“I thought you said it was boxes of books. This isn’t books, Bailey.”
Bailey paled. “I never said it was books. You just assumed it was.”
“What the fuck, Bailey?”
Bailey glanced away before taking a deep breath and facing Tom head on. “It’s stuff from my place, okay? I’m moving out so I’ve packed up most of the contents of my flat.”
“Moving? When?” Why was this the first he was hearing about it?
“Now. At the end of this week.”
What the hell?“Where are you moving to?”
“I’m not sure.”
“How can you not be sure?” Tom frowned.
“Because I haven’t found anywhere to rent yet.”
“Jesus, Bailey. Why on earth are you just telling me now?”
“Because I didn’t want you to know, all right,” Bailey snapped.
“Are you serious? Why not?”
“Because I feel like an idiot. I was hoping to have found somewhere before I had to tell you.” Bailey crossed his arms, his gaze darting to where John, Phil, and Cassie were seated, trying not to pay attention to the scene going on before them. Bailey turned back to Tom, lowering his voice. “Stop looking at me like that. That’s exactly why I didn’t want to say anything. I didn’t want you to look at me as if I had two heads.”
“At the moment Idothink you have two heads.” Tom couldn’t make heads nor tails of what the fuck was going on. It didn’t make any sense that Bailey would have kept something like this from him. “I thought we were close, Bails. Why would you keep something like this from me? To be honest, I’m still confused.”
“I got evicted. There. I said it. Couple that with losing my job and surely you can see why I didn’t want to say anything.”
Tom reached out. Bailey was stiff under his touch. Tom’s chest tightened as Bailey lifted his chin and glared at him.God, he’s defensive.“You could have told me.”
“When? At Phil’s congratulations party? Perhaps right after Elliot announced he’d bought a house. Yeah, great idea!”
“So, what? You thought I wouldn’t understand.” Tom pulled at Bailey until he unfolded his arms and he could take one of Bailey’s hands in his own. The flesh was cold. “I thought we knew each other better than that. I’d never judge you.”
“Maybe I judge myself.” Bailey’s voice was heavy with resignation, as if he deserved to be judged and found deficient in some way.
Bailey’s hand trembled in his. He grabbed the other hand, rubbing the two, trying to bring back some warmth. “Fuck, Bailey, you’re your own worst enemy.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I think you’re fucking amazing—”
“I do too,” Cassie said from across the room. “Sorry, I shouldn’t interrupt, but you’re the most awesome person I know, Bailey.”
Tom turned his head and smiled at her. “Thanks, Cass. I think Bailey needs to hear how great he is a bit more, because it doesn’t seem to have sunk in.”
John spoke up. “And if being made redundant makes you a loser, then you’d better induct me to that club. I lost my job this week. It’s been a long time coming, but I’ve been given notice. The company is downsizing. Does that make me a less of a person than I was last week?”
“Wh— No, of course not,” Bailey said.
“Good.” John nodded. “I’m sorry you’re in a bind, Bailey. It must be tough, but I know you’ll be all right. You’ve got friends and more importantly, guts. You’ll get through it. Anyway, I’m going to head out. I’ve got stuff to do.”
“Me, too,” echoed Phil. “Sorry about your apartment, Bailey. Let me know if I can do anything to help. Cassie, do you need a lift anywhere?”
“That’d be great.” Cassie grabbed her bag and jacket and walked over. “I mean it, Bailey. You’re the best.” She gave Bailey a quick kiss on the cheek, and patted Tom on the shoulder before following the guys out the door.
