Chapter 7
Chapter Seven
David walked into Helping Hands and stopped dead at the sight that befell him.
In the few short days since he had last been there, someone had been very busy.
The kitchen was festooned in a sea of red and gold, with a huge Christmas tree in the corner, bedecked with colored lights and bright, shiny garlands.
Gold and red baubles hung from its fragrant branches.
“That’s beautiful,” he murmured.
“Isn’t it?” Sally joined him. “Every year we get one donated. I always love it when we’re finally into December.” She tilted her head. “Are you gonna join us on Christmas Day?”
David laughed. “Oh, I think my mom would kill me if I didn’t turn up on Christmas Day. And as I like my balls where they are… ”
Sally snorted and pointed toward the kitchen. “Your other half is in the kitchen already, putting the finishing touches to his soup. He’s got a new recipe, apparently, and it smells delicious.”
“Other half?” In a rush of warmth to his cheeks, David realized she meant Jason.
“Oh. He’s not my—” He snapped his mouth shut.
But that doesn’t mean I don’t want him to be.
The sudden realization sent a shiver coursing through him.
He’d only known Jason for a couple of months, and the man had gotten deep under his skin.
Sally regarded him, her eyes sparkling. “Sorry. Did I get it wrong? It’s just that every time I’ve seen you two together recently, you seem to… fit.” She smiled. “It’s nice.”
From behind her, someone cleared his throat, and David’s face felt like it was on fire as Jason came out of the kitchen with a large two-handled saucepan. “Soup’s ready.” His gaze caught David’s and he smiled. “Hey. I want your opinion on this.”
“Sure.” David pushed aside his flare of embarrassment and followed him to the serving hatch where the food was laid out in readiness for their evening patrons. Jason set down the pan and filled a spoon with soup, holding his hand below it to catch any drips.
“Here. Try this. It’s butternut squash, goats cheese and rosemary.”
David inhaled the wonderful aroma, blew on the hot soup and then stood there while Jason fed him the spoonful, his gaze fixed on David’s face. It was a moment that felt surprisingly intimate, and he couldn’t miss the way Jason’s eyes lit up as David slowly licked the spoon clean.
“Oh my God, that’s delicious. There’s a hint of the rosemary that doesn’t overwhelm the flavor, and the goats cheese is perfect.” David grinned. “I hope you made lots of it, because that’s going to be very popular.”
Jason beamed. “Great.”
“Er, guys?” Sally broke in. “I forgot to tell you. We have a new volunteer starting this evening. He’s been through the induction, but could you show him the ropes, Jason? He’ll be here anytime soon.”
“Sure.” Jason cast a glance at the clock. “We’re ready to rock and roll, if you want to open the doors.”
Sally nodded, and went to complete her task. David stood at Jason’s side, peering at the tray of fresh bread rolls, fragrant soup and chicken casserole with dumplings. He smiled with satisfaction. “This should fill a hole.”
Jason nodded. “I meant to tell you, it looks like I’m going to be in the ad.”
David grinned. “I know. I saw the footage. You looked really good, standing here and dishing out lasagne.” What he’d really liked was the expression on Jason’s face.
His smile was genuine, and the reactions of the people he served spoke volumes.
Jason spoke with everyone who stood before him, always with cheerfulness.
He’s a really selfless man. Melina’s words came back to him. Even David could see a difference in him. Jason definitely seemed happier since those first few weeks before they really gotten to talk, and he had to wonder. Did I do that? Whatever the cause, David liked this new Jason.
It wasn’t long before the line of people began to file into the kitchen, out of the cold evening air.
David dished out the casserole and dumplings, while Jason dealt out bowls of hot, steaming soup and rolls.
There seemed to be more people than usual.
We’re going to need an extra pair of hands tonight.
“So, where do you want me?”
Beside him, Jason jerked up his head at the young voice, his eyes widening. “Travis?”
Jason’s son grinned. “Surprise!” He stood beside David, rolling up his sleeves and donning an apron.
“What… what are you doing here?” Jason appeared to have lost his usual calm.
“You talk so much about helping out down here, so I thought I’d come along and give you a hand.”
“Does your mother know you’re here?”
Travis snorted. “No, and I’m not about to tell her. It’s not like I live with her anymore. Besides, this way I get to see a bit more of you.” His gaze fell on David and he stared. “Didn’t I see you at the coffee shop the other week?”
Before David could reply, Jason butted in. “This is my friend, David. And yes, you did.” He pointed to the tables. “It would be really useful if you could make a start on clearing the tables.”
“I’m on it.” Travis left them and set about his task.
David peered at Jason. “Are you okay? You seem a little flustered.”
Jason shrugged. “Maybe it’s just seeing him here out of context.” He watched Travis. “He’s certainly surprised me.”
That felt like a real understatement. Jason’s gaze would flicker every now and then in Travis’s direction. When the soup ran out, Jason picked up the pan. “I’ll go grab some more.” He disappeared into the kitchen.
No sooner had he gone than Travis was at David’s side. “So, are you the friend my dad spent Thanksgiving with?” His expression was neutral, his earlier smile absent.
“Yes, that was me,” David said cautiously. He tried to gauge Travis’s mood.
“Okay. I’m just gonna say this. If you do anything to hurt my dad, you’ll have me to answer to, all right?” Travis’s eyes were cool. “He’s been through a lot of shit since the divorce, and I—”
“Travis,” David interjected quickly. “I am not about to hurt your dad, I promise.” Something rolled over deep inside his stomach. “I wouldn’t do that, okay? Your dad… well, he’s important to me.”
Travis stared at him, his expression unflinching. Then he nodded carefully. “Okay then.”
David smiled. “I like that you’re protective of him. But honestly, you have nothing to worry about.” He wouldn’t hurt Jason for the world.
Travis continued to regard him steadily.
Finally, his face softened. “Okay. I guess I have to take you at your word. I’m sorry if I seemed out of line.
It’s just that I saw how unhappy he was at home.
He’s worked really hard to make a go of the coffee shop, and what with his volunteering here, I never stopped to think he might have time for a…
relationship too.” He cocked his head. “That is what’s going on here, right?
I mean, I was watching the two of you together before I spoke and interrupted. You seemed kinda close.”
David sighed. “I know what happened. We’ve talked, about how he came out, the divorce and everything. And if I can put a smile on his face, then I’m happy.” He continued filling plates with food and handing them over.
“This is the last of it.” Jason was there suddenly, a fresh pan of soup in his hands.
“And that’s my cue to get back to clearing up,” Travis said with a flash of a smile. He left them and walked over to the tables with a tray, collecting the dirty dishes and silverware.
Jason glanced at David. “Was that conversation something I need to know about? Because from where I was standing, it seemed a little… intense.”
David gave him what he hoped was a reassuring smile. “Nope, everything’s fine. We were just breaking the ice, getting to know each other a little.”
“Good.” Jason nodded. “Okay then, back to work. Let’s feed these good people.”
David gave him a brisk salute. “Yes, sir,” he said with a grin. Jason snickered and went back to ladling out bowls of soup. David got on with his task, occasionally sneaking a glimpse at Travis.
I think I just got asked if my intentions were honorable. It was a thought that was both amusing and serious as hell, because for the first time, David stopped to think about where this was going. What do I want out of this?
The answer was right there. I want Jason. In my life. Period.
Now all he had to do was show Jason that was where he belonged. With David.
* * * * * *
David got through his front door with a sigh of relief. It had been a long day and the thought of coming home to leftover lasagne was comforting. No need to cook, just shove a plate in the oven and flop down on the couch in front of the TV. Perfect.
When his phone rang and Jason’s number popped up on the screen, David had to smile. “Hey. Are you finished for the day?”
“Just about. You home yet?”
“Just.” David tucked his phone under his ear as he shucked off his jacket. “Got any plans for this evening?”
“Nope, just going to veg out on the couch. Today was real busy.”
David strolled into his kitchen and pulled open the refrigerator to peer at the foil-covered dish. “Well, I’m going to have leftover lasagne. Please come over and help me eat it?” It was an excuse, but the thought of having Jason in his home made David warm inside.
“Wait a sec. This is beginning to sound like it could be hazardous to my health. I thought you couldn’t cook for shit?”
David snorted. “Did I say I made it? Hmm?” Jason’s chuckle made him smile. “So, is that a yes?”
“Only if I can whip up some garlic bread and bring it with me.”
God. David was suddenly drooling. “Oh, you’re on. Extra garlic for me, please.”
Another chuckle. “I pity your poor colleagues tomorrow. I’ll be about fifteen minutes.” He paused. “Which number do I ring?”
“Apartment 2A.”
“Okay. I’d better get peeling and chopping then.” Jason disconnected.
David gave his apartment a glance. Time to make sure everything was tidy before Jason got there.