Lip Service (Private Relations 2)

Wincing, Deacon said, “It sucks that it comes back to that for you, but as long as you’re using it to your advantage, then that’s something. Right?”

Nodding, he said, “I’ll take every competitive advantage I can come up with. Not everyone can be a numbers wizard,” he said, looking at Deacon. Glancing at Jim, he added, “Or a genius golden boy who could sell anything to anyone.”

Deacon rolled his eyes and Jim snorted at him.

“Right, Chris,” Jim said, a smile stretching across his face. “Like I don’t have my own struggles. Thankfully most people that are ignorant enough to care that I’m a black man are usually also too scared of me to say so because I’m six three and built.”

Smirking, Chris said, “Just imagine if you were poor Deacon’s size. The ridicule and harassment would never stop.”

“Suck it, Chris,” Deacon said mildly, flipping him off.

Snorting, Chris blew him a kiss.

Passing out the booklets, they went through the first few pages. When neither of them had any corrections or suggestions, he was feeling a lot better. He always hated this process.

When Heather, the receptionist, knocked on Jim’s door with the food delivery they broke for a few minutes to eat.

Chewing the bite of food he had in his mouth, Jim said, “So I got two free tickets for the Panthers versus. Tarpons game on Wednesday. Box seats. I’ll let you fight it out to decide who gets to go with me.”

Chris said, “I’ve got a date. I’m going to pass. No battle to the death needed.”

“Score. I’ll go,” Deacon said.

“I didn’t know you were seeing anyone, Chris. When did that happen?” Jim asked.

“Pretty recent, actually.”

He glanced over at Deacon who was eyeing him intently.

“You didn’t meet this one at a bar, did you?”

“No. I didn’t. You’re thinking of that one chick who ended up having a boyfriend. That was a while ago. I learned my lesson,” Chris said, scowling.

Jim asked, “So, how am I supposed to live vicariously through your dating life if you won’t tell me anything?”

Deacon snorted loudly, and Chris shot him a dirty look.

“I’d rather you didn’t vicariously live through this one with me, Jim. I’m seeing Chloe, Deacon’s sister,” he said blandly.

Jim stared at him blankly and then his mouth dropped open. Laughing, he said, “And yet you still live!”

Jim looked at Deacon and said, “Man. Really? You taught her better than that.”

Deacon shook his head mournfully, then said, “You think you raise them right, then they go and do something like this.”

“Fuck you both, guys. Really,” Chris said with a smirk, then took another bite of his sandwich.

“I’m just playing, man. I didn’t realize you had a thing for her. I’m sure that Deacon has threatened you to within an inch of your life, so I’ll just

say that you better not hurt her, or we’ll have a problem,” Jim said.

Chris said, “You guys ambiguously threatened me in the exact same way. Isn’t that swell?”

“I’ll say again,” Chris continued. “Even though it’s none of your business at all, that I’ve never intentionally hurt any woman. Why would I start with someone I considered a friend first that’s related to one of my best friends? A little credit, please.”

Jim held up his hands and said, “You’re right. Sorry. She’s like family to me.”

“I get that, and I like that she has so many people in her corner. But dude, I’m not a monster.”