Page 55 of Deep Down

“Why?”

“A website designer? Brandon, what does a website designer work on?” Craig tried to contain his sniggering.

“A computer?”

“Exactly.”

After a second, “I don’t get it?” Brandon’s expression made Craig bend over, holding his sides.

“Ow! Fuck, that hurts.” Craig finally got his laughter under control. “Brandon, the sole thing a website designer needs is a computer. Everything else is extra.” He smiled. “You done good.”

Brandon grinned back. “A plus for me, bro.” He elbowed Aaron’s side, waggling his eyebrows up and down.

“Come on, guys. After all your hard work, I’ll whip up some dinner for us, and we can put on a movie. That is if you have time?” Craig canted his head in question.

“Yeah, we’ve got all night. I told Rhea we’d keep you company for a bit when you got home. I may have to make a call at Harley’s bedtime.” Aaron followed in Craig’s wake.

“I’m good. Matt is holding the fort with Willow and Sutton. It’s about time he did the bedtime routine alone.” Brandon chuckled.

After they’d gone, Craig entered his office to close the window they’d left ajar to diffuse some of the paint fumes; he’d re-open it tomorrow, weather permitting. He studied the room, trying to figure out his feelings about the difference. He smiled, liking the room more now. It felt more professional and more…his, even though the house had been his before Darren had moved in, it was now his again.

Tomorrow he would attempt to work in here again and see if it made him more efficient than he had been since he’d quit working at the hospital restaurant.

****

It did. By the time he’d logged off at five o’clock, Craig had outlined four future projects and sent them to the clients for approval, scheduled his diary for the next four months and spent two hours on his current project. An eight-hour day hadn’t been as productive since the incident.

Now, if he could get the rest of his life to go as well, he’d be all set.

Alex was always a predominant focus in his brain, despite it having been eight weeks. He’d find himself staring at nothing while thinking about what Alex might have been doing and whether he was alright. It was getting easier to refocus his thoughts. He wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not.