Page 34 of In at the Deep End

All three of them laughed.

“Where’s Ben?” Gray glanced around the terrace. “Is he joining you?”

Twelve years disappeared. So did every easy answer.

He took a deep breath. “Ben died.”

Adam froze, mouth open. Gray reached across the table and took Owen’s hand. “Oh, Owen.” His voice quavered with genuine shock.

“We had no idea,” Adam said in a low voice.

“Why would you? The only time we spent together was those two weeks when… when Ben and I were on our honeymoon.” A gay clothing-optional resort in Palm Springs, where a chance encounter had turned two strangers into friends.

“When did he pass?” Gray asked.

“2020. We had six years together.” Owen managed a smile. “They were six wonderful years.”

Until the end, at least.

“And now you live around here?”

Owen saw Gray’s question for what it was, a gentle change of subject, and he was grateful. “Yeah, I have a house, less than twenty minutes’ drive from here.” Then he brightened. “I’ve only just moved in, and I’ll be having a housewarming party. You two should come.” He grinned. “Trust me. You won’t want to miss it.”

“We’d love to.” Adam fished his phone out of his pocket, tapped the screen, then handed it to Owen. “Put your contact details in there. I’ll send you a text.” His gaze met Owen’s. “I’d like it if we stayed in touch.”

Owen nodded. “Me too.” He entered his phone number. As he handed the phone back, Owen noticed the thick wedding band on Adam’s finger. A glance at Gray revealed an identical ring.

“Wait…” He looked between them. “You two got married?”

Gray laughed. “Yes, but it’s not what you think.”

“Yeah, that’s a long story,” Adam added. “And not one you’re getting over lunch.”

Owen blinked. “Okay, now I’m intrigued.”

“We’ll dish all the dirt at the party, all right?” Gray tilted his head. “Question. Should we come as respectable members of society…”

“…or as ourselves?” Adam finished.

Owen laughed. “Definitely yourselves. You might even recognise some of my guests. They’re in the same… line of work, shall we say.”

Adam’s eyes gleamed. “Then I’m coming armed with business cards and a camera.”

Gray rolled his eyes.

Adam and Gray’s food arrived moments later, bringing the conversation to a natural pause.

Owen picked up his sandwich again.

Retirement had already surprised him twice that week. First Matt, now this.

Perhaps new beginnings have a habit of arriving when we least expect them.

His phone buzzed, and he glanced at the screen.

Matt: You have deliveries. I saw the van. I’ve put them around the side of the house. [grin emoji] You have a new lawnmower amongst other things.

Owen smiled as he typed. Great. Thanks for that. I forgot they were coming.