Choice of the Gallant - Paradox Equation I

by Sharon L Reddy

  ****

  "Get away from him, or I'll break your limp wrist."

  "Ooh, aren't you the possessive one."

  "Gallant? Hey, you! Come back here a minute!"

  "Look, Missy, I am not… He looks like he's in shock."

  "I think he was badly abused."

  "I think you're right. Let's see if this works. Take his hand and gently massage it. See if you can get his attention."

  The rather attractive man sat down on the floor in Gallant's line of sight. It was obviously for a reason. It was going to leave a large dirty smudge on his immaculate white pants. It surprised her a bit when he assumed lotus position and closed his eyes. They were beginning to attract attention. Gallant suddenly blinked and turned to look at her and she sighed in relief.

  "Gallant! Are you OK?"

  "Yes. Just a bad memory."

  "I'm sorry I brought it back. I'm Chuck."

  "Gallant, tell Chuck he's forgiven."

  "Forgiven. No, wait. Thank you for the compliment, Chuck, but I like girls."

  "Thanks, Chuck."

  "You're more than welcome, Julie. I have a friend to tell her 'technique' worked. I'll have some friends help watch pushy types don't head this way. There are a few."

  "I like this world."

  "World?"

  "L.A.'s pretty far out, Chuck. Different world."

  "Especially this part of it. Julie, the Boulevard might not have been the best place to bring him."

  "Yes it was, Chuck. Anyplace else, we wouldn't have met you. Right, Gallant?"

  "Yes. It was nice meeting you, Chuck."

  "Never met anyone whose name fit better. Later."

  "He liked my name, Julie. He thought it fit."

  "Yeah. He liked the way your pants fit, too."

  "Yes. That too."

  She burst into giggles and he smiled.

  "I felt you both calling me, Julie. He was… very focused."

  "I noticed that lotus position was practiced."

  "Dance with me. I've watched. I know who you think looks well. I won't look foolish and embarrass you."

  "You peeked."

  "Only at your face as you watched them. You see? It made you mistrust me."

  "Yeah, you're right. Forgive me?"

  "I will, if you dance with me."

  "Blackmail. I love it."

  "I learn quickly.