The Existence of Reconcilable Differences

Chapter Seven

Gunner chewed on the inside of his cheek as the Grand Cyclops spoke. The sound of the man's words came off as mumbling to his ears. He was lost in his head. He hoped random thoughts would pop up in his brain to distract him from thinking of Dani's salacious body and her compassionate laugh that rang in his ears instead of the man's aggressive voice. He caught a flash of her mouth opening and chewing on a piece of meatloaf and the elegance in every act she carried out.

The abrupt clapping caused Gunner to snap out of his thoughts. He joined in at the last second with a fast and rigid slapping of the hands. After two hours of talking about politics, territories, and upcoming rallies, the meeting was finally over. Most of the men in the Den that Gunner was part of were suit-and-tie men who you'd never guess were part of that type of congregation. Guys from a different bracket existed in the Den but Gunner occasionally conversed with them.

Gunner chatted it up with the higher-ranking men with Scotch in his left hand and the other hand in his pocket. He laughed at jokes that weren't funny and smooshed the men. They had been investing in the real estate business Gunner started with his partner/brother, Devin Handleman, so he had to kiss a little ass.

Devin got into the conversation like a game of jump rope and managed to save Gunner from that painful experience. He knew how much Gunner hated speaking to higher-ups, but he still did it for the company's contribution.

"K.I.G.Y. brother." Gunner gave a slight nod to Devin.

"K.I.G.Y. brother." Devin returned the nod.

"Thanks for saving me back there. It was getting a bit awkward." Gunner scoffed while looking at the Scotch in his cup.

"No problem. I know you." Devin patted his friend on the back and smiled.

"Yeah..." Gunner fell into his thoughts.

But Devin stopped him. "What's on your mind?"

Gunner peered into his eyes. "Have you ever loved someone that... you can't be with?"

"No, never... how does that feel?"

"It feels like... you're window shopping. You have almost all the money to purchase what you want but you're missing two more dollars. It feels like that money's never going to come to you. No matter how much you work."

"So, you just watch what you want and hope that no one purchases it." Devin finished his thought.

"Yeah... it's a horrible analogy. I know. But it's the only way I can explain what's in my head at the moment." Gunner scoffed and downed the last of his drink.

Devin chuckled while looking at his friend. "No, it's fine. I understand. So, what's her name?"

Gunner nearly choked on his spit but regained himself as he weaved a lie. "Mandy."

"Mandy? What is she, 17?" Devin asked with a joking tone and Gunner realized he didn't have to work that hard for the lie.

"Actually, yes. What are you, a psychic?" Gunner grinned.

"I can't believe I was right!" Devin burst into laughter and Gunner chimed in.

"Yeah. She's pretty young and uh, obviously, her parents wouldn't approve of our relationship. The world wouldn't approve of it." He gnawed on the inside of his cheeks, proud that his lie was believed.

"Yeah. Righteously so... when does she turn 18?"

"In a few months."

"So, if you truly feel it's worth it, keep it under wraps until then." Devin winked and finished the rest of his drink.