Oliver’s smile grew until it reached his eyes, warmth radiating from him as he looked at Ed.
It had been a while since he’d had someone look at him like that. As though in that moment, he was the best thing ever. It sent a shiver through him, and his pulse quickened in response.
“Thank you.” Oliver’s gaze dipped to Ed’s mouth and back again, body swaying forward ever so slightly, and for a split-second, Ed thought he was going to lean in and kiss him. But he didn’t, and the stab of disappointment took Ed by surprise. “For taking care of her and staying with her until I got home.”
“It was my pleasure.” His voice came out rougher than he was expecting, and he took a step back. “I’m glad I was there to help.” He should turn and head to his own house, but something held him in place. They stood there, neither of them speaking until the silence edged into awkward territory, and Oliver seemed to snap out of whatever moment they were having.
“Right, I’d better...” He gestured over his shoulder with a thumb.
“Yeah.” Ed nodded. “Me too.” He couldn’t help but grin. They sounded like a pair of awkward teenagers.
Oliver’s shoulders relaxed, a matching grin in place. “I’ll see you Saturday.”
“Looking forward to it.” Probably a little too much if the flutter in his stomach was anything to go by.
But what the hell, a little flirting never hurt anyone.
With an added spring in his step, Ed walked back to the bungalow, the feeling of being watched making his spine tingle. He chanced a glance over to Betty’s before he closed the front door, just in time to see Oliver disappear inside.
Betty was probably relieved to have him home.
The thought that she had such a loving family filled him with warmth. Family was important. He knew it wasn’t like that for everyone, and he’d always felt lucky to have one like his. Maybe that was why he and Tom hadn’t worked out? Tom had no siblings, and his parents liked to travel. They never seemed to make time for each other.
Or maybe he was right.
The familiar stab of self-doubt hit below the ribs like it always did, slithering under his skin and making him feel like he wasn’t enough.
Tom had lived overseas for a while, contracting in his earlier years, and Ed knew he viewed Ed’s life as boring, predictable. Not that he’d ever said as much, not until the end anyway, but looking back he’d never hidden it all that well either.
With a sigh he shook off the memories and tried to get back to the warm feeling he’d had a few minutes ago, before his traitorous brain had taken a trip into the past.
Fuck Tom.
I’ll show him boring.
In a few months he’d be moving up the country to start a new life, and a new business.
I bet Tom never predicted that.
FRIDAY EVENING saw another visit from his sisters, without his mum this time.
“What an unexpected pleasure,” he drawled as he opened the door, eyebrows raised at the bags they were carrying. Now what had they brought?
Ruth scoffed as she stepped inside. “You love seeing so much of us, don’t lie.”
Sarah followed her in, grinning. “I bet it’s the highlight of your day.”
“Something like that,” he muttered, closing the door behind them.
They both stopped in the hall, taking in the now-bare walls. “Decorating’s coming along nicely, then?”
“Slowly but surely.” Ed hadn’t had time to do much in the week, but the hall was now ready to be painted. “Come see the living room.” He gestured for them to lead the way.
“Ooh,” Sarah turned in a circle, still holding her carrier bag. “I knew this colour would look good.”
Ruth agreed. “It looks great,” she said, smiling at him. “You’ve done loads.”
Ed bit his lip, wondering if he should tell them he’d had help. They looked far too impressed at all the work that wasn’t just his, and the words tumbled out. “Oliver, from next door, came round on Sunday.” He pointed back to the hall, then the lounge walls. “He helped with it.” As soon as he’d said it, both of them focused on him, and he took an involuntary step back. “What?”
