Page 23 of Deep Waters

“Well, I’m having a martini, but Dominic’s on beer. So take your pick—or we can open some wine.”

“A martini sounds great. Thank you.”

Christian took in the dining table. It had been covered with a red table cloth and set with three place mats, chargers, formal cutlery placements, wine glasses and a water jug. There were fresh flowers, candles and tealights on the table.

“Hey, I didn’t know you were going to all this trouble.”

“I set the table,” AJ told him.

“But there’s only three places.”

“I had pizza earlier. I’m not going to eatthatstuff.” He grimaced and pointed at Dominic stirring the pot.

“Don’t worry,” Arnie said. “We only got the fancy plates out because we hardly ever have an opportunity otherwise. They were wedding presents, and we feel bad for not using them. As you can see,” he spread his arms to show off his casual attire, “we haven’t made as much of an effort with ourselves.”

AJ looked bored with the adults. “Dad, can I watch an episode ofCobra Kai?”

Arnie cocked an eyebrow. “Nice try. No way. You know it’s too old for you. You can watch one episode ofSuperman and Loisthen bed. Okay?”

The boy smiled, knowing he’d been foxed, and left the kitchen.

“He’s a typical kid,” Arnie said. “Always wanting to watch the stuff he shouldn’t.”

“I used to be into all the things I shouldn’t have at that age,” Christian admitted. “TheAlienmovies were my favourites. I don’t think it did me much harm.”

“Oh, I know I’m fighting a losing battle. He’ll win me over soon enough. I just want him to hang onto the last bit of childhood for as long as possible. He’ll have the rest of his life for the grown-up stuff.”

Dominic returned to the stove. “How about you, Christian? Have you ever had any urge to start a family?”

He rolled his eyes. “I haven’t got a paternal bone in my body. Don’t get me wrong. I love being the eccentric gay uncle. I have a brother and a sister and between them I have two nieces and a nephew, but short visits are about all I have the patience for. I love the quiet when they go home, too.”

Arnie chuckled. “That’s what bedtime is for. A couple of precious hours of daddy time, though we’re often too tired to appreciate it.”

“Yeah,” Dominic agreed. “Falling asleep in front of the TV is a common event for us. There must be a hundred movies I’ve only ever seen the first half hour of.”

Their soft protests did not fool Christian. It was clear how much these guys adored each other and what a happy household this was.

Arnie got busy with a cocktail shaker. Christian watched as he added vodka and vermouth—all by eye, there were no measurements—before ladling in crushed ice. He put on the lid and gave it a vigorous shake before straining it into two martini glasses. “More wedding presents,” he explained. For the last touch, he used a fruit knife to peel two slivers of rind off a lemon and dropped them in.

Christian took a sip. The hit of alcohol was instant, strong and delicious. Despite no measures, Arnie had got the blend of vodka and vermouth just right. The twist of lemon gave a hint of freshness. “Perfect. And if you ever tire of acting, you should think about opening a cocktail bar.”

Arnie’s eyes sparkled. “Nowthatis a great suggestion. A nice wine and cocktail bar down there on the waterfront.”

Dominic gave a good-natured groan. “Please don’t give him ideas like that.” He removed his apron. “Okay, this needs about forty minutes then to stand for another fifteen. How about we sit down and finish these drinks then I’ll serve the starters?”

“There are starters? Guys, please, I wasn’t expecting any of this.”

Arnie raised a hand. “We already told you we don’t entertain much. Humour us.”

Dominic gestured to a comfortable seating area in front of two closed French doors. Lights outside illuminated a resplendent patio and garden. They sat on two cream leather sofas, Dominic and Arnie side by side, with Christian facing them across a low coffee table.

“You have a lovely home,” he remarked.

“We can’t take much of the credit,” Arnie said. “I started out renting this place and loved it so much we bought it as it was, furniture and all. It’s practically the same as it was the day when I moved in. Apart from a fresh coat of paint now and then, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

“I can see why. It’s like something out of a lifestyle magazine. Congratulations, guys.” He raised his glass in a celebratory gesture.

Dominic lounged back with his beer and popped his feet up on the fancy coffee table. “So, how has your day been? Are you still okay after yesterday?”

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