Bailey drew another circle. “That's just part of it."
"You haven't had any luck finding anything yet?"
"My official end date isn’t for another six weeks or so, but I've managed to line up a bit of casual bar work while I figure out what it is I want to do long-term."
"That's great then, isn't it?" Ryan's voice sounded enthusiastic, but Bailey couldn't muster up the same feeling of excitement.
He was glad to know he’d have a bit of money coming in, but he still didn't feel like it was a proper future. “I suppose so.”
"I mean, money is money, it might not be exactly what you want to do, but—"
Bailey snapped, anger boiling to the surface.How dare Ryan make it sound so easy!"It's all right for you, you've got a job and it's a good job and something you like to do. You're building a career. You've got no idea what it's like." Bailey was aware his voice was rising and to his horror he felt tears begin to well.Dammit. He closed his eyes for a moment and focused on his breathing.
“Bailey?”
"I'm sorry—" Ryan didn’t deserve to have his head bitten off. Bailey heaved in another breath as he brought himself under control.
"There's nothing to be sorry for. It’s me who should be sorry. You're right, I have no idea what it's like to be in your shoes. I was trying to make you feel better. I'm just concerned about you. I only want to help."
The sympathy in Ryan's voice tore his heart open and Bailey couldn't help the sob as tears finally came to the surface. "I know," he managed to get out, his voice shaky.
"Holy shit, Bailey. I didn’t realise things were that bad. Now you really have to tell me what’s going on. I can’t help if I don’t know what’s happening in your life. I mean, there may not be much I can do from over here, but I’m your friend and I’ll try my bloody best to help, even if it’s just to lend an ear. Sometimes having someone to listen helps.” His voice lowered. “Talk to me, Bails.”
Bailey drew in a deep breath and dropped the pen on the paper. “It’s more than work.”
“Is it your family? Your mum or Sarah? Fuck, is it your dad? Or has something happened with Tom?”
“I got evicted last week. I’ve only got a couple of weeks to find a new place.”
“Jesus, Bailey. That wasn’t what I was expecting. I mean, your landlord’s a jerk—”
“Huh.” Bailey huffed out a laugh. “That’s the understatement of the century.”
“So where are you going to go?”
“I don’t know. I’m checking out rental listings and I’ve put the word around. I’m hoping something will come up. It’s hard with the uncertainty around work, you know?”
“I’ll give you a hand with a reference if you need it, and I’ll help with the bond if that arsehole doesn’t give you yours back.”
“Thanks, Ryan. Hopefully it won’t come to that, but thanks, mate. I should be okay.”If I say it enough times, maybe it’ll be true.And he really wished it would come true because he wanted to line up a new place before he had to tell Tom was a loser he was. Memories of last week’s party flashed through his mind—Tom’s friends celebrating their various achievements. All desire to confide in Tom had fled in an instant, and Bailey was determined to sort out his shit before Tom even had to know.
“And if you can’t find somewhere in time, I can talk to Mum and Dad, see if they’ll put you up for a while.”
“I haven’t even met your parents.”
“And you probably won’t have to. It’ll work out, you’ll see.”
“I’m glad you’re so confident.”
“Yeah, well no point worrying any more than you need to. Now tell me about you and Barista Guy. You seemed to be getting alongverywell at my farewell party.” Innuendo laced Ryan’s voice.
“Oh God, Ryan. He’s amazing. And his name is Tom, by the way. You referred to him by name earlier.”
“I know. I just like giving you shit, and he’ll always be Barista Guy to me. Maybe I’ll start calling him BG for short—”
“Ryan!”
The sound of Ryan’s laughter down the phone line lightened Bailey’s mood, and conversation turned to lighter matters, including the new experiences Ryan was having living in an Asian country. The food, the culture, meeting new people… it all sounded wonderful. Bailey was happy for his friend and very glad for the distraction as he listened to Ryan’s adventures.
