“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. Iwillthink 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.”
