Matt seemed to sense his change of mood. “You okay, mate?”
Sebastian nodded; it was easier than opening the can of worms that was his current life, that little niggle that things weren’t like they used to be. “How about I grab the food and you find us a table?”
“Sure.”
It didn’t take long to be served and soon Sebastian was at the table with a cardboard box in each hand. The small containers were overflowing with golden fried fish fillets and crunchy hot chips. The aroma was mouthwatering, especially after the hard cardio workout they’d just completed. Sebastian’s stomach growled as he placed the food in front of each of them.
“Thanks, mate,” Matt said before digging in.
“You’re welcome.” Sebastian popped a salty chip into his mouth—so moreish. But as he swallowed, he had to push aside the brief burst of guilt at enjoying something so simple as fish and chips by the water’s edge without Owen. Owen hated the thought he was holding Sebastian back from anything, but just because Owen wanted him to go out and have fun, it didn’t mean that Sebastian had to enjoy every minute. Dammit, he missed him.
“That was a big sigh.”
“Huh?” Sebastian hadn’t even realised he’d made a sound.
“What’s going on?” Matt asked. “Something happened with you and Owen?”
Sebastian shrugged and gave in to the need to air some of his concerns. “We’re okay. At least I think we are. It’s just that sometimes it feels like he’s pushing me away. He’s not sleeping well. He thinks I don’t see it, but I’m aware that he tosses and turns all night. I just wish he’d be honest, let me help.”
“I wish I knew the easy answer, Seb, but that man of yours is so strong-willed. If you want my advice…” Matt paused, obviously unsure, so Sebastian nodded to encourage him to continue. “I think you need to talk, really get to the bottom of whatever is going on, you know?”
“Yeah, I know. But he doesn’t seem to want to talk about it. He says everything is fine—“
“Of course he does. Show me a man who wants to talk about his feelings, and I’ll show you a unicorn,” Matt said as he broke off a piece of fish and lifted it to his mouth.
Sebastian couldn’t help the laugh. God, that was so true. Getting Owen to open up about what was troubling him was like pulling hen’s teeth, although he had no trouble showing Sebastian how much he meant to him.
“I get he doesn’t want to show any weakness, but we’re partners. For better or worse, blah blah.”
“You’re not married, but I get what you’re saying. I don’t think I know any couple as close as you guys,” Matt said.
“We’ve been together for six years, all of them perfect. Of course we’ve had the usual ups and downs, thankfully many more ups than downs, but we’ve always been able to talk. Owen’s had to deal with enough of my shit over the years, I don’t get why he’s closing up about this.” He looked at Matt as the idea formed. “Hey, maybe you could talk to him. He might appreciate someone to talk to, someone that’s not me.”
Matt frowned. “I don’t know, Seb.”
“I’m not asking you to get in the middle of us, just to be a listening ear. If he won’t discuss things with me, then maybe he’ll open up to you. I just want him to have someone else to talk to, some support.”
Matt seemed to mull things over before eventually agreeing. “I’ll see if he’s free for lunch next week.”
“Thank you.” A weight lifted from Sebastian’s shoulders. Between the two of them, maybe they’d be able to help Owen. At least he’d know he had friends to lean on if need be, instead of thinking he always had to be the strong one.
“He loves you, Seb.”
“I know.” He sighed. “I love him too. Nothing’s changed about that. I guess I just need to remind him how much. Hey, did I tell you I’m planning a trip? I’m going to whisk him away somewhere special.”
“Really? I’m so jealous of you guys and your travels.”
“This is going to be a no-work-allowed trip. I’m not sure where to yet.”
They spent the next half hour demolishing the fish and chips while discussing the merits of a tropical island holiday versus adventuring somewhere in Europe or trekking through New Zealand. By the time Sebastian headed home, he was on a much more even keel, lighter and energized.
Yes, it was time to go and show Owen just how much he was loved.
Chapter Four
Sebastian stumbled into theapartment later that afternoon, his greeting carrying down the hall followed by a thump and a muffled yelp.
“Are you all right?” Owen called, pausing momentarily from his slicing. The warm feeling that had flooded through him on hearing Sebastian’s arrival was replaced by a brief frisson of worry.
