sixwordstories | (no subject)

Clark is a friend, yes.

*He arches an eyebrow.*

Questionable business practices?

It's been several months since I was last in Mexico. Try to keep up, old man.

Funny, there was a time when you wouldn't consider a reporter worth more than the soundbite you could funnel through them, much less a friend. Or a girlfriend, from what I understand?

Oh but it's such a good story. Remind me the name of the transvestite who insisted you spent the night with her and ran to the tabloids with it?

Things change, Bruce. And Lois is an ex-girlfriend turned good friend, actually.

I have no rightful clue what you're talking about.

Ah, yes, Ms. Lane. Now was this before, during or after she was spending time on Grant Gabriel's desk? Sorry, sorry, I meant in front of, not over. In front of Grant Gabriel's desk.

I'll forward you the articles.

We were already over by then. As a couple anyway. Why so much interest in my love life? Is yours that dull?

I can hardly wait.

Russian ballet troupes get boring after awhile. All legs behind their heads, no actual conversational skills. I'm sure you understand.

I'm sure my secretary saved a file of them. Something to pull out when I'm having a bad day.

You and your Russian ballet women. Actually the women I've dated recently are conversationally talented. Then again they're not dancers, either.

If I'd known that was all it took to make your day a little brighter, I'd send you copies of humiliating articles more often.

What can I say? Who really needs conversation when you have someone who can adage in bed?

Witnessing your utter humiliation at the hands of tabloids that feed the believing masses? How could that not brighten my day?

Apparently you do if you're bored with the dancers.

I wouldn't go as far as utter humiliation. But anything to help cheer up an old friend.

I say that and then I remember what a couple can do for me and repent my sins.

Would you like to call me old again? Maybe just say it outright this time instead of insinuating it? I think you'd feel better.

Now that sounds more like the Bruce I know.

I already do, but thanks.

And you do know I hate to disappoint them. They have done so, so much for the art world.

Anything to help a friend who was so obviously playing point for his friend. Do me a favor, next time, let Mr. Kent fight his own battles, hmm?

Oh, I'm quite aware how much you hate to disappoint the ladies.

I don't think I was fighting any battles. Simply catching up with another friend.

If you insist, Oliver. But being obtuse is even more painful on you than it was on Mr. Kent. At least he has a certain naive gullibility he can fall back on as a cover. I know you better than that.

Whatever you say, Bruce.

Glad to hear you agree, Oliver.

I'm an agreeable guy.

So I remember. So I hear.