Tom hefted the black bags of rubbish over his shoulders and headed outside, taking advantage of the lack of customers this late in the day. The bit of cold breeze as he exited the building made him regret not stopping to grab his jacket, but thankfully he’d only be outside in the chilly winter late afternoon for a minute or two—just enough time to dump the garbage and run back inside.
He pulled the bags higher as he trudged across the rear of the property, skirting around a puddle, finally dumping his haul at the base of the industrial garbage bin. The stench of rotten food assaulted his nostrils when he lifted the lid, so he held his breath and made quick work of throwing in the bags and closing the top.
Tom stepped away from the bin, taking a moment to admire the darkening sky. This time of year the days were shorter; dusk was already closing in and it wasn’t even 5:00 p.m. yet. He made a mental note to change the timer on the back floodlights, setting them an hour earlier.
When he turned to head back into the cafe, he noticed Bailey’s van parked in the driveway down the side of the building.It’s a bit early for Bailey to be here. But Tom couldn’t help the smile as warmth filled his chest and he changed direction in anticipation of seeing Bailey.
Bailey was sitting in the driver seat of the van and not looking in Tom’s direction. Instead he was focused on the person in the passenger seat. As Tom neared he could see it was a girl who had Bailey’s attention.Emma?
The glass was cold beneath his knuckles, and when Bailey jumped Tom momentarily felt bad for scaring him. But when Bailey’s open mouth closed and his lips curled into a smile, all regret left him.
Bailey wound down the window, his smile wide. “Hey.”
“Hi you,” Tom said, wishing he could kiss Bailey. Instead he gave him a quick wink, then leaned down and looked across Bailey to speak to Emma. He lifted a hand in greeting. “Hi Emma.”
“Hello.”
He turned his attention back to Bailey when Emma’s focus returned to the book in her lap, the conversation obviously over. “What are you doing out here? It’s a bit early isn’t it?”
Bailey’s eyebrows drew together. “I hope it’s okay. I didn’t even think to ask you if I could park here earlier. Do you need the driveway?”
“Nah. It’s fine, Bailey.”
Tom stepped back as Bailey opened the door and stepped from the vehicle. “Are you sure? I should have called.”
“Don’t be silly. Honestly, most of my deliveries come in the morning and they usually stop in the loading zone on the street. And I’ve told you, I’m stuck here all day so I’m never coming or going. You can park here as long as you like.” And if he was honest, helikedknowing Bailey was here. “But why are you early?”
Bailey gave Emma a quick glance, seemingly pleased to see she was engrossed in the book. He quickly put up the window and closed the van door before giving Tom a much-too-quick kiss.
“Emma wants to learn to manage her dyslexia but she’s embarrassed in front of her friends so she’s doing it when they’re not around.”
“And you’re helping?”
Bailey shrugged and shoved his hands in his pockets. “Where I can. I’m not an expert, just googled some ideas and gave the info to Emma.”
“Still, a lot of people wouldn’t have even taken it upon themselves to do that much.”
“Yeah, well those people are arseholes.” Bailey had fire in his voice. “But like I said, I haven’t done much and she’s the one who has to do all the hard work.”
“With your support and encouragement.” God, he was so proud of Bailey’s efforts and his passion for doing right by people. “You’re doing an amazing job.”
“Thanks.” Bailey grinned despite his obvious discomfort at the praise. “How’s your day been?”
“Not too bad. Things are picking up so I’ve been kept on my feet pretty much all day, but I can’t complain. Busy means business.” A gust of wind blew down the driveway, bringing with it a flurry of dried leaves. Tom crossed his arms across his chest, putting his frozen hands in his armpits. “Jesus, it’s cold.”
Bailey eyed him up and down. “You’re not exactly dressed for the outdoors.”
“Well I was only popping out to dump the garbage. I didn’t think I’d run into you. Not that I’m complaining. I’d put up with a lot more than a little cold to see you.”
“Aww. You sweet talker.” Bailey shivered as another gust of wind swirled around them.
“Hey. Why don’t you come inside for a bit? Get out of the cold?”
Bailey glanced toward the van. “As much as I’d love to, I really should get back to Emma.”
“Why not bring her inside too?”
“Um….”
