Two Months Later
The cold of winter had given way to the warmth of spring and finally the heat of early summer. The need for overcoats was long gone, replaced by days where nothing more than shorts and a T-shirt was required. The atmosphere seemed lighter too, everyone more relaxed as they enjoyed the outdoors and sunshine. Bailey’s own outlook had turned 180 degrees, and for the first time in a long time he felt at peace with the world, content and looking forward to the future.
A smile split his face and warmth spread in his chest as he took a deep breath and savoured the scene in front of him. Who’d have thought that eight weeks would have made such a difference?
Take Two was alive with the sound of music and laughter, the newly refreshed interior providing a perfect backdrop to the reopening party. They’d only closed for a few days during the whole renovation process, but Cassie had insisted a party was essential. She’d only had to nag for a couple of days before Tom agreed to the small celebration. After all, it was important to celebrate the small wins in life.
“Hey, whatcha up to? What are you doing hanging back here?”
Bailey turned at the question, smiling at Tom and wrapping an arm around him and pulling him close. When Tom’s arm came around his waist, Bailey melted against his side. God, Tom was gorgeous, still making Bailey’s knees go weak with a simple glance. His beard was shorter than when they’d first met, now closer to designer stubble, and his skin had a golden glow from the few days they’d managed to sneak at the beach between work obligations.
“Just admiring how much you’ve achieved. The whole place is amazing.”
Tom looked around the cafe before meeting Bailey’s eyes with a broad grin. “It is, isn’t it?”
The painting party had done wonders. In a matter of hours the walls and trim had been given a fresh coat of paint, the rich cream contrasting beautifully with the exposed brick wall. The timber of the counter had been polished within an inch of its life and now positively gleamed under the updated lighting. The original floorboards had received the same treatment and over the following weeks, all the fixtures and fittings had been replaced but in styles reflective of the building’s age. Artwork from an artist friend of Tom’s dotted the walls, adding splashes of colour, the rich reds, yellows, and blues echoed in the soft furnishings and rugs. Nothing had been significantly changed, just given a lift, Tom making the most of the cafe’s existing assets. It was Tom’s dream come true. Admittedly there was still work to do updating the kitchen, but plans were underway. And as Tom liked to say, “all good things take time.”
“I couldn’t have done it without all of you.” Tom gave him a squeeze. “But mostly you.”
Bailey squeezed Tom back. There was no point in arguing with him. Bailey didn’t think he’d done anything special, but Tom seemed to think that Bailey had spurred him on.
The soulful sound of a strumming guitar replaced the song that’d been playing over the sound system, and the small crowd sent up a cheer.
“He’s good, isn’t he?” Tom said, inclining his head to the corner of the room.
Bailey couldn’t agree more. “I can’t believe he was hiding all that talent.” The crowd cheered again as Jude started singing, his voice surprisingly light and melodious for such a serious guy. Jude blushed as he looked out over the people watching him and quickly averted his gaze, but his voice didn’t falter, the lyrics strong and clear. “Thank God for Cassie’s encouragement or he never would have agreed to perform.”
Tom laughed. “Cassie sure is a force of nature. I don’t know what I would do without her. She’s made herself indispensable around here.”
“That’s Cass. She’s a smart cookie.”
“Speak of the devil, there she is now,” Tom said, indicating to where Cassie was coming out of the kitchen area holding a food-laden tray aloft. “I’d better go give her a hand. There are hungry masses to be fed.”
Tom gave him a quick kiss before heading in Cassie’s direction. As Bailey watched, John snatched a canapé from the tray, now in Tom’s hands, and headed towards Bailey.
“Hiya, mate. Good to see you.”
“Good to see you too, John. How’re you holding up? Tom told me there’s still nothing on the job front,” Bailey said. Bailey still couldn’t believe how stupid he’d been in not telling Tom about his own redundancy. Tom and the rest of his group of friends had been nothing but supportive of John’s and his own situations.
John shrugged. “Yeah, it’s a pretty shit time to be looking for a job, what with the economy and Christmas approaching. No one wants to hire over the holiday period, but I’ve got a few irons in the fire.”
“I hope one of them pans out.”
“Thanks, mate. I hear things are looking up for you though?”
Bailey had picked up a few shifts at a bar nearby but the hours were unpredictable. It’d taken some convincing, but he’d finally accepted Tom’s offer of a few shifts at Take Two as well. The place was now busy enough that Tom had also been able to bring Bobby back, offering him full-time hours.
“Between the bar and here, I’m doing okay, and I love working in hospitality, spending time with people all day. Face-to-face, you know? Plus I got into that course for next year.”
“That’s awesome.” John patted him on the back.
Bailey grinned. “Before you know it I’ll be a fully qualified youth counsellor.”
“I’ve got to admire you guys,” John said, glancing over to where Tom was passing out food to Elliot and Phil, the three of them laughing at something Elliot said.
“Yeah? How so?”
“You’ve both had struggles but you’ve faced them head-on and come out on top. It would have been easy to give up on your dreams, and for a while there I thought Tom might have done that, but now look at him.”
Bailey looked at Tom. He was beaming, his smile lighting up his whole face, absolutely in his element as he mingled with his friends, old and new. “Tom wouldn’t have given up. He would have fought for this, but it may have taken a little longer without you guys prodding. He’s lucky to have you all.”
“We’re lucky to have each other. Meeting on that first day of high school and being assigned to the same homeroom was one of the luckiest moments of my life. I don’t know what I’d do without these guys.”
For a moment, that little bit of jealousy flared, something he’d been working on eliminating. He was glad Tom had such strong friendships and he was feeling more and more part of the group every day. Even if he didn’t share their history, they welcomed him with open arms.
Before Bailey could respond, Elliot joined them. “Hi roomie,” Elliot said in greeting, giving him a friendly nudge. He passed two glasses to Bailey. “How about you go encourage that boyfriend of yours to sit down for a bit and enjoy his own party?”
“Great idea.”
“I assume you won’t be home tonight. I don’t have to worry about Ubering it with you?” Elliot asked.
“Yeah, I’ll be staying here. And thanks for the drinks.”
“Anytime.”
As Bailey crossed the room he was reminded yet again of another way this group of people had played a role in his life. He and Tom had flirted briefly with the idea of Bailey moving into the upstairs apartment with Tom, but it had felt too soon. Bailey wanted to show he was capable of making it on his own—within reason. He wasn’t against accepting help where needed. But he wanted their relationship to progress at a rate that didn’t include moving in together until they were ready, although in his heart he knew that day wouldn’t be too far away. In the meantime, he stayed over at Take Two a few nights a week and Tom stayed with him at Elliot’s place a couple of times.
Elliot’s new house was certainly roomy enough, and Elliot claimed he liked the company rather than rattling around the place by himself. For now, it seemed a good balance and Bailey was enjoying getting to know Elliot better. He was friendly and definitely the life of the party, but Bailey got a sense there was something below the surface that Elliot’s outgoing personality hid. He hoped Elliot would one day trust him enough to let him see the real Elliot.
Bailey skirted a group of people, nodding politely. He wasn’t exactly sure who they were but they looked like they were having a great time. He spotted Emma sitting at a small table, eyes glued to Jude, who was still singing in that beautiful voice of his. If he didn’t know better, he’d think Emma had a thing for the tall, shy guy. Hell, maybe she did.
“Emma.” She looked up and smiled as he approached. “I was wondering if you’d mind taking over from Tom for a few minutes.”
“Sure thing, Bailey. And don’t forget I won’t be here next week.”
“How could I forget that?” He grinned. Emma had finally sat down with her parents and they’d worked through a number of issues, including the fact that’s Emma’s learning problems had gone a long way towards causing the bad behaviour that had seen their relationship deteriorate. She was spending more time back at home and less time couch surfing, and her parents had hired her a tutor who specialised in dyslexia. Bailey was pleased she’d have professional help to build on what they’d started together.
She jumped up, walked over to Tom, and took the tray from him. Bailey followed.
“Having a good time?” Bailey passed one of the glasses to Tom.
Tom nodded. “The best.”
“Good. Leave the food in Cassie and Emma’s capable hands and come with me.” He took Tom’s hand and pulled him towards the lounge area.
They sat side by side, close enough that their thighs touched. Tom slipped an arm around his shoulders and Bailey leaned against his side. They sipped on red wine and spoke quietly to each other as the party continued on around them. It was perfect.
Bailey’s gaze skimmed the low bookshelves on either side of the fireplace. They’d been Tom’s surprise to Bailey. A small notice on the wall suggested people help themselves to a book and ideally leave one in its place. Bailey’s Book Exchange. Just reading his name on the sign caused Bailey to choke up. He loved being part of this place, a place that was so important to Tom.
“It’s a shame about the fireplace.” Tom’s voice was slightly melancholy.
Bailey tilted his head and saw Tom staring at the spot where the brand new gas fireplace sat proudly. Bailey had been shocked at the cost, but when he’d seen how realistic it looked, he’d known it was well worth the price.
“What do you mean?” he asked, confused because Tom had been overjoyed when it had been installed.
“Of course it had to be the start of the Sydney summer when it got installed. I can’t wait to sit in front of the fire just watching the flames. It’ll be six months before it even gets used.”
“It doesn’t have to be.” Bailey placed his glass on the coffee table and stood. He retrieved the remote from the mantle and pressed a few buttons. The fire jumped in response, flames burning orange and blue.
He sat back down. “There you go. Voilà! Fire.”
“It’s December, Bailey. Summer.”
Bailey shrugged. “So? I’ll turn the air con on if it gets too hot.”
Tom’s laughter was music to his ears. “You’re crazy, you know that.” He pressed a kiss to Bailey’s head and pulled him closer. “But I love you.”
“Hmmm.” Bailey hummed in happiness.
The last six months had shown him how much good there was in the world. Sometimes you had to look for it, but it was there. People coming into your life and through little things—whether it be their actions or their attitude—changing it forever. Emma was well on her way to reading and her self-confidence had grown in leaps and bounds. Jude now had his singing, something to be extremely proud of. Cassie was working, earning a living, and sharing a small one-bedroom apartment with Jude and another friend. Tom’s friends were each other’s rock. Tom had his business and more importantly had learned to forgive himself. And Bailey? Bailey had Tom. But he’d also discovered a new sense of self-worth. He wasn’t going to let his father’s attitude, other people’s expectations, or the negative events in his life define him. He would be defined by how he rose to those challenges, and by the actions he took to help others. Life was all about paying it forward. Every one of them had been helped in some way or another, even if the help was as simple as knowing someone understood the challenges you were going through and was there to have your back.
Bailey relished in the knowledge that he was there for Tom as Tom was there for him.
Bailey snuggled closer, watching the flames dance. “I love you, too,” he murmured, knowing their future was bright.