Our Little Nest - 8. Chapter 8

Suits,
Lunch,
And a kiss. 

Patrick boards a taxi to his parent’s house. The cab sat in traffic caused by an accident a few cars ahead when Patrick’s cell rang. He checked the caller ID and saw his mother’s name, Drusilla Livia Valdez.

“Hello, mother.”

“Patrick, are you on your way?”

“Yes, but there’s traffic and I might be late.”

“Are you still in the City?”

“Yes.”

“Wonderful. I’m feeling a bit tired and decided to rest in bed.”

“You’re sick? Is father with you? Did he call the doctor?”

“Calm down dear, I’m fine. Just over did myself for the party, Shilo is with me.”

“Well, I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“No, that’s just it. I need you to do some errands for me in the City.”

“Like what?”

“I need you to see the caterer and sample a few dishes, and stop at a few other places that Shilo will send to your phone.”

“Are you sure you’re fine?”

“I am sure. And with you, doing these things for me will help me rest better.”

“Alright, but I’m stopping by later to check on you.”

“That would be wonderful. Oh, and before I forget. If you and Adam need a suit Michael is in town and is staying at the Duet.”

“Yes, we are getting new suits, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“This weekend is going to be amazing. I just know once you and father get to know Adam you’ll see how perfect he is for me.”

“We only want you happy Patrick.”

“I am.”

“Then enjoy your outing and charge everything on us.”

“Thank you, mother. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Their call ended as Patrick instructed the driver to pull over. He paid the fare with an excellent tip. He received the text from Shilo, his mother’s woman, and saw his appointment with the caterer wasn’t until late afternoon. He checked his GPS and saw the Duet was nearby and decided to make it his first stop.

*************

Yuri headed down to the lobby, stopping at the front desk.

Patrick walked into the Duet and since his parents owned it, many people knew him and greeted him like an arriving prince.

“Hello, good morning, welcome back, so good to see you, Mr. Valdez,” Patrick smiled, nod, and even shook a few of the staff’s hands as he approached the front desk where he bumps into someone he wasn’t expecting. Yuri turned, and Patrick’s heart humbled in his chest as his body heat seems to ignite inside him. It was like the first time. Yuri noticed Patrick’s hesitance, standing a foot away with his hands at his side and his thumb tightly closed in his fist. Patrick’s infatuation that boiled over to lust years ago, approached him. The beautiful man that Yuri use to call his fire stood as if in a time bubble.

“Patrick,” he said, smiling. “So wonderful to see you again.” Patrick had to force the knot in his throat that wanted to make him cry as he remembered Yuri’s words of goodbye.

“Yuri,” was all Patrick said. Yuri tilted his head slightly and reached out to touch the soft face, he once covered in kisses. But Patrick took a step back. Yuri expected the sting of rejection as he took a step towards Patrick but kept his hands to himself.

“How are you?”

“I’m wonderful,” Patrick blurted out, closing his eyes for a second as he wished he wasn’t so overzealous.

“You look happy.”

“Shouldn’t I be?” Than Patrick noticed people were staring. “Excuse me, but I’m here to see someone.”

“Of course.” Yuri, stepped aside as Patrick tried to walk calmly to the desk. He took a few deep breaths, then spoke.

“I like the suite number to Michael Robin?” The head desk clerk checked his books and smiled at Patrick.

“Mr. Robin asked us to call first before sending anyone up, Mr. Valdez.”

“Fine,” said Patrick, not wanting to turn around in fear of Yuri still staring at him. When the clerk finished making the call he returned to Patrick.

“Mr. Robin, is in suite…”

“It’s all right,” said Yuri, stepping up to stand next to Patrick. “I know the room number.” Before Patrick could say anything, Yuri grabbed his hand and pulled him along towards the elevator. Patrick was going to protest, but didn’t want to do it in front of onlookers who were whispering amongst themselves. Yuri walked him over to an elevator that a bellhop opened for them and boarded alone. Once the door closed Yuri pressed the button they needed, still holding Patrick’s hand.

“What do you think you’re doing?” said Patrick, who tugged his hand free of Yuri’s and moved to the opposite wall.

“You’re going to see Michael, aren’t you?”

“Well, yes. So, where are you going?”

“With you.”

“I don’t need your help.”

“I’m not helping you. I’m going to see Michael myself.”

“Why?”

“Well, the same reason as you, unless—you two are having an affair.”

“What? No, he’s as old as my father.”

“Then I guess it’s for his talent in making suits.”

“Oh, you’re getting a suit. So, what’s the occasion?” asked Patrick, settling down.

“Do I need one?”

“No, never mind. It’s none of my business.” Patrick, ran his fingers through his hair and faced forward. Hoping the ride will remain in silence. Their mirror reflections made it hard for Patrick not to see Yuri, who was smiling at Patrick.

“Patrick?”

“What?”

“You’re not still mad about our break-up, are you?”

“Of course not, why should I be?”

“Because, I would assume you’ve moved on.”

“I have.”

“I’m glad.” Patrick glanced over at him.

“You are?”

“Why wouldn’t I be? I’ve only wanted your happiness.”

“I am happy, I’m very happy.”

“So, you say. Twice.”

The elevator dinge, and the doors opened. Yuri led the way as Patrick followed from behind. When they arrived at the door, Patrick grabbed Yuri’s arm, causing him to look at him with concern.

“Yuri.”

“Yes?”

“Did you move on?”

Yuri stared at Patrick and wanted so much to kiss him. But he had to pick his moments and not scare his fire off.

“Yes, I moved on.”

“Okay.” Yuri saw Patrick’s smile wavered a bit and wanted to tell him that he still loved him, but it wasn’t the time or place.

“Come on, Michael’s waiting.” Yuri knocked on the door and stepped aside to let Patrick enter first.

They picked the fabric they wanted, and Michael took their measurements. As for the style they left it up to Michael to choose. Yuri and Patrick left the Duet together. The valet hurried to retrieve Yuri’s car.

“Where are you headed?” asked Yuri.

“I have to go to a caterer for my mother.”

“Would you like a lift?”

“I’m not sure…”

“Don’t you trust me?” Patrick realized how silly he was being.

“Why not. I could use a second opinion.”

***********

Over ten stores, where Jamie tried on jackets, one salon he listened to gossip while Jamie got his tips frosted. Several times Adam dealt with flirting and mistaken for Jamie's significant other. Fifteen bags later, Adam and the energetic youth exit from an overpriced store. Jamie had all his packages delivered to the penthouse.

Jamie flashed his blue eyes at Adam, joyfully triumphant.

I'm starving, let's eat Detective?" Jamie said.

"Can we talk while we eat?"

"Fine, you pick the restaurant."

Adam chose a diner from his own neighborhood that reminded him of home. Serving the most delicious meals.

Adam selected a booth in the back, so he could have an eye view of the front door. Adam devoured his comfort food and Jamie seemed to enjoy his meal as well.

"You don't seem out of place here," said Adam.

"I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth Detective Potter."

"What was your childhood like, if you don't mind me asking?" Jamie appeared to cringe, but tried to hide his reaction by jabbing his fork at his salad.

"My father died before I was born. For a brief time, it was just me and my Mother. We weren’t rich, but she made enough money to give me birthday parties and fun holidays. She remarried and after her death, the courts granted my stepfather full custody. He treated me good at first, but after a year, when he wasn't beating me he…” he trailed off staring at his food. “Places like this one," Jamie circled his view around the diner. "Stayed open all night. I used to hide out in one when I didn't want to be—bothered by him."

"How old were you when the abuse started?"

"Eight years old."

"When did you leave?"

"A few years ago.”

"Didn't anyone from your mother's family try to find you?"

"I had no other blood relatives. "I would have been awarded to the state if my mother never remarried.”

"Where's your stepfather now?"

"I'm not sure."

"What's his name?"

Jamie sat his fork down.

"Where is this going, why do you need to know?"

"An attempt was made on your life. Making a list of suspects could narrow in on the individual who wants to do you harm."

"Yuri is taking care of it, he said you were only to protect me."

"Jamie, I can give you protection, but finding this person and stopping them would put an end to all of this. Wouldn't that be better than always having to look over your shoulder?"

"I suppose."

Adam let what he said to him sink in, once Jamie's tensed shoulders relax he continued with his questioning.

"Can you give me his last address?"

Adam pulled out his notebook with a pen and slid it across the table to Jamie. He picked up the pen and wavered for a minute before writing; he studied Adam with apprehension.

"You're not going to go find him, are you?" asked Jamie.

"I might have to,” Adam said.

"Why?" he asked, still not writing.

"He could be involved."

"But he'll know I'm here."

"After the last attempt, he might already be here."

"What if he isn’t, what if it's not him? I can't go back."

"I swear to you, he won't find out from me. Besides, you’re twenty-one now, an adult. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do."

“First tell me something personal about you.”

“Me? All right. I grew up on a farm with my two dads and three brothers. Whom, I love very much.”

“Has any of them ever hurt you?”

“Not maliciously. But, my brothers and I have knocked heads once or twice.”

Jamie, still not sure, slowly wrote the information down. He held the notebook looking at the name of his hometown as if seeing it for the first time than returned it to Adam.

"I don’t think it’s him," said Jamie.

“Why not?”

“He doesn’t want me dead.”

“How about an old boyfriend?”

“Yuri’s my first, real, boyfriend.”

"Okay, can you tell me where you both met?”

“Strangely, at a diner.”

“How old were you?”

“I was over eighteen, detective.” He lied.

“I meant no offense. It’s just you’re both from different worlds.”

“I’m not a gold digger.”

“Never crossed my mind.”

“Yuri has a way of making me feel like I belong, anywhere.”

“He gives you what you want.”

“He gives me love. He just happens to have money that he likes to spend on me. What’s wrong with that?”

“Don’t you have any ambition to become something more?”

“I’m going to school for music. I play the piano. Yuri’s helping me to achieve that dream.”

“That’s a nice dream. I wish you all the luck.”

“I’ll play for you one day.”

"That would be nice. Now, back to business. Can you remember anything, anything at all about your last attacker?"

"Remember?"

"What he or she looked like?"

"Only that he was bigger and stronger than me."

“Was he trying to kidnap you?”

"No. I think he was going to break my neck.”

“What stopped him?”

“Yuri, sent one of his German shepherd, Savor, to find me.”

“What happened next?”

“He let me go when Savor bit him. I ran right into Yuri’s arms.”

“What happened to your attacker?”

“I don’t know.”

“Did you ask Yuri.”

“No.”

“Why not. Don’t you want to know?”

“I don’t care. Yuri saved me. I'm finished, I want to go home, now."

"Alright, I'll pay the bill."

They rode back in silence, Jamie stared out the window lost in thought. Adam didn't mean to upset him, but a killer was on the loose and the two main suspects were Jamie's stepfather and Yuri Jin.

*************

Yuri and Patrick relaxed with a walk in the park.

“I can’t believe how many kinds of cakes there was,” said Patrick, rubbing his stomach.

“I can’t believe how much you ate,” said Yuri. Patrick frowned at his comment, then Yuri reached over and flicked Patrick’s pouty lips causing him to laugh.

“Stop it, I had to try them out,” said Patrick.

“Taste them, not finish the whole plate.”

“They were so delicious.”

“You still enjoy sweets.”

“They’re my weakness.”

“I thought I was your weakness?”

Yuri reached and grabbed Patrick’s hand, bringing it to his lips kissing the back of his palm. Surprised by Yuri’s action, Patrick hesitated before pulling his hand away. Yuri didn’t seem to care as he grabbed Patrick around the waist and pulled him in kissing his mouth without delay.

Patrick remembered the kiss, remembered the heat that owned his body, remembered the man who swore he would never leave him. He struggled to push out of Yuri’s stronger arms as their kiss grew deeper. Patrick almost fell victim to the man who broke his heart.

He pushed harder and managed to escape Yuri’s hold. Furious that Yuri thought he had a right to kiss him Patrick slapped the man’s face. When Yuri recovered Patrick tried to control his temper.

“What are you doing?” Patrick snapped. “You said you moved on.” Yuri, rotated his jaw feeling the sting in his cheek.

“I thought I had,” said Yuri.

“You thought, you had?”

“Patrick…” Yuri took a step towards him.

“No,” Patrick stepped back. “You can’t touch me. Not like that. I don’t—belong to you anymore.”

“Don’t you mean, you don’t love me?”

“I love Adam. Adam Potter is my lover now—and always.”

“Are you sure about that?” Yuri took another step towards him.

“Yes,” Patrick said, stepping back and still shaken by Yuri’s kiss. “Yes, I am.” Patrick turned his back to Yuri and hurried off.

Yuri watched Patrick leave, but knew the door to his feelings wasn’t closed.

Patrick didn’t know where he was going, but he wanted to be far from Yuri.

“What the fuck,” he snapped at himself. “I should have never…” Patrick stopped in the middle of his thought when he saw a familiar face. “Adam,” he said, watching from across the street. He saw Adam standing outside a high-end store. Patrick’s spirits lifted.

“He must have gotten a really big bonus to shop at that store,” Patrick thought. He forgot all about the kiss from Yuri and was about to approach him when a young blonde male walked up to Adam and started talking to him. Patrick didn’t know the other male, but Adam seemed to know him as he held open his jeep’s passenger door for him.

Patrick saw a cab and waved it down. He climbed into the back seat and asked the driver to wait. Adam drove past them and Patrick told the driver to follow the jeep. They arrived at a diner. The same diner that Adam took him. Down the street from their home.

Patrick waited in the cab as Adam held the glass door opened for the male and followed him inside. Patrick asked the driver to drop him off down the street where he paid and exited the cab. He stood there for a moment, watching people come and go from businesses. He considered going to the diner. But then what?

“Does Adam take all his clients to that diner?” Patrick pondered. He sighed, scratching his eyebrow with his pinkie finger, wondering if he should just go home. He received a text from Michael, telling him, if he still wants a suit for his boyfriend he needs his measurements.

“I’ll send them this evening.” He texted back. He started walking back home when a corner grocery store caught his eye, giving him an idea.

I wanted to give a second chapter because I was late with the first one and because it's a holiday. 
So enjoy.
And again leaving a comment would be sooooo, nice. 
Thanks for reading.