Page 213 of In at the Deep End

“You were scared for me. I understand that. But you were so busy being my dad that you forgot to let me be an adult.”

Dad stared at him. “I thought I was protecting you.”

“You were—from something I hadn’t asked to be protected from.”

His dad’s shoulders sagged, and his expression grew pained. “I’m sorry. I saw how much older Owen is than you, and I thought about all the things that could go wrong.”

“You thought about things that could happen years from now. But you didn’t think about what was happening to me right then.” Matt sighed. “I love you, Dad. And I know you did it because you love me. But I need you to understand something else.”

“What?”

“You don’t get to decide whether Owen is worth the risk. That’s my decision.”

Dad said nothing.

“And if one day it all goes wrong—which I don’t believe will happen but what do I know?—I know you’ll be there for me.”

Dad’s mouth tightened. “Resisting the urge to say I told you so.”

Matt laughed despite himself. “I don’t think you’ll resist it all that hard.”

“But it’ll still be your life.”

He breathed a little easier. “Thank you.”

Dad stepped closer. Matt stood, and Dad pulled him into a hug.

Matt whispered against his shoulder, “You really hurt me.”

Dad’s arms tightened. “I know.”

When they separated, Matt wiped beneath his eyes. “I don’t want this to be weird for you. Me and Owen, I mean.”

“It won’t be.”

“You promise?”

“I promise I’ll try.”

Matt smiled. “That’s probably the best I’m going to get.”

His father smiled back. “Probably.”

“Hey.” Owen stood in the doorway. “We’ve decided it’s nice enough to eat out here.” He glanced at Dad. “There’s a bottle of wine and four glasses in the kitchen.”

“I’ll get them.” Dad squeezed past him and disappeared into the house.

Owen walked over to where Matt stood. “Everything okay?”

Matt gave him a smile. “It will be.”

There wasn’t a smear of lasagne left, and only crumbs where the garlic bread had been.

Jeff put his fork down and wiped his lips. “What’s the plan now? You don’t get your master’s until November, but we all know that’s a foregone conclusion. So what will you do after that?”

Matt shrugged. “I need to find a job.”

“A proper job?” Babs asked.