Page 2 of Forgiven

“I’m going to the club now,” Jared said. “A few of us are in a book club that meets once a week. You’re welcome to come with me. Michael, the owner of the club, will be around. You could ask him if he has any job openings.”

Callum played with the edge of his CV, dog-earing it beyond use in seconds. As much as he needed a job, he wasn’t sure he should get one that would antagonise his family.

“I’ve got no experience with bar work and I doubt I’d make a good bouncer.”

Neither of those things were untrue, but they were excuses. How long was he going to put his family’s opinions before his own wellbeing?

“The offer’s there,” Jared said. “I can show you around Leeds if you’d like. I know what it’s like to be a stranger.”

Callum looked up sharply. It was alarming how much those words resonated with him. “Thanks.”

“What book are you reading?” Faye asked Jared.

Jared took a duffel coat down from the rack behind the counter and pulled it on. “It’s calledTouching Spirit Bear. Hunter chose it.” He looked at Callum. “Do you want to come? Even if you don’t want to talk to Michael, you could join in with the book club.”

“Even though I haven’t read the book?”

Jared smiled. “No one will mind.”

“It’s a nice offer, but I’ll pass.”

Jared seemed nice, but Callum didn’t want to foist himself onto strangers.

“It was nice meeting you.” Jared lifted the counter up and walked into the waiting area. He waved to Faye and Ezra. “See you tomorrow.”

“Take care, kiddo,” Faye said, just before he walked out the shop. “I’m going to grab some lunch before my next client arrives.” She grabbed a bunch of keys and her purse. “Back soon.” She paused in the doorway. “I’m sorry I can’t offer you anything here.”

Callum shrugged. “It’s okay.” He wasn’t a charity case, and that’s all it would have been if she’d offered him a job. In a way, he was glad she didn’t have anything for him to do. “I should go too,” he said, once Faye had left.

“Can you hold on a moment?” Ezra asked, leaning on the counter.

“Sure.”

“I didn’t want to come out to you like that, I’m sorry.”

Callum looked out the glass front of the shop. “Faye and Jared know?”

Ezra sighed. “Everyone here does.”

Callum’s chin wobbled. He breathed in deeply. “I can understand why you didn’t want to tell me.”

“I was going to tell you. I was waiting for the right time.”

When would that have been? He’d been staying on Ezra’s narrowboat for over a week.

“It’s fine. You didn’t have to tell me, so thanks. I won’t tell Mum.”

“Cal—”

Callum stood. “I’m cool with it,” he assured his uncle. He folded his arms, gripping the CV so hard it crumpled.

“Why didn’t you want to go with Jared?” Ezra asked.

“He only asked me as a favour to you.”

Ezra’s face drooped into a sad expression. “I don’t think that’s true.”

“Oh, come on! He doesn’t even know me. You suggested he could show me around and the next thing he’s asking me to hang out with him? That’s pity.”