Page 65 of Learning to Trust

“Good point. Thanks, Andrew for taking care of my brother.” My sister appeared to be feeling calmer. “What do you want me to do about Eyely, David?”

"Put everything in place as we discussed. There is still a month to get this sorted with Dad and I'm hoping the release will be okay to go ahead."

The case between me and my father had been expedited at his lawyer's request and was due to be heard in a judge-only courtroom in two weeks if Allison managed to secure what was needed by then. I wondered if my father would take advantage of any avenues of appeal to prolong the case. It was doubtful he would accept any verdict that didn't fall in his favor. My concern was his actions would set back the release of Eyely even further but I didn't voice those to Andrew.

“I hope you make a fortune out of this program, little brother, and stick it to the asshole.

“Time will tell, and I do appreciate you being in my corner.”

“Where else would I be when I’m well aware of how cruel the prick has been to you over the years?”

"He is my father though, and I can't help wondering if he would have been this way if Mom hadn't died. Maybe he is still grieving her loss."

"Oh, my sweet, sweet, David. You have always believed there is good in everyone. Believe me, there has never been any in our father even when Mom was alive. Sometimes I think she didn't fight her illness because it was her way of escaping him. Anyway, enough of this. Go and be with your man and keep me updated. I love you very, very much. Bye, Andrew."

“Love you too, Sis, and I’ll call.”

"Bye, Janice," Andrew responded before reaching over to the coffee table and ending the call.

Feeling somewhat better, I crawled onto Andrew's lap and snuggled my head into his missive chest. One arm wrapped around me, giving me a sense of security. Since being with my man and handing control over, I'd felt a weight lift from my shoulders. I was finally able to trust he would be there when needed. Andrew was different from anyone I'd ever known which was why I had quickly learned he could be trusted. He kissed the top of my head and brushed stray curls from my forehead.

“My hair needs trimming.”

“No.”

“Just a trim, Sir so it doesn’t constantly fall in my eyes.”

“Maybe, but I’ll come with you to make sure they don’t cut too much off.”

“I’ll make an appointment for Saturday, so it doesn’t interfere with work.”

Andrew nodded in agreement. “Your sister is right.”

“How do you mean?”

"You are very sweet in the way you always believe people have some good in them and it is only buried inside waiting to come out. Unfortunately, the truth is—some who walk our earth are just pure evil. Beyond change, and from what I've learned by listening to you and your sister, your father is one of those people."

I sat up, gazing into Andrew's sapphire-colored pools. "You don't believe even the worst of people are redeemable?"

"No, I don't. I believe some are just born with the genetics that make them selfish, inconsiderate, deceitful, and just plain bad. Others don't have those traits, and in your case, you were born to be a sweet, loving, loyal man who craves peace. I wouldn't want to change the way you are, David. I will always protect against your being hurt by anyone taking advantage of your trust and sweet, generous nature."

"Thank you, Sir. You are very kind, considerate, and a fierce protector of people you care about. I am very happy to be one of them."

Andrew pressed a kiss to my lips and tightened his arms around me when I dropped my head back to his chest.

“Would you like me to put on a movie?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Is there a favorite you’d like to watch?”

“No, Sir, you choose. I’ll listen while I lie here against your chest.”

Andrew turned on the television and after a few moments, I heard the familiar Hallelujah Junction, a piano score by John Adams and the opening music for the movie Call Me By Your Name. I loved the film about a young student and his father's older research assistant who fall in love. It was by far my favorite gay romance movie, but unfortunately, it didn't have a great deal of competition.

“This is my favorite romance movie, Sir.”

"I see—It is also mine. Relax and enjoy."