No!He shook off the thought. That wouldn’t have solved anything, but he wished to God he’d seen what was going on, had noticed the discrepancies or realised that Rowan was intentionally hiding things from him. It didn’t matter that Tom had been personally exonerated from any involvement, the word had gotten around and no company worth their salt would give Tom a job with his tarnished reputation—guilty by association. But that didn’t matter. He never wanted to work in that industry again.
Instead he was starting again, on his own, like all those people impacted by Rowan Parkes’s actions had to do, and that was why he was so determined to do it on his own.
Tom chugged back half his beer. He looked to John, who was studying him with one eyebrow raised. “I know.” Tom sighed. “I’m trying.”
John nodded and gave a small smile. “I didn’t mean for the conversation to take this path.”
“And I didn’t mean to get all maudlin either.”
John chuckled. “Great pair, aren’t we?”
“There are a lot of people in the world a heck of a lot worse off than us. We should be thankful for what we do have.”
“And the coffee shop is doing better?”
“It is.” Tom sat back and put his feet on the coffee table, nursing the almost empty beer bottle. “I’ve got a small amount of cash reserves now.”
“But not enough to pay someone?”
“I could afford more casual staff, but every person I pay means less money for renovations.” Tom worried at the corner of the label.
“And we all know how you feel about that.”
Tom waited for John to say more but he just looked at Tom. “You’re not going to say anything else about it?”
John shrugged. “What more is there to say? You know how the guys and I feel. We’re all happy to pitch in, whether it’s with labour or using our connections, but we can’t force you to accept.”
There was an echo of Bailey’s words in his head.Everyone needs a helping hand every now and then.“I was thinking of calling Phil,” Tom said hesitantly.
“Yeah?”
Tom nodded. “I figure it would be stupid not to take him up on the offer of getting some of the appliances and materials at wholesale prices.”
“That’s great. And if you manage to cut some costs, save some money, then you might be able to throw the extra towards your operating costs—”
“Hey, don’t get ahead of yourself. One step at a time, although Bailey was so enthusiastic about helping his friends out that it would be great to be able to offer someone a few hours of work here and there.”
John sat up. “Bailey?”
Tom’s could feel his cheeks heating. “He’s the guy who asked if I had any work available and if so whether I’d consider some of these street kids.”
“And he’s a friend?”
“Um… he’s a regular, comes in for coffee a few times a week.”
“But you’re interested in him?” Paul asked.
Bailey’s smiling face flashed into his mind.Hell yeah.
“Are you blushing? Jeez, Tom, youdolike him. I never thought I’d see the day you’d go all gaga over a guy.”
“What? Why? I’m not sure whether I should be offended or not.”
“I don’t know, I guess I still picture you as the sharp executive who took no prisoners.”
“Just because I didn’t have time for a relationship—”
John chuckled. “You sure found time to fuck.”
“There’s nothing wrong with a good fuck.”
“Didn’t say there was,” John said as he relaxed back into the cushions. “So you and this guy, Bailey? Any fucking on the cards?”
“We’re starting with dinner, but if I play my cards right….” Tom winked.
“I’m glad you’re finally getting out, Tom. It’s been too long. I also like the changes I’m seeing in you.”
“What changes?”
“You’re more relaxed than you were before… before shit went down.” John shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “You’ve not been yourself since all that happened. Depressed. We’ve all been worried. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you look so happy. A month or so ago I wouldn’t have imagined you dating, but now… well, let’s just say I like what I see. The change is good, mate.”
