Page 163 of In at the Deep End

“Isn’t it?” Callum tilted his head to one side. “Want to know what I’ve learned? You always tell people the truth. You don’t promise forever. You make sure everybody knows where the line is.”

He frowned. “I wouldn’t disagree with any of that.”

Callum nodded. “Right. And then you leave.”

Owen clenched his jaw. “It’s never been like that.”

“Dad, I’ve watched it happen.” There was no accusation in Callum’s voice now.

That somehow made it worse.

“This isn’t me judging you, by the way,” Callum continued. “You’ve been lonely. I know why you keep things casual. I understand it.” He paused again. “But Matt isn’t casual.”

Owen’s heart raced. “What makes you say that?”

Callum laughed, an abrupt, sharp sound. “Because I’ve seen the way he looks at you.”

Owen said nothing.

“I’ve seen that look before. I saw it every time I visited you, from the age of fifteen.” Another deep breath. “Every time Ben looked at you.”

Cold inched its way through Owen’s veins. Callum wasn’t comparing Matt to Ben. He was telling Owen he’d recognised something Owen had spent weeks refusing to name.

“Matt’s going to get hurt,” Callum announced.

Owen gaped at him. “How can you say that?”

“Because he’s twenty-five. You’re experienced. He’s not.”

Owen’s patience began to thin. “Matt isn’t a child.”

“I didn’t say he was.”

“You’re talking as if he needs protecting from me.”

Callum stared at him for several seconds. “Maybe he does.” His voice cracked. “Matt watches you when you aren’t looking. He smiles when you walk into the room. And when you laugh, it’s like somebody’s just turned his whole world on.”

Owen swallowed. That same smile he’d witnessed a moment ago.

“I’ve only ever seen you look at one person the way you look at Matt. And what I heard today? That didn’t sound casual.”

Owen’s heart lurched.

“You’ve kept telling me lightning doesn’t strike twice. And I believed you, every single time. Maybe you still believe that.” Another tilt of his head. “Does Matt know?”

“Know what?”

“That you’re not looking for anything serious.”

Owen’s stomach plummeted. “I never told him I was.”

“That wasn’t my question.” Callum took a breath. “Does he know what happens when this ends?”

Owen flinched. “Why are you assuming it will?”

“Because it always does.” He swallowed. “I’m not trying to ruin this for you.”

Owen stared at him.