Page 38 of Whispers of Obsession

“And how are you making money, Cora? Still just working at the ice cream place?” I hesitate at the slight stress he places on the wordjust.I shiver.

“Yeah,” I reply, avoiding his gaze and laughing nervously. “Just the ice cream parlor. They’ve given me some extra shifts and responsibilities. They let me work the closing shift and cash out now. I guess I proved myself.”

“You close up on your own?” He frowns. “I don’t like that.”

“It’s ice cream sundaes, not a cocktail bar. It’s not like it’s late when we close up.”

“I don’t like the idea of you on your own. I don’t care if it’s broad daylight, Cora. That’s not safe.”

“I’m fine. I can handle myself.”

“Can you though?” he asks, staring at me intently, making me squirm. His gaze is too knowing.

Shit. Did Mr. Marx tell him what happened at school today? Should I mention it? Ask why that jock hates him so much?

I chicken out.

“I’ll show you what needs to be done.”

I lead him back into the hallway, to the cupboard under the stairs where the fuse box is, and show him the old fuse that needs changing.

“Just put a new fuse in and when mom gets home she can show you what else is needed.”

“There’s no rush,” he says with a shrug. “I’ll make myself at home.”

“I have to get ready for work.”

“Be careful, okay?” he says.

I nod. “I will.”

I have a sudden urge to hug him, which is insane because we’ve never hadthatkind of relationship, so I race away up the stairs to put some distance between us.

Hours later, I’m avoiding eye contact with the rowdy jocks, Steven included. I can sense their nagging stares. Right now, my coworker, Jessica, is still here, so they haven’t tried to pull anything.

Thankfully, she doesn’t clock out for a few more hours. Just before closing. I highly doubt anyone is going to fuck with me while she’s here.

She’s a no-nonsense kind of worker. Older than me by a few years, and has no interest in high school shit. She’ll kick them out, and they know it.

So far, Steven has complained about all three of the ice creams I made for him. Jessica finally stepped in and made his last order. Thankfully, no one seems inclined to fuck with her.

All the jocks fucked off about half an hour later, right around the time Mr. Marx showed up.

At first, he just sat in a nearby booth, staring the jocks down until they left. Now, thirty minutes later, he’s watching me. It’s creepy as fuck.

By the time I’m closing the shop and getting ready to leave, I’m feeling flinchy. Mr. Marx left shortly after Jessica, and I went about my closing duties.

As I’m locking the shop door, I let out a sigh of relief. Nothing happened. I was paranoid for no reason. I let Slater get into my head.

“How much for a blow job?” a demanding, angry voice snaps behind me, and I gasp, jumping as I spin to face him.

Steven. Great.

“Not funny. Leave me alone,” I hiss, trying to push past the imposing jock.

“Wasn’t a joke. How much? Three bucks?” He snorts a laugh. “How about this? I’ll give you ten bucks, and you blow all three of us.”

His friends flank him, and I pale.

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