The Quiet House by Lily Morton

Levi Black has mostly recovered from the events of a year ago. The only lingering effects are that he’s much more well known in York than he’d like to be, and he’s a lot more cautious about walking around his house naked. However, those events brought him the capricious and fascinating Blue, so he’s not complaining. On the contrary, he’s happy, in love, and looking forward to Blue finally moving in with him. And if sometimes he wonders what Blue sees in a boring cartoonist, he keeps that to himself.

Blue Billings is finally ready to throw off the memories of his past and move in with the person who means the most in the world to him. His psychic abilities have grown in the last year to his mentor Tom’s consternation, but Blue is determined to look on the bright side. He’s also focused on ignoring all the warning signs that he’s received lately.

However, even deeply buried secrets have a way of rising to the surface. And when a surprise from Blue’s past turns up and draws them away to a lonely house on the Yorkshire moors, Levi and Blue must fight for their survival once again.

Excerpt

It’s ten in the morning before I remember the old man from last night. I’m unpacking a new box of books, sitting cross-legged on the floor in the book shop surrounded by stacks of books and bubble wrap, while Tom sits at the counter clutching his ever-present cup of tea with his face screwed up into grumpy lines.

“I’m just saying that you’re opening yourself up too much, Blue.”

“That’s never been a complaint before,” I say lightly, grinning up at him as he rolls his eyes.

“Lovely as this glimpse is into your private affairs, I must move you on.”

“Private affairs? I’m not Prince Charles.”

“And that’s a shame. That lad talks to plants. You struggle with humans.”

I shake my head. “I’m pretty sure that comment wasn’t meant for me. Know yourself.”

“I’m very good with humans.”

“What about yesterday?” I say, putting down my scissors and staring at him. “I’m pretty sure it was you who told the lady asking if we took cash that you weren’t the Bank of England.”

“You’ve been dreaming again.”

I roll my eyes. “If I’m dreaming about you, I definitely need to get some professional help.”

He huffs and helps himself to another biscuit from the Incredible Disappearing Biscuit Tin. I don’t know where the fuck he hides that thing. One minute he’s chomping down on a Hob Nob, then I come to take a biscuit, and it’s gone. Vanished.

I eye him affectionately. This crotchety old man is one of the most important people in my life. I’ve known him since I was a scrawny, scared kid who hitchhiked my way to York and never left, pinned here by a sense that I’d found my place. Tom never asked questions, just fed me and then later on when he revealed himself to be psychic too, he became my mentor. Sort of like Alec Guinness as Ben Kenobi, but with very poor people skills. Tom and my best friend, Will, are only topped by Levi. No one will ever shift Levi from heading the list of my most favourite people in the world.