Page 56 of In at the Deep End
Silence.
Matt shifted his weight.
“And how was Summer Rain?”
Chapter Twelve
Matt’s soul decided it was time to pack up and leave his body.
“I… I can explain.”
Owen’s lips twitched. “I’m sure you can.”
“It wasn’t what you think.”
“No?” Owen arched his eyebrows. “Because what I think is that I walked back to my house, heard noise coming through my kitchen window…” His eyes drifted to the tidy stack of boxes. “And noticed someone had become remarkably efficient at hiding evidence.”
Matt groaned. “I’m never going to live this down, am I?”
“Not a chance.”
“How did you know?”
“The moment I heard the music. Not to mention the dialogue.”
A beat.
“You… you recognised the dialogue?”
Owen appeared offended. “I do own the DVD, remember.”
Matt let out a helpless laugh and covered his face with both hands. “Oh my God.”
Owen’s wry chuckle filled the room. “Next time, ask?”
Matt jerked his head up. He blinked. “You don’t mind?”
“Not in the slightest. I own them, don’t I? If I’d wanted them hidden, they’d have been hidden.”
Matt blinked.
“I stopped being ashamed of who I am a long time ago.” Owen shrugged. “I’d hardly keep them if I didn’t expect someone to notice them eventually. I’m rather proud of that collection.” He pursed his lips. “Some are rubbish, admittedly. Some are surprisingly good. And a few have kept me company through more than one long evening.”
“That sounds a little… I don’t know… lonely?” Matt could’ve kicked himself as soon as the words left his lips.
Owen rubbed his beard. “I suppose it is, sometimes. But lonely isn’t the same thing as unhappy.”
Matt wasn’t convinced. Surely everyone deserved more than that.
He gestured to the box. “You have so many.”
Owen seemed puzzled. “I also have several hundred ordinary films.”
Matt laughed. “Fair point.”
He cocked his head. “Stories are stories, Matt. Some happen to end in bed.” He picked up the champagne bottle. “There’s a bit left. Want to help me finish it?”
Matt grabbed his empty glass. “Yeah. I think I need it now.”
