“Bailey, you probably don’t want to hear this, but you can always come home, back to Brisbane, you know.” A chill ran through his veins. “I realise you and your dad have your problems—”
“Problems!”
“Just listen to me for a moment. Despite what’s happened in the past, your father still loves you—”
Bailey snorted. “Yeah, funny way of showing it.”
“He’s calmed down a lot over the last couple of years. He’s not drinking as much—”
“But he’s still drinking.”
“Yes, but only socially. I’ve tried to tell you before, he really has changed, Bailey. He regrets everything that happened between the two of you.”
“Well, maybe he could tell me that.”
“I’m sure he would if you ever came home to see us.”
The guilt was fleeting.No, I’m not going to think like that.“Mum, I know you really believe what you’re saying, but Dad and I rub each other the wrong way. If I come home it’ll just remind him of Stuart, things’ll get tense, we’ll fight, and you and Sarah will be caught in the middle. I don’t want that for you, for both of you to live in a house that’s uncomfortable.” He paused momentarily. “And what if all that causes him to start drinking heavily again?”
“And what if it doesn’t?”
“It’s not worth the risk.”
“Just keep it in mind, honey. There is a bed for you here if you don’t find another alternative before you have to move out. Perhaps you could come for a visit, maybe join us for a small holiday. Test the waters, so to speak.”
He couldn’t afford the trip to Brisbane, and moving back to his home town held absolutely no appeal. What ever happened with this future, Bailey knew it wasn’t in Brisbane.
“I’ll think about it, Mum, but no promises.”
“Okay, honey. That’s all I ask.”
They wrapped up the call. Bailey stayed on the couch, sipping the cooling tea.
* * *
Bailey stabbed the button on his phone and quit the app. He tossed the device onto the table. “Fuck.”
A white paper bag hit the tabletop and chair legs scraped on the linoleum as Richard yanked out a chair and sat. He ripped open the bag and shoved a sandwich into this mouth. Bailey watched as he chewed a huge bite of bread and ham. Richard met his eyes. “Wha?” he mumbled around the mouthful.
“Nothing.”
“Want some?” Richard shoved the open bag towards Bailey, sliding it across the lunch table.
“No. Thanks anyway.” Bailey went back to staring morosely at his phone.
“What’s up?”
Bailey met Richard’s concerned gaze. He obviously wasn’t going to give up. “I don’t suppose you know anyone looking for a flatmate?” The last thing Bailey wanted was to live with a stranger, but beggars couldn’t be choosers.
“Have you checked the company intranet?”
He consciously tried not to roll his eyes. As much as it grieved him, hehadstooped that low. “Yeah.”
“No luck, I take it?”
“Nothing.”
“Sorry, mate. I’d offer my place to you but I’m living back at home. Our last lease ended recently and I’m back with Mum and Dad to save some money. Although if you get desperate I guess you could sleep on the couch.”
“Thanks, Rich, but I’m sure something will come up.”
“How long have you got before you need to be out?” Richard asked.
“End of the week.” Bailey grimaced as he said the words—another six days and he’d be officially homeless.
“Fuck! That’s not long. So what are you gonna do?”
Bailey shrugged. “That’s the million-dollar question.”
In one week he’d be out on the street.At least I have the van.But the thought wasn’t remotely comforting. And in another month, he’d be out of a regular job at the energy company and relying on some casual bar work. Who’d ever give him a lease then?
