My Life Coaches are the Seven Deadly Sins

I walked into the triage phone room. Larry was immediately noticeable. If Derrick had been a lanky tall, this man looked like he belonged in a superhero movie. Scars over his exposed biceps, veins popping as he reached into a bag of not 5 pounds. Not ten pounds, but a fifteen pound bag of gummy bears. He scooped out a handful. I gulped looking at that hand… if he played basketball, no doubt he could grip it one handed. There had to be twenty gummy bears in that handful.

I watched in awe as he tilted his head back to eat the handful of colorful bears.

"Max?" A low baritone voice asked.

I jumped, he hadn't even turned around, "Uh, yes sir, uh, are you Larry? Sir?" I asked as he glanced over his shoulder. Now, I'd made bald jokes before, but I didn't even dare think them as his gaze sized me up. Not like a coworker, but as if I were a small rabbit that might become a snack, or might not be worth the effort.

"Max, hold your breath, try not to use filler words. Calm down kid." Pride whispered from behind me.

I gave a small nod as I straightened under Larry's now inquisitive gaze. Now I felt like a rabbit who had done a rather impressive trick.

"Bikes?" Larry asked as his gaze flicked past me for just a second. If I hadn't been desperately keeping eye contact I would have missed it.

I held my breath, "Yes sir, John said you… knew a lot about bikes." I added rather lamely. Well, at least I hadn't stuttered or anything.

"After work wait. I'll take you." Larry said with a nod as he reached for another handful of gummy bears.

I don't know why, but I suddenly thought that if Larry had the chance, he would be responsible for a gummy bear genocide.

"Pay attention Max." Pride whispered.

"I don't mean to impose, I just, needed, needed advice." I explained, oof, the idea of going anywhere with this guy… he'd probably know a thousand places to dump my body. He looked like he should be on some… battlefield, not… in a phone room.

"Combat medic. 6 active tours." Larry announced raising a brow.

I flinched, had I said that aloud? "I didn't mean to, you're just so… fit!" I explained mortified. If I didn't know better… that quirk on his lips looked like he was suppressing a smile.

"Wait for me." Larry reminded as he turned back to his computer. "Don't make me chase you." He added before I could try dissuading him.

I gulped, "Yes sir." I said then turned to scurry away. I'd need to mentally prepare myself.

"Pride is good to have." Larry called as I was closing the door.

I stiffened even as the door shut. Pride was equally stiff, then shrugged it off.

"That's a scary guy, probably shouldn't mess with him." Pride said then nodded for me to go back to my station. Lunch was about over.

"I consider this a full week of being outgoing…" I announced, then scurried away. It took a full hour before my heart stopped racing. I was seriously contemplating how realistic it would be if I made a run for it… something told me that would be the dumbest option. Like trying to face a dragon with only a bucket. No water in the bucket, just the bucket.

As the day came to an end… I clocked out. I glanced at the door… so close. I shivered as I recalled Larry's order to not make him chase me. I wasn't sure if it was courage… or the lack of sense god gave a honey badger, I walked to the triage room.

I popped my head in, Larry was on another call. Without looking he held up a prepared scrap of paper. Off after this call. Wait for me. I wasn't sure if he saw it, but I nodded silently as I went to wait in the break room.

I hesitated… then half-jokingly sent Robby a text. If I don't message you in an hour, call me. I mean… just in case.