Page 16 of Home Grown Talent

“Bugger off,” Owen muttered, feeling his cheeks heat.

“Sorry,” Lewis said, laughing. “But honestly, it is a good idea. Just think what it would do for the profile of the business.”

“The business is fine. We’re really busy.”

“It’s not just about being busy, though, is it?” Misty put in. “It’s about getting the highest-quality jobs out there. The interesting ones that help your staff develop their skills and keep learning. The ones that enable you to give your apprentice the best and most diverse training you can.”

Owen felt a pang of guilt. He hadn’t considered that. He’d been focused on thinking about how busy he was and his own lack of interest in being on TV, but yes, something like this might well have benefits for the business and the rest of the guys.

And then it suddenly occurred to him that there was someone else whose views had not been considered.

Turning to Mason, he said, “What do you think?”

Mason blinked, seeming surprised that Owen had asked. Eventually, he said, “Well, I’d certainly be up for it, although I don’t know anything about gardening…”

“Which is perfect,” Misty interrupted. “It’s real, you know? It’s not a setup. You’d genuinely be learning alongside our viewers, and Owen would genuinely be teaching you.” She turned to Owen. “Looks like it’s down to you then, Owen. What do you say?”

Owen looked around the table. At some point, everyone else had started listening in, and all he could see were expectant faces. Lewis in particular looked pleased and excited in a way he rarely did, and somehow, that complicated the whole thing even more. He didn’t want to disappoint his brother.

Owen cleared his throat. “To be honest, this is pretty far out of my comfort zone,” he said. “But… well, it does sound interesting.”

“Fantastic!” Misty crowed. “Naomi can start—”

Owen held up a hand. “Sorry, wait, that’s not a definite yes. I need to think about this properly, but I will think about it and get back to you.”

Misty frowned at that, but after a moment, her expression smoothed out, and she nodded. “I’ll need an answer quickly, though. Tomorrow, really.”

“That’s fine. I’ll get back to you.”

“Naomi will give you my contact details,” Misty said. Naomi dutifully began rifling through her bag, from which she produced a business card. Rather than just pass it down the table, she got out of her seat and brought it round to Owen.

“Uh, thanks,” he said, tucking it away as she scurried back to her seat.

After that, everyone drifted into smaller conversations. When Owen turned to look at Tag, Tag was grinning.

“Bet you didn’t expect that opportunity to fall into your lap tonight,” he said.

“No, I did not,” Owen said truthfully.

Tag lifted a hand and vigorously rubbed Owen’s arm.

“What are you doing?” Owen said, puzzled.

Tag raised a brow. “Hoping some of your luck rubs off on me.”

CHAPTER FIVE

Mason

“...and the winner of Best Teleplay in a Drama Series goes to…”

Dramatic pause.

Everyone on the RPP table held their breath, staring at the host. All except Mason, who found himself surreptitiously watching Owen from under his lashes. Like everyone else, Owen’s gaze was riveted on the stage, one hand gripping the table hard.

“...Lewis Hunter for ‘Over the Rainbow’, Leeches.”

The crowd roared, Owen shot to his feet, whooping in delight, and Lewis, laughing, grabbed Aaron and kissed him thoroughly on the lips. Grinning from ear to ear, Owen darted around Tag and Aaron as Lewis rose, pulling his brother into a bear hug, speaking earnestly, his words lost beneath the clapping and cheering. Lewis nodded, gruff as ever, and hugged Owen back, holding him hard for a long moment before letting go and making his way to the stage.