Page 49 of Learning to Trust

“Excuse me?” I’d heard what David had said but wanted an explanation for his sour statement.

“I don’t like him, Sir.”

“Why not?”

“I saw the way he looked at you when we arrived, and he hugged you too tight for someone who is a friend only. He may be engaged but it’s you he wants.”

“Peter had his chance with me eight years ago. It didn’t work out and I have no intention of coming between him and Angus. We shall talk about your show of possessiveness when we get home because I don’t want the evening spoiled.”

“Yes, Sir.”

David calling me sir in public, after saying he wouldn’t, was interesting. Although, no one was close enough to have heard.

“Sir, why didn’t he give me a menu?”

"Peter knows me as a Dom who always makes decisions for his sub. He assumed—correctly—that you are my sub and therefore I would choose what we are eating. I can ask for another if you prefer."

David shook his head. “I think, Sir, that I would like you to make the choice.”

“Very well, is there anything you can’t, or don’t like to eat?”

“No, Sir, I eat everything but do prefer red wine over white.”

I set the menu and drinks list on the table. I’d dined in the establishment often enough to know what I preferred. Gail came to stand at our table, iPad at the ready for our order.

“Are you ready to order, Sir?”

“Yes. I will be ordering for both of us and would like the crab soup followed by the baked haddock topped with hollandaise sauce and a garden salad for two. I’ll also have a bottle of Chateau Lafite Rothschild, thank you.” I held the menu and drinks list out and Gail accepted them.

When I turned back to David, I saw he was staring daggers at Peter who was seating another couple. It was clear that when David didn't like someone, he didn't give an inch. I had a feeling a truce between the pair was out of the question.

“How did work go today?” I hoped a change of subject would distract David.

“Oh, I meant to tell you. I finally figured out what I was doing wrong on Eyely. I’d stuffed up a calculation in the program and once I entered the correct code, things started falling into place.”

“It’s amazing what you can do when you have a clear mind.”

"You were right, Sir. I was too tired to think clearly. I called Janice and asked her to start on the marketing for the launch. I also contacted Help For You employment agencies, and starting next week, I'll be interviewing candidates for the personal assistant position. Whoever I employ will start contacting companies and charities who may be interested in the program."

Gail set the soup in front of us along with a basket of fresh, crusty bread.

“I thought you were selling direct?”

“I will be, but Janice said I should assess the interest of companies who might want to franchise as they would have more reach than I have alone. Hopefully, it will help distribution overseas.”

“Good idea. Will you be holding an official launch?”

"Yes. I'm going to invite contacts and media to a presentation to explain the program and how it can be adapted for many other uses. A cocktail party will follow. Janice is hoping to use a conference room at The Winter Hotel."

“Nice. Would you like my help with anything?”

"Would you accompany me?" There was a long pause where I didn't answer before David hurriedly added, "As a friend. Do you think the others might be interested also?"

"I would like to join you and I'm sure the others would be interested so ask them."

We finished the soup which was delicious as usual, and Gail removed the dishes before setting the haddock and salad on the table.

“You’re back at work on Monday, Sir?”