Page 55 of In at the Deep End

“And Beth is about to make us grandparents again.” Mum’s face glowed. “Her mother died when Beth was a little girl, so I’m all the mother she has now.”

“And you want to be there for her,” Owen concluded. “Those are excellent reasons.”

Matt’s heart went out to them.

“Why don’t I go in your place?” he blurted before he could change his mind.

Three heads turned in his direction.

“I mean, I could represent you. If you don’t mind.” He shrugged. “I think I can survive an evening of food, drink, and everyone staring at me before they all say, ‘Oh my God, we know whose son you are.’”

Dad laughed. “Yeah, that’d be right.” He gazed at Matt. “Are you sure?”

Matt nodded. “And if Owen’s still going, at least I wouldn’t be on my own.” He glanced at Owen. “You do still want to go, don’t you?”

Owen’s smile held a hint of pride. “Yeah. This is a wonderful thing you’re doing.” His eyes lit up. “So I’ll make it a night to remember. Why don’t I book us a night at the Savoy?”

Matt’s mouth fell open. “What?”

Dad chuckled. “Matt, Owen worked in the hotel industry. He owned hotels. If anyone can get you a suite at the Savoy, it’s him.”

Owen grinned and buffed his nails on his shirt. “I do still have a few connections.”

“That sounds marvellous.” Mum beamed. “Owen, thank you.”

He tipped back his glass and drank half its contents. “Thank you for this. It was a lovely thought.”

Dad cleared his throat. “I think we should call it a night. It’s getting late.”

Matt was more than ready to get out of there.

Mum finished her champagne and placed the glass on the coffee table. “We’ll leave you to your unpacking.” Her gaze flickered to Matt. “Ready?”

Before Matt could respond, Owen said, “He’ll follow you in a second. I need to talk to him about our plans for tomorrow.”

Matt blinked.

“Fine. Don’t keep him too long.” Dad chuckled. “This boy has a habit of burning the candle at both ends. He needs his beauty sleep.”

Mum snorted. “No, he doesn’t. He’s beautiful enough.”

Matt rolled his eyes. “Mum…”

“I’ll walk you to the door.” Owen led them into the entrance hall, and Matt caught the murmured goodnights. When he heard the door close and Owen’s footsteps, he began arranging DVDs on the shelf with exaggerated concentration.

Owen coughed.

Matt looked around. Owen stood in the doorway, arms folded, one shoulder resting against the frame.

“So…”

Matt’s stomach dropped.

Owen’s expression was calm. “Have you finished unpacking everything you wanted to?”

Matt blinked again. “Mostly.”

“Good. And thank you, by the way. I was going to ask about that unit, but you beat me to it.”