He sipped his tea as his mum took over the conversation, giving him the latest news on his sister. From the sounds of it, Sarah was excelling at more than just the cross-country. In fact, the old Sarah would never have even tackled the cross-country, let alone completed the course. Her self-confidence and willingness to put herself out there were definitely shining through. His mum put a lot of it down to her new friends and the support she got in all facets of her life.
“And what about everything else?” His mum changed the topic once again, back to her favourite subject—Bailey’s life. “How’s the job going? And don’t think I’ll let you end this call without an update on that boy you were seeing.”
Bailey could feel the smile as he thought of Tom. “He’s great. We’re great.”
“Things are getting serious then?” He could hear the hopefulness in his mum’s voice as she asked the question.
“I think so. Tom’s special. I really want this to work.”
“And why wouldn’t it? You’d be a wonderful catch for any man.”
I want to be the kind of man who’s good enough for Tom, the kind of guy he deserves.
“Thanks, Mum. You’re always good for my ego.”
“Pfft. I shouldn’t have to keep reminding you of what a good person you are, Bailey. I wish you’d start to believe it. Now what about Ryan? Is he enjoying the Philippines?”
“Ryan’s fine. He’s been posting snaps of all the new places he’s visiting. It’s not ‘all work, no play,’ that’s for sure.”
“Maybe you’ll be able to go visit him someday soon. A holiday will do you good.”
“Hmm.”
“Bailey? You don’t sound like yourself. And don’t think I haven’t noticed you’re avoiding most of my questions today.”
God, she’s like a dog with a bone.
Sometimes he wished his mum didn’t know him so well.
“I’m okay, really. There’s just been a lot happening lately and I don’t want to worry you. I can handle it.”
“Humph.” He could imagine her rolling her eyes as she paced the kitchen. “That’s my job, Bailey. Mothers worry. We worry about our kids all the time. I worry about you when I know things are good, I worry when I know you’re doing it tough, and you telling me not to worry won’t change a thing.”
Bailey couldn’t help the sigh. “I know.”
“So why don’t you tell me what’s going on, what’s got you so upset? We might not see each other very often but I’m still your mother and I want to help where I can.”
“And you do help. Every time we speak.” As he said the words he realised how much she actually did support him by being a sounding board, and honestly, he was sick to death of holding it all in, with only Ryan, his now distant friend, to talk to. While he didn’t want to add to her stress, hedidwant to tell her what was on his mind.
“Bailey?”
“Sorry, just thinking.” He took a deep breath. “Things aren’t exactly smooth sailing at the moment. I lost my job. They did a reorg and most of the call centre jobs have gone off-shore.”
“Oh, honey—”
“It’s okay. I didn’t like the job anyway, but….”
“But what?”
I may as well give in.And God, he really wanted to confide in her. “There’s something else. I’ve been given notice here at the apartment. The old man wants me to leave so his grandson can move in.”
“Oh no. I can’t believe it. I’m so sorry, sweetheart. When it rains it pours.”
“You can say that again.” Bailey snorted a laugh. It was either that or he was going to cry.Fuck!“Anyway, I need to get another job soonandfind somewhere to live. It’s not too much to hope for, right?”
“I’ll be crossing my fingers for you.”
“Me too.”
