“Yeah. I’ve been so fucking lucky, Bailey. My family have some money—we’re not stinking rich by any means but we’re comfortable, you know? And my parents love me unconditionally. They don’t have any unrealistic expectations for any of us kids, they just want us to be good people and be happy. We’re generally not spoiled—well, except maybe for Anne just a bit.” He smiled at the thought of his sister. “Mum and Dad expect us to work, but they paid for our education and we each got some money from the grandparents when they passed away, and that’s what I used for the deposit. IknowI’ve got it good. So I guess it just feels wrong that everything went down so badly at work but I came out okay. I came through it to be in a better place. Happy even. ”
“You’re happy?”
“Of course I’m happy.” Tom leaned close to Bailey. “In case you haven’t noticed, things have picked up for me, especially lately. And in case that wasn’t clear enough, that good thing is you, Bailey. And I know good things are going to come your way too.” He sat back. “You believe in karma, Bailey?”
Bailey shrugged. “Maybe.”
“Karma is how I know that you’re going to land on your feet. You do so much for others—the people who read the books you provide, helping Emma with her reading, hell, helping me whenever you’ve got some spare time.”
“If that’s the case, then maybe karma applies to you too. Offering me the parking spot, supporting your friends, and all those ‘leftover’ treats you give away.” Bailey made air quotes around the word leftover, leaving Tom no doubt Bailey was on to his tricks.
“You could be right.” He placed a hand on Bailey’s thigh. “How about we both give ourselves a break and just go with the flow?”
Bailey’s hand dropped on his and squeezed. “I think that’s an awesome idea.”
“Excellent. I see a couple of drinks and some dancing in our future. What do you think?”
“I think you are spot-on.” Bailey’s grin was wide and Tom knew his own smile reflected his happiness.
* * *
The discussion had taken a load off Bailey’s mind. Tom hadn’t thought Bailey was pathetic for losing his job, although Bailey should have known that would be the case. After all, Tom was a reasonable guy and gave no indication he’d think less of Bailey, but Bailey hadn’t been able to shake his own low self-esteem. He knew he had hang-ups from his father’s lack of approval, and in a way, felt as if he hadn’t done enough to follow his own dreams. Sure, he had his reasons—starting out on his own and the lack of money—but he could have tried harder, could have looked at other opportunities.
Stop!He shook his head.Fuck, I’m doing it again.Bailey wondered if he’d ever be able to put the self-recrimination behind him but vowed to give it a good go.
He dried off his hands, gave himself a last look in the mirror, pleased at the image reflected back. His hair had grown a bit shaggier, but it suited him—more relaxed, less cookie-cutter corporate. More like the real Bailey and less like a uniform.Maybe I’ll even grow it longer?
Feeling more at ease, Bailey made his way back to the booth.
“Wow. What’s this?” His gaze slid over the huge platter piled high with a selection of cheeses, salami, prosciutto, crackers, and other accompaniments.
“I hope it’s okay. I thought we should have something to eat.”
“No. No. It’s fine. I just thought by getting something at the bar you meant a couple of bowls of nuts or olives. I had no idea you meant”—he indicated the platter—“something like this. It looks amazing.”
“I got you another beer too.”
“Thanks.” Bailey smiled at Tom and took the bottle. He took a sip, enjoying the amber liquid, the slight bitterness of the lager. “You’re spoiling me.”
“I hope so,” Tom said, a smile in his voice.
Bailey watched as Tom loaded a cracker with brie and slathered it with some sort of jelly stuff, surprised when Tom passed it to him. He couldn’t remember the last time someone had taken care of him so thoughtfully, put him first.
“I wasn’t sure what sort of cheese you liked but most people like the mild creamy ones and I think you’ll enjoy this. I put quince paste on. It’s a little sweet, a little tart.”
The combination was wonderful. Bailey couldn’t hold back the groan. “Damn, this is heaven.”
Tom chuckled. “I know. Where you like the sweet stuff, my weakness is cheese. Don’t care what type or how it comes, just give me cheese, and lots of it. Yum.” Tom popped a wedge of cheddar in his own mouth as if to highlight his point.
“Ah. That explains a lot. Pizza, cheesy topping on the moussaka, grilled cheese sandwiches.” Bailey waggled his eyebrows. “Need I say more?”
Tom swallowed and held his hands up in mock defence. “Okay, okay. I might just go a little overboard where cheese is concerned.”
Bailey raised his brows. “A little?”
Before Tom could utter another word, Bailey grabbed a grape off the platter and held it to Tom’s lips. Tom opened and allowed Bailey to place the fruit onto his tongue. His lips closed around Bailey’s finger and the atmosphere immediately went from fun and teasing to serious and seductive.
Bailey decided he could get very used to date night.
