Page 34 of Learning to Trust

We made our way down to the kitchen where we worked side by side creating a satay chicken stir-fry.

Chapter Eleven

DAVID

While I chopped the peppers for our stir-fry, I wondered if hugging Andrew and smothering him with kisses, had been responsible for his change of demeanor from pleasant to gruff. I didn't think so but couldn't be sure so made the decision to let it pass without comment.

The aromatic scent of spices filled the kitchen and when the food was ready, Andrew plated the delicious-looking concoction and carried them to the table.

“Grab a couple of beers, David.”

We both took a seat opposite each other. Over dinner, I chatted with Andrew about my ideas for the new business I planned. As well as developing programs for the disabled, I was going to try my hand at creating games for kids that were less violent in content and subtly educational.

Andrew offered to act as a sounding board for my ideas and to give advice if it was wanted. Being an engineer, with a minor in computer engineering, he was well-versed in the mechanics of development even though he didn't practice the profession. I accepted his offer, secretly thrilled with the genuine interest he showed.

Reflecting on my recent past, I now understood I'd been no more than Tristan's lackey and meal ticket and not a partner whom he'd genuinely loved. I should have called a halt to our relationship years earlier, my shortcomings were easier to see with the benefit of hindsight. Tristan had been interested in only one thing—himself. I kind of felt bad for Sebastian but shouldn't have since he'd been my oldest friend and had fucked me over. He really did deserve whatever he got where my ex was concerned. Andrew had shown me more patience, tolerance, and understanding in one week than Tristan had shown me in years.

I forked in the final mouthful of the delicious meal and gulped down the last of the beer.

“You done?”

I nodded and then remembered my words. “Yes, thank you, Sir.”

“I’ll help with the dishes and then show you what I mentioned earlier.”

“Do I get a hint?” I asked playfully.

“No, you are to be patient.”

I caught myself before I could pout like a five-year-old who wasn’t getting his own way.

We cleared the table, and after loading the dishwasher and switching it on, the two of us washed and dried the dishes that weren’t safe to be placed in the appliance. Once the kitchen was spotless, Andrew switched off the light.

Gathering my hand in his, Andrew led me through a door in the kitchen that opened into a hallway.

“This hallway leads to a guest suite and to a set of steps that lead into the basement. It’s where my friends and I spend a lot of our free time.”

“I’m intrigued.”

Andrew led me down a steep flight of steps, and when we reached the bottom, it was as if I'd stepped into another world. I stood open-mouthed admiring the space.

The basement ran the full length and width of the house, and the facilities were like a man’s wet dream.

To my left was the entertainment area with three two-seater leather couches and four leather chairs. I noted they all had reclining mechanisms and small tables built into the arms. On the wall they faced was an enormous flat-screen television that would almost rival a movie theater screen.

Andrew pointed out two large cabinets on each side of the area. “Those cupboards hold games consoles and about two thousand games, although it’s been a while since I counted. I have every cable channel and streaming service on the television, so choice is difficult with there being so many programs available.”

“I can imagine so please don’t ask me to choose what we watch.”

Andrew laughed and I continued my examination of the basement. The floors throughout the space were white marble and a blue area rug was in the space between the television and chairs.

Behind the chairs was a pool table and fixed to the wall was a cue rack and dart board. The wall showed evidence of stray darts.

The place was amazing, but it was the other half of the space that really blew me away. A half-size Olympic swimming pool had a spa attached and at the wall end—a rock waterfall edged with tropical plants. Water cascaded over the rocks to splash into the sparkling blue pool.

"The pool is heated so my aunt was able to swim all year round—inside on cool days and outside when it was warm."

“I don’t know what to say. It’s certainly a surprise finding this beneath the house.”