Hanson

I realized I didn't know as much about Dennis as I thought. I mean sure he seemed like a well put together guy, but after these last few weeks he wasn't so sure. Dennis kept to himself but I want to know more. Let's face it, the only things I know about him is that he worked for IA, he hates Chinese, and he doesn't have a favorite beer. And the latter was just from going out with him and the others.

Judy walked over and smiled, "Penny for your thoughts..."

"It's nothing, just thinking. Jude, how well do you know Booker? I mean like how much do you really know about him?" I asked.

"Well, not a whole lot now that you mention it. He doesn't really share." Judy smiled, "Look maybe you should just ask him what you wanna know."

"Yeah, that's the problem. I don't know what I wanna ask..."

Judy shook her head, "Hanson, sometimes you worry me."

I laughed and headed towards the coffee pot, glancing at Booker as I passed his desk.

He nodded smiling, than he went back to his paperwork.

Booker

I watched as Tommy strode to the coffee machine. He was wearing my favorite jeans, the ones that hugged him in all the right places. I smiled at him as he passed. He's been staring at me a lot more these days. Maybe we weren't doomed to hate each other after all. I rose and walked towards him.

"Hey Tommy, what's new?"

"Not much, hey Book, I've got a question." Hanson smiled.

"Shoot."

"Why do you hate Chinese?" he asked.

I laughed, "Really? Tommy, you have been staring at me all day and you wanna know why I don't like a certain food?"

"Sorry about staring. It's just I kinda realized I don't know all that much about you. I thought I knew you...but the truth is I don't."

There they were the dreaded words that I hated. I thought I knew you. Why did he have to say that? Ugh.

"Well, it's nothing against you. I just kinda keep to myself." I sighed. Moving past him and poured a cup of coffee. He looked at me expecting more.

"Look Hamburger..." I started using the nickname he hated, "I just keep people at a distance if you know what I mean."

"Sure I get it..." he said sounding hurt.

Hanson

Keep people at a distance? What was that about? I'm sure he had his reasons but I don't understand why he can't tell me anything. As if on cue I looked up and saw Booker standing over my desk.

"Meet me at Charlie's after work. We can grab a beer and you can ask me whatever you wanna know." he said smiling.

"Why did you change your mind?"

"Come one Hamburger, just be happy I'm gonna tell you anything." Booker laughed and walked back towards his desk.