by D. B. Watson
“Patrick, please tell me you didn’t lie about having a job to get out of unpacking.”
“No,” he paused. “I lied about having a job interview.”
“Patrick,” she moaned.
“Mia, I couldn’t help it. Adam was so disappointed in me.”
“How do you think he’ll feel after he finds out?”
“He won’t find out, I’ll—just have to get a job.”
“Really, where?”
“Not sure yet.”
“Where did you tell Adam the job interview was?”
“I didn’t tell him.”
“Patrick, you know this is not right. You need to be honest with Adam. He’ll understand.”
“All I need to do is find a job and Adam will never have to know.”
“Patrick, why did you call me if you already decided that?”
“To vent.” Another pause between them.
“Patrick, good luck. And I hear they’re hiring at—”
“No, Mia, I don’t want to involve you. I need to do this on my own. And I will tell Adam.”
“I know you will. Love you, and good luck.”
“Love you too. And thanks.” He waited until she hung up, then tossed his cell on the bed and headed for the shower.
****
Downstairs, Adam was looking over some files at his desk when he heard a knock at his office door.
“Come in.” The door opened and Justin peeked in.
“Good morning, boss.”
“Come on in, Justin.”
Justin stepped in holding a white box and a cup tray with two coffees.
“Justin, you didn’t have to get me coffee.”
“Well, I got muffins, so I thought they went well together.”
“Yeah, but I’m taking Patrick out for breakfast to celebrate.”
“Celebrate what?”
“He’s going on a job interview.”
Justin almost burst out laughing but swallowed it, not wanting to anger Adam. “Well, that’s—great. Where’s his interview?”
“He won’t tell me.”
“Why not?”
“He doesn’t want to jinx it.”
“I bet,” he murmured.
“What?” asked Adam, but before Justin could say anything, Adam’s back door opened, and Patrick stepped out. Adam stood and walked over to him, embracing him.
Justin waited until they parted, catching Patrick’s eye. “Congratulations on your job interview, Patrick,” said Justin, forcing a smile.
Patrick didn’t respond, as his mind appeared to be on something else.
Adam wondered why Patrick didn’t answer Justin. “Pat, didn’t you hear Justin?”
Patrick looked at Adam, confused by his comment. “What? no, I didn’t hear him.”
“He was congratulating you on your interview.”
Patrick looked at Justin, who was still smiling and holding the food and drink. “Thank you,” said Patrick.
“You’re welcome. I’m sure you’ll do great,” said Justin.
Patrick only nodded to Justin as he glanced at Adam, who noticed Patrick’s uneasiness.
“You'll do great.” Adam cupped Patrick’s face. “Even if you don’t get the job, at least you tried,” said Adam, kissing him again.
Patrick reached up and grasped Adam’s wrists. “You mean that?”
“There’ll be other interviews.”
“Other interviews?”
“Sure, you don’t stop at one,” Justin cut in. “You keep going until you land one.”
Patrick’s grip grew tenser on Adam’s wrist.
“Let’s focus on this one, for now. Okay, Pat?” Adam said, seeing panic in his eyes.
“Okay,” Patrick said, swallowing his stress.
“Come on, let’s get breakfast.”
“I can’t,” said Patrick, stepping back from Adam.
“Pat, you need to eat.”
“I—don’t know if I can do this.”
Adam pulled him into his arms and hugged him.
“Come on, Pat, calm down. It’s no big deal. I shouldn’t have made such an issue of this. This is my fault.”
Patrick pushed away gently.
“No, Adam, it isn’t. None of this is your fault.”
“Pat, sit down. You're shaking.”
“I can’t.”
Adam sat in his chair, pulling Patrick onto his lap. “Justin, can you excuse us?”
Justin turned and left the office with the food. He shut the door behind him, wondering why Patrick was getting upset.
“Patrick, look at me.” Patrick shook his head, refusing Adam. “Come on, baby, look at me.” Adam grabbed Patrick’s chin and turned his face to his. “I know what’s wrong.”
“You do?”
“Yeah.”
“Adam, I can explain—”
“There’s no need to.”
“But, Adam—” A tender kiss quieted him. When they parted, Patrick relaxed.
“I’m asking too much of you.”
“No, Adam—”
“Yes, I am. I wanted you to leave your world behind and manage in mine. Now you’re overwhelmed and I’m not making it any better.”
Patrick realized Adam didn’t know the truth—yet. He considered confessing, but to see Adam so concerned with him, he knew he couldn’t let him down. Patrick hugged Adam and kissed his cheek. “Thank you,” Patrick said.
“For what?”
Patrick smiled at Adam. “For giving me my confidence back.”
“Is that what I did?”
“Damn right you did.”
“So, you’re going to the interview?”
“I’m getting that job.”
“You sure are.” They kissed again, deeper this time.
****
In the reception room, Justin pretended to work as he listened to their conversation on the intercom. When Adam’s door opened, Patrick walked out with Adam following.
“Justin, I’ll be back after breakfast. Hold down the fort.”
“Will do, boss.”
When they left, Justin sat back in his chair in a huff.
“Job interview my ass,” Justin said to no one.
CHAPTER 3
coFFeE
Raoul Cyprus Valdez was born in the mountains of Spain to a wealthy bloodline. He lived there with his wife, Drusilla Livia Valdez, whom he met on holiday. She traveled through parts of Africa as an amateur photographer. Coming from an upper-class home back in the States she had traveled the world, taking photos. They met at a bus stop when a sudden downpour hit. Raoul watched as she futilely tried to protect her camera from the rain by placing it under her crop top. He walked over and shielded her with his umbrella. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. She looked up at him with gratitude.
“My father raised me to always protect ones who are in need.”
“Well, your father is a wise man. Thank you.”
“My name is Raoul Valdez.” And when she spoke her name, his heart filled with warmth and longing. He knew he would not rest until she’d fallen in love with him. . . which took six months of following her to convince her he wasn’t a spoiled rich man’s son trying to buy her affection.
They exchanged contact information. Raoul returned home to go to college when he discovered Drusilla transferred to his school. Upon graduation, they married in Raoul’s home country and a few years later, had their first and only son. They named him Patrick M. Valdez, after her father, who had passed away.
Due to complications with her heart and her son’s premature birth, Drusilla’s doctor informed her she couldn’t have any more children. They showered their child with gifts and love. Patrick had problems with his health growing up, and thus was sheltered for his own protection. Drusilla grew comfortable with her new position as a wealthy woman. She focused her attention on raising their son, photography, and running her charities.
Raoul didn't mind the change in his wife; he encouraged her. Like his own proud upbrin
ging, he always reminded his son who he was, and what was expected of him.
It wasn’t until he was in high school that Patrick convinced his parents to allow him to study abroad. Once out on his own Patrick grew up fast, having several lovers, all of whom have taken care of him.
****
Raoul Valdez entered the Palace, an upscale hotel restaurant, to meet a business associate for coffee. The host showed him to his usual table. He scanned the room before directing his eyes to his computer tablet. He was in the middle of checking his email when he noticed a waiter approach. He glanced up and saw a well-groomed male in uniform. Raoul glanced back to his pad.
“A pot of coffee, please.”
“Right away, sir.” The waiter went away as someone approached.
“Mr. Valdez?” Raoul raised his head. A warm smile spread on his face. He eyed an attractive male of Asian descent wearing a quality suit that could rival his own. His raven hair draped flawlessly behind his shoulders. His youthful appearance concealed his age.
“Yuri Jin?” Raoul rose and moved to Yuri, hugging him. As he released him, Raoul kissed Yuri’s cheek.
“How are you, sir?”
“So good to see you again. Please, sit with me.”
“I don’t want to intrude.”
“Nonsense, you are always welcome. Now sit, I have coffee coming.”
“Thank you.” Yuri sat across from Raoul, who placed his tablet aside.
“So, what brings you to town?” asked Raoul.
“I—needed a change of scenery.”
“Where are you staying?”
“At The Duet.”
“Excellent choice.”
“How’s your lovely wife?”
“Still beautiful. Have you seen Patrick yet?”
“I’m not sure if he wants to see me. Besides, I’m—”
“Here’s your coffee, sir,” said a perky voice that Raoul found familiar as he set the coffee on the table. Normally he would ignore his server. He turned and saw someone he was not expecting to be bringing him his coffee.
Patrick stood smiling at his father, rocking on his toes. He laced his hands behind his back, seeming victorious.
Raoul stared at the heir to his fortune and knew who put his son up to this.
“Patrick, what are you doing?” Raoul demanded. He wanted to grab his son and force him into the chair beside him before someone recognized him.
“I’m working,” Patrick said with a shrug of his shoulders. Patrick noticed his father was not on board with his career decision. “Don’t worry, I used Mom’s last name,” whispered Patrick.
“Why are you serving people?” Raoul tried to keep his voice calm.
“Because I’m your server, Father. I walked in, asked for a job, and they hired me. What are the odds of you being here on my first day?”
“Hello, Patrick,” said Yuri.
Patrick looked at Yuri and froze at the sight of his ex-boyfriend.
Raoul observed his son lost for words for his old lover.
“Patrick, you have not said hello to Yuri.”
Patrick tensed and frowned at his father’s comment.
“Hello, Mr. Jin.” Patrick avoided making eye contact with his ex.
“You need not be formal with me, Patrick,” said Yuri.
“I’m at work. I’m not allowed to socialize with the customers.”
“Is there something wrong with your bank account?” asked Raoul.
“No. Adam feels that a job will help me gain a better understanding of earning money, so I don’t have to rely on my inheritance.”
“Does he?” sneered Raoul.
“Who is Adam?” asked Yuri. But before Patrick could answer, another waiter approached and whispered in his ear.
“Sorry, but I have to get back to work. Goodbye to you both and enjoy your coffee.”
“Uh, wait,” said his father. “Did you make this coffee?”
“No, I’m only a server.”
“Very well,” Raoul said, feeling relief that he didn’t have to face any lawsuits. He watched Patrick turn to leave, but not before his son glanced at Yuri, who stifled a laugh as he bowed his head to his old flame. Patrick hurried off in a huff.
“I can’t believe that—detective—made my son get a low-end job,” said Raoul.
“Adam is Patrick’s present lover?”
“Sadly, yes.”
“And he’s a detective, you say?”
“Yes, yes—”
Yuri noted how Raoul hated talking about Adam.
“I’m sorry, you’re upset?”
“Not at you, my friend. Adam Potter is a thorn in my side. He has my son rejecting his birthright.”
“Maybe I can talk to Patrick.”
Raoul glanced at Yuri. He knew he was the one who broke up with Patrick but out of all of Patrick’s lovers, Yuri was the only one he felt was best suited for his son.
“Maybe you can. Do you have any plans this weekend?”
****
After another warning about talking to the guests, Patrick had to report to the kitchen to help with a few orders.
in his defense, Patrick felt most occurrences weren’t his fault. Many of the clienteles were men, and deliberately kept him at their table either by asking him questions about the menu, needing fresh cream, a clean fork, or propositioning him to go upstairs with them. None of them recognized him as a Valdez, which was strange, because he recognized a few of them from his father’s business parties. Three of them being married. He never called them out on their assumption of him being a struggling student. He decided to wait for another function at his father’s office.
He was assigned to the coffee station with another employee. Everything went well until his coworker stepped away for a break.
Raoul and Yuri had just finished their conversation when a loud crash came from the kitchen.
CHAPTER 4
WORdS
Adam returned to the office to find a visitor sitting on his couch in his reception room.
Justin rose, smiling, giving introductions. “Boss, this is Mr. Waldo Amherst. Mr. Amherst, this is Detective Adam Potter.
Waldo Amherst was a robust man in his late thirties. He wore jeans, sneakers, and an open imitation leather coat over a tee shirt with an image of an alien dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and holding a suitcase.
“Mr. Amherst,” Adam said, holding out his hand.
“Detective Potter,” Waldo replied, grasping Adam’s hand and shaking it profoundly. “I heard you are a child of thespians and of cosplay.”
Adam understood that he meant his family, who held cosplay events in their private town not far from his childhood home.
“That is true, I am.”
“I myself have performed cosplay—but mostly I’m a seeker of peculiarities.” He removed a business card and handed it to Adam. “My website: The Strange and Curiosities.”
Adam admired the creative flair to the business card as he glanced back at Waldo. “How can I help you, Mr. Amherst?”
“I’m afraid it is a matter of much discretion.”
“Well, please, then, step into my office.”
“Thank you.”
Adam watched Waldo enter his office as he turned to Justin. “Can you run some errands for me?”
“Can do.”
Adam waited as Justin grabbed his coat before handing him a short list and a credit card. “It’s mostly supplies for the office. If you think we need something that’s not on the list, just buy it.”
“No problem, Boss.”
“Oh, and don’t forget the receipts for anything you buy that includes drinks and snacks.”
“Well do, boss.”
After Justin left, Adam entered his office, finding Waldo opening his suitcase by pushing twin latches that sprang open. He started to open the case, then stopped when he heard the door close. He turned with a start, then calmed when he saw who it was. Adam sat behind his desk, placing his arms on the desk and folding his hands.<
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