Read Coda 02 -A to Z for Free Online Page A

Zach. He actually runs every mornin’. Sometimes a mile, sometimes a few. I don’t get it. Runnin’ isn’t my idea of fun. But it does explain why he still looks so great. Anyway he was runnin’ late and then still wanted to shower, too, before comin’ in. I told him to take his time. Wednesday mornin’: no reason for us both to be there.
    That’s why I’m alone in the store when Tom comes in.
    I gotta be honest. Tom creeps me out. Not sure I can explain it. Maybe ’cause big jocks like him made my teenage years hell. Maybe ’cause a jock like him tried to rape me four years ago. That guy gave off the same bad vibes I get from Tom. I been pretty happy he never noticed me. ’Til today.
    He looks around the store, obviously lookin’ for Zach, but sees me instead. Then his eyes change. Can’t explain it no better than that. Gives me chills.
    “Hey,” he says. He walks over to me, where I’m rearrangin’ movies on the shelves in the corner. “Zach here?”

    “Nope.” I don’t look at him. Just keep doin’ what I’m doin’. “I’ll tell him you stopped by.”
    ’Course I’m hopin’ he’ll be happy with that answer and be on his merry fuckin’ way. But I know right away it’s not gonna work. He’s still standin’ there, lookin’ at me, and when I glance over, I see a little smirk on his face that makes my pulse kick into overdrive. Not in a good way. Worst part is, he’s got me blocked in the corner.
    “Zach must be smarter than I thought,” he says suddenly, “keeping a pretty little thing like you around.” I’m not sure which part of that comment annoys me more—bein’ called a “pretty little thing,” or hearin’ him imply that Zach’s stupid. “Tell me. Does he let you fuck him, or is it always the other way around?”
    “Not like that,” I say. I’m weighin’ my options. I’m not afraid of him. I learned a long time ago how to fight big guys like him. Question is, how much trouble will it cause afterward? Just have to bide my time, play it cool, hope nothin’ happens before Zach shows up.
    “You expect me to believe that Zach keeps you around for your excellent organizational skills?” he asks sarcastically. I shrug. “Have to ask him.”
    He moves closer. I don’t back away. Not gonna give him the satisfaction of seein’ me back down. “Come on now,” he says seductively. “Let’s play nice. I bet you’re worth the effort. Why don’t you give me a little of what you’ve been giving him? I’ll even make it fun for you.”
    “Not givin’ him anything. Not givin’ you anything either.” “You don’t have to keep denying it. I don’t mind that he’s got a little action on the side.”

    “You’re delusional.”
    He laughs, like it’s all a game. Guess maybe it is—to him. Then he reaches up and tries to brush my hair out of my face. I move before I even decide to, knock his hand away, and turn to face him. “Don’t you fuckin’ touch me!”
    His eyes get darker, scarier, and he says in a low voice, “Be careful, pretty boy.” It’s obviously a warnin’.

    I refuse to be intimidated by him. I keep my eyes on his, keep my voice quiet and even. “Or what?”
    “Maybe I’ll tell Zach that his little pet offered me a blow job in exchange for some extra cash. I don’t mind sharing him, but somehow, I doubt he feels the same way about sharing me.”
    I’m tempted to call his bluff. Zach would never believe him anyway. But right then Zach walks in. And I hate how he looks so happy to see Tom.
    ’Course Tom’s good at what he does. He immediately steps back, away from me, and he’s got a smile plastered on his face before he turns ’round to face Zach.
    “Hey, baby,” he says, “I was waiting for you.” He walks over to Zach and starts to reach for him.
    I can’t fuckin’ watch this.
“Zach, I’ll be back in twenty,” I say.
    I don’t even look over. Just put my head down and head for the door. I know Zach won’t object, though, and