Tom turned the Closed sign around with an immense sigh of relief. He’d been on his feet for hours and wanted nothing more than to collapse on the couch and stare mindlessly at the TV. Thank God for Netflix with all the reruns and the endless stream of new series to binge watch to keep him company.
Someone tapped at the glass door.
Tom paused in his progression to the back and stiffened. Damn! He’d jinxed himself by thinking about escaping upstairs. He was tempted to ignore the knock and pretend he didn’t hear it, but with some of the lights still on in the cafe, he could be seen from outside and it was obvious he was there. He turned slowly to see Bailey behind the glass. His frustration at being interrupted turned to sheer happiness. Suddenly he couldn’t keep the smile from his face or unlock the door fast enough.
“Hey, Bailey. What are you doing here so late?”
“I hope it’s okay to come after hours. I know you’re about to close but I wanted to talk to you. You’re always so busy during the day and I didn’t want to interrupt while you’re working.”
“Busy. Ha. That’s the understatement of the century.” Tom chuckled. He stepped back, holding the door open. “Come inside. It’s freezing out there.” The sun went down about five and the city temperatures had dropped suddenly. Bailey was wearing a coat but he was no doubt cold. Tom locked the door behind him. “Do you want a coffee or something else to drink?”
Bailey looked towards the coffee machine. “You haven’t cleaned up for the night?”
“It’s no problem to make coffee. I was going to make one for myself anyway.” Tom hadn’t been, but drinking an unwanted coffee was a small price to pay to spend some more time with Bailey.
“In that case, I won’t say no.” Bailey smiled, and Tom couldn’t help an answering grin. Bailey’s smile was infectious, the kind that lit up his whole face.
A short while later Tom had made them both mugs of coffee and turned off most of the lights in the room. Soft lamplight illuminated the lounge area where they both sank into the soft cushions of the couch. “Oh God, that feels good.”
Bailey laughed. “It must be hard being on your feet all day.”
“You don’t know the half of it.” Tom groaned as he put his feet up on the coffee table. He saw Bailey’s raised eyebrow and shrugged. “I’ll wipe the table down before service tomorrow.”
“I wasn’t worried about that.” Bailey chuckled. “More worried about you. How do you do it all by yourself?”
Tom took a sip of coffee before answering. “I’m not by myself all the time. She’s only casual, but I’ve got Lauren here most days.”
“I know, but you’re here nearly every day of the week.”
“I am, but I live here.” Tom gestured towards the ceiling. “It’s a bit hard to escape.”
“I meant down here working.”
Tom grinned. “I know what you meant. But actually, I don’t mind working. It’s sort of a labour of love. When I started the place I knew it’d be a lot of work—maybe not quite as much as it is, but I was prepared to work hard. And there’s something really satisfying about knowing you’re building up a business from scratch, something of your own.”
“So what made you decide to set up a cafe?”
“Ah, the million-dollar question.” Tom sighed. “It’s a long story.”
“I’d like to hear it if you’d like to tell it.”
Tom studied Bailey. He was relaxed and smiling as he sipped from his cup and looked at Tom over the rim. He seemed genuinely interested but in a no-pressure kind of way, but then he didn’t know Tom had stuff he didn’t like to talk about. Tom assumed he’d come from work, given his semi-formal outfit. He’d taken off his coat and flung it over the back of the couch, exposing a pale blue dress shirt with an open collar and a pair of tailored pants. The shirt sleeves were folded back to just below the elbow, exposing Bailey’s forearms. A strap of red leather was tied around his right wrist with a small silver medallion hanging from it. A dragon? There was something so appealing about Bailey’s forearms—lean muscles with a smattering of light brown hair. Tom wondered if the hair was soft to the touch—
“Sorry, that was probably too personal a question. I do that sometimes—ask things that are really none of my business.”
“Oh, no. That’s okay. I was just wondering where to start and whether to give the long version or the short one.”
Bailey nodded. “I’d like to hear the full version, so maybe it’s a story for another night?”
Does that mean he wants to get together? Like friends? A date? Warmth filled Tom’s belly at the thought of seeing Bailey again. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been on a date. “Sure.”
Bailey put his mug on the coffee table. He leaned those sexy forearms on his knees and clasped his hands. “I hope you don’t mind, Tom, but I’ve got a favour to ask. I was hoping you could help me with something.”
Tom was surprised, but open to whatever Bailey had to say. “I guess we won’t know unless you ask.”
“The other day you mentioned you might be looking at bringing on some help.”
Tom nodded. “Yeah. I’m considering it.”
“I know you might not be ready yet, but when you are, I know a couple of people who might be perfect for the job.”
“Hold on a sec.” Tom straightened, putting his feet on the floor. “If I do bring someone on, it’ll most likely only be one person, and I’m not sure how many hours yet. There mightn’t even be enough work for one person let alone two.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean for you to employ both, I meant there’d be a choice. You could choose the most appropriate candidate—whoever had the best experience, or who you’d get along with the best, whatever your criteria was. Look, I do some work with street kids—”
“You want me to employ a street kid?”
Bailey nodded enthusiastically. “These kids just need an opportunity, and unfortunately some people don’t see past their situation. It’s difficult to get a job when you don’t have a fixed address to put on the application or even a contact phone number. Sometimes all they need is one person to give them a chance.”
“Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got nothing against these kids, but I’d have to give it some thought,” Tom said.
Where would they shower? Would they dress appropriately and meet standards? What about their experience? Why don’t they already have a job? He felt a wash of shame at the questions that flooded his mind. He looked up and met Bailey’s gaze, suddenly fearful that Bailey could read his thoughts. God, I’m an arsehole. These are obviously people Bailey knows and God knows why these people are homeless. They could be experienced baristas for all I know. “I do want to help. I’m just not ready yet, but I will bear it in mind.”
Bailey nodded. “That’s all I ask. At least I’ve planted the seed. My job here is done.” His words might have sounded positive but it was obvious Bailey’s enthusiasm had evaporated.
Disappointment filled Tom both at the expression on Bailey’s face and at the realisation that Bailey had only come to see him about finding jobs for the kids, and was most likely humouring him by indicating he was interested in Tom’s own story. It was a great cause, and Bailey was doing a good deed looking out for people who needed a leg up, but he’d hoped Bailey wanted to see him, spend time with him. Tom forced a smile back on his face. “I mean it. I will think about it.”
Bailey’s lips tilted up, however the smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Let me know if you have any questions.”
“Sure. Will do.”
“Shall I leave my number?”
“What?”
“In case you have any questions. Or I guess you can ask me when I come in.”
Hope bloomed in Tom’s chest. “No, no. Getting your number’s a great idea. Hang on and I’ll grab my phone.”
Tom snatched up his mobile from behind the counter and within moments they’d exchanged digits.
“I’d better get out of your hair and let you finish closing up,” Bailey said as he pocketed his own phone. He stood and Tom rose to his feet too, wishing he could think of something more to say to delay Bailey’s departure. Instead he found himself grasping Bailey’s outstretched hand and returning his firm shake. “Thanks again, Tom. I really appreciate you giving me your time, and even if nothing comes of it, I’m glad you’re at least considering the idea.”
They exchanged some last pleasantries, but the easy repartee was long gone. Tom could sense a stiffness in Bailey that hadn’t been there when he’d first arrived.
Damn!
* * *
Damn!
Bailey had felt so positive and hopeful when he’d knocked on the door of Take Two. He’d seen how easy-going and friendly Tom was, and not just with his regulars. He’d observed how Tom had treated Gavin when Gavin had entered the cafe. He’d been one hundred percent sure that Tom would get behind his plan to help one of the kids pick up some work, but Tom had appeared shocked by the idea, so now Bailey wasn’t quite so sure.
Finding jobs for the people he met when he was out and about wasn’t part of Bailey’s usual remit, but if he ever saw an opportunity to help, then he wasn’t going to back down. He just wished things had turned out better with Tom. Bailey had been starting to really like him but now wondered if he’d built Tom up in his mind and the interest he’d seen was just wishful thinking.
The buzz of his mobile as it skittered on the coffee table pulled him from his musing. Bailey put the paperback of which he couldn’t remember a word he’d been reading onto the table, exchanging it for the phone.
Holy shit. He nearly dropped the device at the sight of Tom’s name on the display.
Maybe he should think about Tom more often if just thinking about him conjured the man.
Bailey looked at the name again—Tom Brooks—as he ran scenarios for the reason for the call so soon through his mind. Then he cursed his own stupidity. One of the last things he’d said to Tom was for him to call if he had any questions about employing one of the kids. Bailey hadn’t thought Tom would call so quickly, but it was obviously the reason. The phone rang again and Bailey jumped. Shit, if he didn’t answer soon it would go through to voicemail. His finger shook as he tapped the screen to answer the call.
“Hello, Bailey speaking.” What the hell am I doing? I can obviously see it’s Tom calling and who else would he expect to answer?
“Hi Bailey, it’s Tom Brooks here. I hope you don’t mind me calling.”
“No, no, of course not.”
“I haven’t caught you at a bad time?”
“Not at all. I’m just reading.” Bailey glanced at the book he’d been trying to concentrate on, wondering if Tom would think he was boring. Maybe he should have hinted at doing something more exciting. Getting ready to go clubbing or anything a bit more interesting than sitting around at home.
“Sorry to interrupt your downtime. I wanted to talk to you about something—”
“About the kids I suggested you consider for a position?”
“Yes.”
Bailey swallowed back the automatic bite of disappointment at Tom’s confirmation of his suspicion for the reason for the call. “Well, fire away,” Bailey said when Tom didn’t elaborate, trying to force some enthusiasm into his voice. After all, he should be happy that Tom wanted to talk about the proposal, it was one step closer to one of the kids getting a job.
“Actually, that’s a lie.”
Huh? “Oh?”
“First I wanted to apologise.”
“What for?”
“For my reaction when you mentioned the kids. If I’m honest, I was taken aback by the proposition—”
“Right,” Bailey said. His chest tightened.
“Only because I’m under a bit of pressure with trying to make the business a success. As soon as I gave it a bit more thought, rather than just the first reaction, I realised I was being an arse about it. I mean, I know there’s no reason someone who doesn’t have a permanent home can’t do just as good a job as someone who does.”
“It’s okay. I understand your reluctance. I did spring it on you, after all.”
“I’m not reluctant, not really. I think there will be some challenges perhaps but nothing that can’t be overcome. Anyway, I wanted to let you know that I’m open to the idea.”
“That’s great—”
“I can’t promise anything. I’m not even sure when I’ll be ready to bring anyone on, but when I do, I’ll reach out and let you know.”
“That’s fabulous. Thanks so much, Tom. Everyone needs a helping hand every now and then, and it’s good to hear you’re considering it. I really appreciate you calling to let me know.”
“Oh, that wasn’t the only reason for my call.”
“It wasn’t?”
“No.” Tom chuckled, the sound sending a thrill of pleasure through Bailey. “I know the kids are important, but the main reason I was calling was to see if you’d like to join me for a meal sometime. I hope I didn’t read things wrong, but I’d really like to get to know you better.”
“I’d really like that. Getting to know you better and a meal.” Bailey couldn’t keep the smile from his voice.
“Great.” It sounded as if Tom was just as happy.
“We could go out, or I’d be happy to have you over here. That is if you’re up for trying my cooking. I’m sure it won’t be as good as yours, but I can whip up a mean pasta.”
“That sounds fabulous. I can’t tell you how appealing the idea of someone else cooking sounds. Are you sure it won’t be too much trouble?”
“Positive. How does Thursday night work for you? I’m on day shift all next week.”
“That works well. I’m looking forward to it, Bailey.”
“Me too.”
Bailey provided his address and they wrapped up the call.
He smiled to himself as he swapped the phone for his book again. He opened the mystery novel but ended up reading the same page twice without taking in a word. Instead his mind replayed the conversation with Tom, but this time his thoughts were in a much happier place.