Bailey shrugged. “I figure if they canliveon the streets then I can put myself out there for a couple of hours.”
Tom leaned forward in his seat, arms resting on his knees, warm brown eyes locked on Bailey. “And it’s popular?”
“I’ve got a bunch of regulars who think it’s awesome, and each week there are usually a few new faces. So yeah, I’d say it’s fairly popular. It’s also growing each week.”
“Do you find it hard keeping up with the books? I mean, do people bring them back or do you have to continually find new books?”
“It ebbs and flows. Sometimes I get a good haul, at other times I need to really hunt around. It’s on the down in terms of donations at the moment but I’m sure it will pick up soon, as it always seems to get better when stocks are running low. And no, not all books are returned, but that’s expected.”
“It sounds like a lot of work.”
Bailey nodded. “Sometimes. But when I see the excitement on the faces of some of the kids, it makes it all worth it.”
“It’s a good thing you’re doing, Bailey.” Tom squeezed Bailey’s knee. “Really special.”
Warmth crept up Bailey’s throat. “Yeah, we each do our bit, I guess.”
“You’re doing more than a bit, I’d say.”
The smile on Tom’s face made Bailey’s cheeks heat further. “So, next week then? A movie? Or dinner?”
Tom sat back against the cushions, and Bailey was grateful he’d allowed him to change the topic. “Yeah, next week. Either would be great. It’s a date.”
It was nice to have a plan to catch up with Tom. It gave Bailey something to look forward to, rather than the usual week only filled with shifts on the phone, taking the books out, hanging with Ryan, and worrying about his Mum and Sarah and how he was going to pay his bills.
