Page 123 of In at the Deep End

He arched his eyebrows. “Now I’m intrigued.”

Matt took a breath. “Do you only shoot with Sebastian because…” He faltered. “Because some models aren’t comfortable filming with you?”

Felix’s smile never wavered. “Because I’m trans, you mean?”

Matt nodded. “I knew a few trans students at university. Most people were absolutely fine about them.” He shrugged. “Some… weren’t.”

Adam, Gray, and Sebastian chose that moment to stroll across the lawn to where they stood. Felix glanced at them before looking back at Matt. “Luckily for me, everyone who works with these two is.”

Gray snorted. “We wouldn’t hire them if they weren’t.”

Adam nodded. “Life’s too short to work with arseholes.”

Sebastian slipped an arm around Felix’s waist. “Besides, he only shoots with me because he’s fussy.”

Felix laughed. “Very fussy.”

“I’d even add hopelessly so.” Adam grinned.

Matt found himself smiling. It was a good answer.

Nobody judges, everyone’s boundaries are respected.

He found that very reassuring.

I’m still figuring out my own.

Owen joined them, holding out a bottle of beer to Matt. “I saw you didn’t have a drink.” He handed it over. “Enjoying yourself?”

Matt smiled. “Yeah, I really am.” He wasn’t feeling excluded or overwhelmed.

He was discovering Owen’s world wasn’t remotely what he’d imagined.

“Ready to be a cannonball yet?” Felix’s eyes twinkled.

Matt grinned. “Why not?”

Owen topped up the bowl of crisps on the long trestle table set up on the patio, already laden with snacks. His gaze went to the pool, where Matt had been commandeered by Felix, the pair of them standing under the shower, laughing and rinsing the chlorinated water from their skin.

He looks as if he’s having a great time.

Of course, the party was still in its infancy.

Let’s see how he takes it when things start hotting up.

“You’ve got it bad.”

He looked up. Adam was standing in the wide open space where the windows had once been, glass in hand.

“I’ve got what bad?”

Gray joined him. “Denial.” Adam responded with a snort.

Owen rolled his eyes. “You’re seeing things.”

Adam nodded towards the pool. “You keep looking over there. Specifically, at Matt.”

“I’ve been making sure he’s all right.” Owen smirked. “This is his first time at a party like this one.”