oh Bob, that’s good, I’m so happy for you.” She started to raise both her arms but quickly caught herself and turned away. “Sit all of you, coffee’s coming. And what about you Natalie? I have coke and ginger-ale or milk?”

“Ginger-ale please.” Was the reply.

As they all sat down, Irene, Jim and Natalie all started asking questions at once.

“Hold it, hold it.” Bob said. “First things first. Did you bring some money?” He looked at his brother.

“Oh yeah, sorry,” Jim pulled an envelope out of his pocket, “here’s four hundred bucks.”

Bob took the envelope and took out half the money and put in front of Alicia. “That should cover the clothes and things.”

“No Bob, that’s too much I….”

He cut her off, “Hey, you’ve fed me and wined me and gave me a boat ride, no it really is too little.”

As Alicia started to make a retort, he said, “Please Alicia, just take it, you know that I’ll never be able to repay you for all that you’ve done and I, and I…..” He stopped and looked around the table and simply spread his hands.