Say You Won't Let Go

yearnin

"Well, well, well, Darnell Hayes, in the flesh. I'm counting my lucky stars" 

Spencer clapped his shoulder as he stands to his feet. Darnell took his hand firmly shaking it.

"Spencer James, little birdie told me you were in the city"

"Only for an couple of days, but I had high hopes we'd run into each other. Here to mingle for new clients. How you been, man? How's the fam bam?"

The Hayes and James families have been well acquainted with one another for years, their dads were besties. Young businessmen like their offspring that met through mutual colleagues and stayed in touch afterwards. Darnell and Spencer bonded over the pressures of following after their father's footsteps. Darnell was more of an bro compared to friend, but Spencer would never let that fact see the light of day. Spencer sits beside him at the small bar.

"Ya know the twins, wreaking havoc in every direction, and the biggest troublemakers you'll ever come across"

"That I remember, I wanted an brother, got Simone instead" 

Spencer chuckles.

"It's family, kinda stuck with them even when we don't wanna be"

"That's the understatement of the year. Say, you still serving? Nobody gave word you were visiting?" 

Darnell turned his head to the side, chugging the beer in front of him.

"Nah, not visiting anymore. I got out"

"Well, as the great citizens would say, thank you for your service" 

Spencer animated while Darnell sat slightly amused, waving his hand to the female bartender for his second beer. She flipped around quickly, beverages in hand for both of them.

"How's the business?"

"Actually working for an tech company at the moment, Lors-Taven. One of the best to date. Military doesn't prepare you for real world consequences when your pushed out due to injuries or dishonorable offenses, so that makes me an hunk who's got plenty of useless knowledge to give me zero stakes in this game. Ain't that something?"

There's bitterness and a story behind what Darnell was saying, and that's when Spencer was able to see how much serving has changed him. The Darnell he knew had an spark and a ridiculous sense of humor, full of hope. The man he was staring at right now was the complete opposite. Battling some deep demons. Spencer was in that shadow before. He didn't want to take over the family business, he dreamed of not living in his father's shadow. Could've joined the force, only his pops didn't approve. He didn't have an choice, his father needed him to take the lead on things. And with Simone venturing off into her own world miles away from home, that responsibility to carry on their family's legacy became his burden to carry. It changed him, in ways that left him disgruntled. He saw the same thing in Darnell now.

"How bout an round on me while you tell me all bout it?"

The men carried another round while catching up. Darnell told him more about the Lors-Taven company he works for, being unmarried and how different it's been for him after losing both of his parents at the same time. Spencer's dad attended the funeral, mortified witnessing the twins become so dependable upon Darnell.

"Business working without you around?" 

Spencer asked.

"The twins got it"

"What about the company you work for now?" 

Spencer probed.

"Their good guys. Most of them served like I did, which can be useful at times cuz, they understand the world like I do. Whoever's got your six clearly are in the right kind of company"