“That’s understandable,” Levi said. “Growing up like this can help you to keep your head screwed on straight, that’s for sure. I don’t know from experience, but I’ve heard living in those fancy suburbs and big cities can be hell. Always feeling the pressure of having to keep up with the Joneses. We don’t have much of that around here. Sure, some have made it big. Made a lot of money, but they never forgot where they came from. Never tried to impress people ’round here with all the money they made.”
Gunnar felt kind of sick when he thought about his multiple homes and collection of cars. His multi-million-dollar wine and cigar collections. Hell, he only smoked a stogie a few times a year.
“I grew up with nothing. Less than nothing,” he said, pushing aside his near-empty plate. “Can’t tell you how many times I crashed on a friend’s couch or went to school hungry as hell.”
“Must have been rough.”
“It was. I think that’s why I started collecting things.” All of his expensive collections were meticulously stored, catalogued, and insured, from jewelry to art. Hell, he was pretty sure his vocal chords were insured, if that were even possible. “I figured even if I lost all my money, I’d still having something worth selling. I’d never be dead-ass broke again.”
“I’d say I don’t think it’s possible for someone in your position to lose it all, but I know that’s not true. You hear about it every day, right? Celebrities who’ve gone nuts. Spending their millions faster than they can make them.”
And he knew deep down that’s what he was afraid of… losing it all. He feared one day his fans would just stop listening. They’d stop buying his albums, downloading his songs, coming to his concerts. They’d stop caring about him, stop supporting him… stop loving him.
“I guess that couldn’t happen living a life like this,” Gunnar said, thinking about what it would be like to leave most of his material possessions behind for the simple life Gianna had chosen.
“I don’t imagine it could,” Levi said, reaching for a toothpick on the bar. He twirled it around in his mouth before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a couple of twenties to cover both of their lunches.
“Oh hey, you don’t have to do that,” Gunnar said, reaching for his own wallet. He couldn’t remember the last time anyone bought him anything. He was always expected to pick up the tab because he was usually the richest guy in the room.
“My pleasure,” Levi said, waving him off. “You can get it next time.”
“Okay, thanks.” Gunnar sincerely hoped there would be a next time. He liked this guy and felt he had the kind of common sense that could help him get his life back on track.
Levi pulled out a business card and handed it to Gunnar.
He looked at it before smiling. “You’re a bladesmith? That must be a pretty cool job.”
“It is.” He pointed at the card. “You want to see what I do, stop by any time. I work from home.”
“Cool, I will.” Gunnar wasn’t just blowing smoke. He was sincerely interested in learning more about Levi’s life and why he seemed so content. Gunnar offered his hand. “And thanks for lunch, man. I appreciate you letting me bend your ear too.”
“Anytime at all. My cell number’s on that card. Call or text anytime you feel like meeting back here for a beer.”
“You can count on that, my friend.”
