Page 16 of In at the Deep End

Another shrug. “I think we’re still teaching it.”

Owen looked down into his tea.

You may have a point.

Silence fell, but it didn’t feel awkward.

Then Matt cleared his throat. “So I start work tomorrow?”

Owen nodded. “Tomorrow.” He reached into his pocket and withdrew his phone. He opened Contacts before handing it to Matt. “Add your details before you go. I’ll text you when I’m ready to leave. First we’ll go to B&Q, then IKEA. It would be good if you had a list of everything you’ll need for the garden and the pool.”

“I can do that.” Matt stood, stretching his arms above his head. “Right. I’d better leave you in peace.”

Owen got to his feet. “I’ll walk you out.”

They went inside, and he led Matt through the house to the front door.

“At least the commute is simple for this job,” Matt quipped as he stepped outside.

“Yeah, not much chance of getting lost.” Owen grinned. “I’m surprised your dad made it home though.” They both laughed. Owen held his hand out, and they shook. “Thanks for coming over.”

“My pleasure.”

Matt headed down the drive and turned right.

Owen stood in the doorway for another few seconds before closing it.

Callum wandered into the hall carrying another flattened cardboard box.

“Gone?”

“Mm.”

Callum studied him. “You like him.”

Owen blinked. “Of course I like him. He’s polite, knows what he’s talking about, and possesses practical skills neither of us have.”

Callum laughed. “Fair enough.” He picked up another box. “I’ve just never seen you talk to someone for an hour on the first day you met them.”

Owen opened his mouth. Closed it again.

Callum grinned. “You didn’t notice, did you?”

“No.”

“You’ve barely looked at your phone either.”

“I was having a conversation.”

“Exactly.” Callum shrugged. “I think it’s good.” He disappeared upstairs.

Owen returned to the garden. The tea things still sat on the patio table. Two untouched ginger biscuits remained on the plate.

I should clear them away.

Instead, he stood for another moment, listening. The garden was quiet now, quieter than it had felt all afternoon.

Tomorrow.