Page 157 of In at the Deep End

Matt followed him into the house.

Cyn disappeared into the house briefly before emerging with Owen’s car keys. She held them out to him. “Here.”

“Thanks.” When she didn’t let go immediately, Owen gave her an inquiring glance. “Something on your mind?”

Cyn pulled the front door closed. “You look happy.”

Owen’s initial instinct was to make a joke. Then he glanced in the direction Matt had taken. “I had a good weekend.”

“I can see that.”

There was something in her tone that made him look back at her.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Cyn.”

She smiled. “I’m not asking you anything.”

“Good.”

“I’ve known you too long to need to.”

“We had a lovely time.”

“I know.” She squeezed his arm. “And that’s all I wanted to know.”

Then she went into the house, leaving Owen standing there with the car keys in his hand. Through the open door, he caught Matt’s laughter.

She’s right. I am happy.

“Did you have a good time?”

Matt blinked. Dad stood next to his chair, a mug in his hand.

“Sorry. I was miles away.”

Dad chuckled. “Yeah, I noticed. I was in two minds whether or not to bring you some tea in case I disturbed your train of thought.” He placed the mug on the table, then nodded towards the laptop. “Back to the grindstone, I see. At least you’ve had a couple of days away from it. I’ll admit I was shocked when I saw you hadn’t taken the laptop with you.” He smiled. “Good for you.” Then he cocked his head. “You must be getting down to the wire by now.”

“I have a couple of weeks. I’ve already booked my train ticket to Edinburgh to hand it in.” Matt chuckled. “A sort of self-imposed deadline. And I’ll stay in Stirling with Eric, a uni mate. That’s less than an hour from the city.”

“You’re happy with it?”

He huffed. “Ask me again when I’ve nailed this last chapter.”

Dad pulled out a chair and sat. “Does that mean less time at Owen’s?”

Matt gave a shrug. “To be honest, the garden’s all but finished. Ready for the housewarming.”

“You never told me about his party last week. How was it?”

He picked up the mug. “It was fine. Lots of guests, lots of food…” He grinned. “Pool antics. It was fun.”

Dad leaned back. “You get on well with Owen, don’t you?”

“We have a lot in common.”