Rowan looked as if the words had struck him.
Marcus turned back to the frame, rubbing carefully now, smoothing rather than scraping. ‘I’ve spent a lot of time being easy for people. Easy to laugh with. Easy to rely on. Easy to misunderstand.’ He paused. ‘I don’t want to be easy to leave.’
For several seconds, Rowan said nothing. Then he stepped closer. Not enough to crowd Marcus. Enough that Marcus felt the warmth of him. ‘I don’t want to leave you.’
Marcus’s hand stilled.
The words were not a promise. Not quite. But they were the first thing Rowan had said that sounded like wanting a future instead of apologising for wanting one.
‘Then don’t decide today,’ Marcus said, keeping his voice steady even though his heart was anything but. ‘Just don’t act as if leaving is the only sensible option.’
Rowan looked at Atlas, then at the house, then at Marcus.
‘I can try that.’
Marcus smiled faintly. ‘Good. Trying is very on brand for us.’
This time, Rowan did smile. Small, but real.
He picked up the sanding block again and turned back to the window frame. ‘You missed a patch.’
Marcus stared at him. ‘I pour out my heart, and you critique my sanding?’
‘You said you liked honesty.’
‘I may need to revisit that policy.’
Rowan’s shoulder brushed his as they worked side by side again.
Not accidentally, Marcus thought.
Or perhaps it was.
Either way, neither of them moved away.
On the front step, Atlas lowered himself down, head resting between his paws, as if he had made his decision for the morning.
Marcus looked at him, then at Rowan beside him, then at the half-stripped window frame waiting to be made new.
For the first time in days, he did not feel as if he was making room for someone who might vanish.
He felt as if, perhaps, they were both learning how to stay.
Chapter fourteen
Looking around at the many faces, Marcus felt grateful. If it wasn’t for Christine, he would still have a list as long as his arm to attend to. He was glad he’d accepted help.
‘Okay everyone, quieten down.’ The group continued to talk, their voices a high octave of excited chatter. Marcus looked towards Christine who grimaced, understanding his frustration.
Marcus opened his mouth to shout, but before he could, Tom’s voice cut through everyone’s. ‘SIIILLLEEEEENNCE!’
Christine shrugged as she looked at Marcus, a huge grin on her face.
All eyes turned to Tom, who swiftly pointed at Marcus, then everyone turned their heads Marcus’s way.
Marcus dipped his head at Tom in acknowledgement. ‘Thank you, Tom, and thank you all for attending this meeting. The final one before the big competition day, the day after tomorrow.’
Mrs Calloway raised her hand. ‘Will there be refreshments provided today, only I’ve not had any lunch yet?’
