Reckoning - 2. Chapter 2

A soothing hum engulfed the room as soft lights from the opening shades flooded the space. A single body laid in the middle of a king-size bed under a plush duvet. He released a deep sigh awaking from his slumber as a door opened and an A.I named POE rolled in balancing a breakfast tray with two French crepes filled with fresh fruit, a cup of coffee made from beans grown in Indonesia costing $160 a pound, and two cell phones.

Patrick Valdez shifted under his blanket before raising a single arm out from under the warm confinement.

“Good morning Patrick.”

Patrick yawned before turning his attention to POE. “Good morning Poe,” he responded still groggy.

“It is 7:32 a.m. It will be a sunny day with the high being 35 degrees present temperature 25 degrees. Your shower is ready should I pick your outfit?”

“No Poe, I can do that.”

“Very well.” Poe waited as Patrick sat up in bed before handing him his tray of food. Once the tray was over his lap, legs unfolded. The table was warmth control to keep his meal and coffee at the perfect temperature.

Patrick took a long swallow of his coffee before tasting his crepe. He smiled at his A.I. “Perfect as always Poe,” he said. A friend from overseas gifted the A.I to him. Patrick later found out he was stalking him. Programming Poe to spy on him. Fortunately for him, Poe got reprogrammed and the spy tech removed. Poe was his now even though many suggest he get rid of him Patrick didn’t blame Poe for his creator’s behavior. He enjoyed having him around.

“Thank you, Patrick. Your reminders for today. You’re expected at the Valdez manor for lunch. There are two days before you move in with Adam Potter. Your dinner date with him at six pm.”

“Thank you, Poe.” Patrick notice the second cell phone and recognized it was an old one he kept in his carrier case. The same phone that caused him to walk into danger. “Poe, where did you get this?” he showed the cell to Poe.

“I found it amongst your things you asked me to get for your move. I took the liberty in charging it.”

“Fine,” Patrick once again forgot to get rid of the phone that linked him to a past lover.

“Well, that be all?” Poe asked.

Patrick knew he likes to stick with a schedule and didn’t want to keep him. “Yes Poe, that will be all.”

Without a word Poe turned and left the room, going through one of his exit points built in the walls.

Patrick pressed one button and sure enough, the cell came to life. The background photo of himself and another male whose face got hidden because he was leaning forward his long black hair obscured Patrick’s as he kissed Patrick’s neck causing him to giggle stared back mocking him. He noticed there were several texted messages and his finger hovered over the button.

“Don’t read them,” he said aloud. “Don’t…”

A song of a popular boy band rang out startling Patrick who started at the cell bewildered. The one in his hand wasn’t ringing, it was the one on the tray. When he shifted his eyes to it he saw another photo of himself and Adam holding him from behind half of his face pressed against Patrick wide loose curls, both smiling. Adam’s caller ID hung in white letters. He dropped the cell and answered the call.

“Adam,” he said excitedly.

“You sound out of breath. Were you trying to answer on the first ring?” Adam’s deep tone sent waves of heat through his body.

“It’s nice to hear your voice.”

“It won’t be long before we greet each other morning face to face.”

“I can’t wait.”

“Me neither. I wish it was yesterday.”

“Me too. But you need to work.”

“I do. I promise I will help you move in. It’s just this case landed in my lap and being away cost me clients.”

“You don’t have to explain. I understand how important your agency is too you. Besides, I need to talk to my parents.”

“You’re still coming tonight?”

“Nothing will stop me.”

“I can pick you up.”

“No, I’ll be fine. I’m only bringing a few things down that I don’t want to movers to touch.”

“Well, about that.”

“What?”

“You don’t need to bring any furniture.”

“Oh, well, I wasn’t. I meant daily clothes, and my Cosplay outfits. I’m bringing one tonight because of my event this weekend. Remember?”

“Yeah, I remember. Okay cool um… I got to go.”

“Oh.”

“And good morning. I love you.”

“I love you more.”

“I can’t wait to see you, Pat.”

“Six o’clock?”

“If you come early Justin will let you up.”

“Oh, wonderful. I’ll try.”

“Bye.”

“Bye.” When Patrick hung up, he looked at his meal and lost his appetite. Adam’s assistant Justin still had his spare key. The same key he flaunted in his face after that small incident in Adam’s kitchen when he tried to make him breakfast. “Well, that will change as soon as I get there,” Patrick stated. He moved the tray aside as he climbed out of bed.

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Adam hung up and wanted to kick himself when he told Patrick Justin will let him in. He forgot to get his spare key from his assistant. He’ll get a third key made for Patrick.

“Mr. Potter,” a receptionist in her 20s said. “The doctor will see you now.”

“Thank you,” Adam said. After ignoring his families pleads for him to talk to someone. Adam caved in and scheduled an appointment. He found one near to the office. Justin had a dentist appointment, so he didn’t to tell him where he was going. He got to his feet and felt the tension build up in his gut as he walked into the therapist’s office.