Page 156 of In at the Deep End

Matt leaned on the rail, hair ruffled by the wind, smiling at something only he could see.

Warmth spread through Owen’s chest.

I spent years believing there were parts of me that belonged to the past. Parts that had been Ben’s alone. And yesterday, without planning it, he’d discovered that wasn’t entirely true.

What shocked him most about the last two days?

He hadn’t felt guilty. He hadn’t felt as though he were betraying anyone.

He’d simply trusted, and Matt had treated that trust with a tenderness Owen hadn’t known he’d been hoping for.

He’d expected to enjoy the weekend. He hadn’t expected to enjoy watching Matt’s delight in everything he saw.

Owen wondered whether Matt would still be smiling when he saw the photographs they’d taken. Whether he’d tell his friend Eric about the trip—all of it. Whether he’d remember the view from Compton Bay as vividly as Owen always had.

“Callum was right about that place,” Matt murmured.

Owen shifted closer. “The Sleepy Dormouse? Or the island in general?”

He chuckled. “All of it was good. But yeah, the pub was great. That breakfast was enormous. And good company too.”

“You mean Daniel and Aidan?” They’d met a couple of walkers who were exploring the island. They’d been sitting at the next table, and Owen had told them about possible places they could camp.

“Yeah, they were a sweet couple.” Matt smiled. “Do you always run into gay men everywhere you go?”

“Pretty much.”

Owen’s thoughts went to the following morning. Coffee in the garden, Matt probably wandering over around half-past nine. They’d talk about the weekend while pretending to work.

The thought settled over him with surprising contentment.

He hadn’t realised how much he’d missed those ordinary moments until they’d almost disappeared.

Now, he couldn’t wait to have them back.

The bike had only just reached the garage door before Cyn appeared from the house, wiping her hands on a tea towel.

“Oh good. You’re still alive.” Her eyes twinkled. “And the bike is in one piece.”

Owen killed the engine and pulled off his helmet. “Some greeting.”

She chuckled. “I was pleased to see the bike. You, I’m reserving judgement on.”

Matt laughed as he climbed off behind him.

Cyn’s gaze moved between them. “Did you have a good time?”

“Yeah, we did.” He glanced at Matt. His smile hadn’t budged since the ferry.

Callum appeared in the doorway with a mug in his hand. “How was the island?”

“Brilliant.” Matt handed Owen the helmet and gloves. “And thanks for the loan of this jacket. It was perfect, not too heavy.”

“Did you get to see everything you wanted to?” Callum asked.

“The castle and Osborne house.” Matt grinned. “A ton of little villages with sneaky winding roads that come up on you all of a sudden. And some glorious views of the sea.” He peered at Callum’s mug. “Don’t suppose I could have some tea? The one on the ferry left a lot to be desired.”

Callum laughed. “Come on in. I’ll make a fresh pot.”