Bailey pushed open the door of Take Two, grateful to get out of the biting wind and driving rain. He folded his umbrella, giving it a gentle shake over the bucket that had been placed inside the door for that purpose before shoving it in alongside the couple of other umbrellas that were propped there.
“Afternoon, Bailey.”
He remembers my name.The thought sent a little thrill through Bailey and he had to acknowledge Ryan was right—hedidhave a crush on Tom. But hell, it was hard not to, not with the way his smile melted Bailey inside and made the trek through the wet and miserable city worthwhile.
“Your usual?” Tom asked as Bailey approached the counter.
Bailey couldn’t help the smile.And he knows my coffee order.
“Perfect, thanks. I’ll also grab a sandwich.” Bailey’s mood was spoiled by the flash of guilt that accompanied spending his hard-earned cash on food he could easily make at home. The same with purchasing coffee, but that was the treat he allowed himself each shift—a reward for having to spend eight hours tethered to the phones. “I’ll have ham, cheese, and tomato on wholegrain, toasted, to have here.”
“Sure thing, Bailey. Take a seat and I’ll bring it over.”
Bailey settled himself at the table he’d come to think of as “his.” Well, more like his and Ryan’s. But today Ryan was at work while Bailey was rostered off. The only reason he’d come into the city was to pick up the book collection from the office. There were two large boxes stuffed full of novels, too much for Bailey to carry home on public transport, so he’d driven the van in. He’d already loaded the books and had forty-five minutes before the parking metre expired, so just enough time to grab something to eat. Plus it was cold outside and the thought of a hot coffee had been too much to resist. That, and the thought of seeing Tom, he admitted to himself.
Tom approached with a mug of coffee and a smile. He placed the steaming drink in front of Bailey with a broad grin, then hurried to serve a couple of girls who were waiting at the counter, leaving Bailey to smile at his retreating back.
The warmth of the mug under his cold hands was heaven, and the first sip pure bliss. Usually Bailey had Ryan nattering in his ear, but today he slowly drank his coffee while observing the goings-on around him. It was lunchtime, so the place was fairly busy. A group of people were seated at the couches in animated discussion. Bailey assumed they were office workers from the same company, given they were taking notes and passing around some kind of paperwork—a business meeting perhaps? There were two smaller vacant tables but the rest were occupied with shoppers and more office workers. Light pop music played over the speakers. The whole place had a friendly and welcoming vibe that reflected Tom perfectly. Even now, rushed off his feet, Tom was smiling as he juggled passing over coffees, working the till, and preparing food.
Eventually Tom returned with Bailey’s sandwich.
“There you go. Hot off the grill. Sorry it took so long.” Tom slid the plate in front of Bailey, whose stomach rumbled at the sight of the toasted sandwich oozing cheese.
He smiled up at Tom. “No worries. You’re busy today. Isn’t there usually someone else here?”
“Uh-huh. Lauren usually comes in for a few hours in the middle of the day to help with the lunchtime rush but her kid’s sick and she had to keep him home from school.”
“That’s tough.”
Tom shrugged. “Can’t be helped. I’ll get by and most customers are pretty understanding.” Tom glanced around. “But things are definitely getting busier and if this keeps up, I might need to look at bringing on another person. Maybe a barista. Anyway, got to rush. Enjoy the sandwich.”
Bailey watched him hurry back behind the counter. Tom chatted to the next customer, engaged in animated conversation as he put a slice of cake onto a cardboard plate and slipped it into a paper bag. The smile didn’t leave his face once, and it wasn’t just a smile for show, as evidenced by the crinkling at the corners of his eyes as Tom shared a joke with his customer.
It must be fabulous to enjoy your job so much.
Bailey didn’t feel any passion for his own job, which was a shame really. He didn’t hate it, not completely anyway, but he didn’t go to work with any excitement or look forward to starting each shift. Rumour had it there’d be redundancies at the end of the financial year as part of cost cutting measures. The thirtieth of June was only a couple of weeks away, so Bailey had been working his butt off in the office, focused on performing his tasks to the best of his ability and trying not to think about the possibility of losing his job.Maybe I could come and work here at the cafe if I end up unemployed?He snorted at his own thoughts. He hadn’t considered working in hospitality as a permanent career, but a couple of hours spent each day with Tom was something he’d sure be up for.
Bailey was people watching and had just finished the last of his perfectly toasted sandwich when another customer entered the cafe and headed towards the counter. Bailey’s eyes widened when he saw who it was.
Gavin kept his eyes down and his hands firmly lodged in the pockets of his well-worn trousers. With his slumped posture and shuffling gait, it was obvious he was uncomfortable being in the coffee shop. Bailey glanced around, surprised to see Gavin alone. He therefore wasn’t surprised to see Tony standing outside through the plate glass window. Bailey looked back at Gavin in time to see him grab the handles of a plastic shopping bag. Gavin nodded to Tom, then his gaze focused back on the hardwood floor as he turned and retraced his steps, making his way to the door. Thank God he was looking at the floor, Bailey thought, and didn’t see the turned-up noses on the pair of office workers seated at the table he passed.Bitches.
It always pissed Bailey off when he saw the judgmental looks when people observed those less fortunate than themselves. Those well-dressed customers knew nothing about Gavin or his circumstances, and could at least show some compassion, not make Gavin feel totally unwelcome. It wasn’t much better when people totally avoided making eye contact either, as if not meeting the eyes of a street kid or a homeless person would make their existence go away.
Bailey glanced back to Tom. He was once again focused on preparing food. It warmed Bailey to know that Tom didn’t treat Gavin that way. Tom had given Gavin the same smile he gave every one of his customers. The same smile that flashed his brilliant teeth. The same smile that was now directed Bailey’s way. Bailey flushed at being caught staring—something that had become quite the habit where Tom was concerned.
* * *
“Got a smoke?”
“No, sorry, Gav. I don’t smoke. Remember?”
Gavin shrugged, then he and Tony shuffled to the back of the van. Bailey was pleased to see them each pull a paperback from their coat pockets, return them to a box, then rummage for something new. Before long they’d headed off, new book choices in hand, and the younger crowd took their place. Cassie, as usual, dived right in, and Emma hung back.
“Hi, Emma. It’s great to see you again,” Bailey said.
The girl stared back, at least meeting Bailey’s eyes this time. Shame it was only to shoot daggers. It was obvious he hadn’t made a friend there. Yet.
“Hey, Bailey.” Cassie waved a paperback under his nose and drew his attention. “I loved this one. It was an awesome mystery.”
