Page 72 of In at the Deep End

“I work for him,” Matt pointed out. “Remember? The job you found me?”

Dad nodded. “But you also seem to be there when you’re not working. You didn’t get back until eleven last night.”

Matt sighed. “That wasn’t gardening. I’m doing him a favour.”

“What kind of favour?”

“Remember when I scanned all your old photographs?” Dad gave another nod. “I’ve started doing the same for Owen.”

Dad’s eyebrows climbed. “Started?”

Matt laughed. “Think how many photos you and Mum had, then multiply it by about ten. At least.”

“Bloody hell.”

“Exactly.”

Dad sat back in his chair. “That’s a lot of work.”

“It is.”

“And you’re doing it in your own time.”

Matt shrugged. “Someone ought to.”

Dad studied him for a moment. “You’re going to a lot of trouble for a bloke you’ve known a relatively short time.”

Matt waved his hand. “I’d have done it for anyone.”

Judging by the way Dad raised his eyebrows, it was clear Matt hadn’t convinced him.

What does he think is going on?

Matt’s mind boggled. He’d been about to share an idea he’d had, something to make Owen smile, but given his dad’s present frame of mind, he was having second thoughts.

“Forget I said anything.” Dad picked up his mug. “I just haven’t seen you take to someone quite this quickly before.”

Matt didn’t know how to answer that.

Because neither had he.

Hurricane Jamie had landed, and within five minutes, Matt was longing for a little peace and quiet. The three-year-old had charged into the house, a large soft toy stegosaurus tucked under his arm. He’d tried to get the dinosaur to snack on Matt’s arm, until Matt grabbed the nearest potted plant and informed his nephew that plants were what steggies liked best.

Mum was not going to be happy when she discovered the leaves of her jade plant all over the lounge floor. Right then, she was blissfully unaware, making tea and talking to Beth in the kitchen.

Zach poked his head around the lounge door. “Just checking you’re still alive.”

Matt snorted. “Not for much longer. I’ve been attacked.” He pointed to Jamie who sat on the rug, feeding leaves to Steggie. “I’m not sure how long it takes to die from a dinosaur bite, but Mum’s plant will probably croak before I do.”

Zach widened his eyes. “Oh God.”

“And before you ask, I may be more handy than you, but my skills do not extend to sticking leaves back on.”

“Now you tell me.” Zach wandered over to the window and gazed out at the garden. “Dad was saying last night you’ve practically moved in next door.”

Great. Zach was always on the lookout for ammunition. He’d been that way ever since Matt could remember.

He opened his mouth to protest, but Zach grinned. “Relax. I’m only winding you up.” He leaned against the windowsill. “So what’s Owen actually like? Compared to all the stories we’ve been told.”