Bailey shook his head. “Even if Mr Green would allow it, I can’t afford it. Relatively low rent was one of the reasons the apartment was so appealing.”
“How are things going in that department?”
“Oh God,” Bailey groaned. “I’m not going to lie. It’s bloody tough. Between rent, living expenses, and keeping the van running, it’s a continuous juggle.”
“I’m sorry about work, or more accurately, the lack thereof,” Ryan said.
When Bailey first started at the energy company, the job was only part-time but with the potential to increase to full-time hours. Unfortunately that potential had never eventuated. With the state of the economy, the company was trying to watch costs and placing more positions offshore, which meant no increased hours. The economy also made hunting for a new job difficult, something Bailey knew from the continued knock-backs to his job applications.
“It is what it is.” Bailey shrugged. “I’ll get through. I always do. So tell me about you, what’s the news you wanted to tell me?”
“Well….” Ryan looked uneasy. He placed his mug on the table and swivelled to face Bailey.
“C’mon. It can’t be that bad.”Or can it? God, I’m sick and tired of hearing bad news all the time. Everyone I know seems to be facing some kind of challenge.
“You know how I mentioned the job offer?” Bailey nodded, and Ryan continued. “I know I said my chances of getting the job were next to nothing, but it came through.”
Bailey grinned at his friend, so relieved. This wasgoodnews. Ryan was eager for a promotion and this job was also something Bailey knew his friend needed. Ryan would benefit from a break from Sydney—a fresh start, so to speak. “That’s amazing, Ryan. Fucking unreal. When did you find out? When do you leave?”
“Hold on. Hold on.” Ryan laughed. “They confirmed everything yesterday. I’ll finish up here in Sydney at the end of the month, so not long to go now, and I start the overseas secondment the month after. I’ll have four weeks to pack my stuff up and get my arse to the Philippines.”
“Wow! That’s fast. I’ll miss you. It won’t be the same without you.” Bailey tried not to let his disappointment show, because it really was fabulous for Ryan. “But such a great opportunity for you.”
“I’ll miss you too. But it could be a great opportunity for you as well. I can put in a good word for you.”
Bailey snorted. “For your old job? You’ve got to be kidding. You know me. I’d hate that.”
Ryan looked at him from under raised brows. “It’d mean more money.”
“Even if I was interested, they won’t even employ me full-time on the phones, so what hope would I have of getting a promotion? And aren’t cutbacks still possible?”
“I’m not sure. But until there’s an announcement, it’s BAU. At least think about the position.”
The thought of doing Ryan’s job—managing a team of customer service reps and dealing with escalated customer complaints and upper management—made Bailey’s skin crawl.Think of the money. “I will,” he forced himself to say, knowing Ryan wouldn’t give up on encouraging him otherwise. It was great to have a friend who cared so much about him, but Bailey wasn’t up to discussing his future.
Ryan thankfully dropped the subject. “Plus, just think—you’ll have somewhere to stay when you come over for a holiday.”
As if I could afford that.“Yeah, sounds fun. Seeing all the sights of Manila.”
“We’re going to have to do something big for my farewell. Maybe you’ll let me drag you out for big night on the town? It’s about time you got out more, and I’m worried what’ll happen when I’m not around to push you to test your limits. You’ll become a hermit.”
“Hey, I get out.” As image of Tom filled his mind and Bailey smiled at the thought of their next encounter.
Ryan quirked a brow. “All right. Out with it.”
“What?”
“Don’t you ‘what’ me. You’ve got a smile as wide as the Harbour Bridge on your face.”
Bailey chuckled. “Just thinking about my last date.”
Ryan sat up straight. “Your lastwhat?”
“Date. At least I think it was a date.”
“Was there a man involved?”
Bailey nodded. “Uh-huh.”
