Page 118 of Size King

“Your bike running smoothly since we gave it back to you?” Jacob asks.

“Smooth as silk,” I reply.

“You look like you know your way around a bike,” he says. “What do you do? I feel like I know you from somewhere.”

I can’t keep from looking at him and how he is groping Megan.

“I don’t think she likes what you’re doing there, Jacob,” I say.

Jacob gives a hearty chuckle. “She’s not putting up a fight, is she?”

“Seems like she might just be waiting out the storm until it passes,” I quip. “I figured I could save you both some time.”

“Mind your own goddamn business,” Jacob barks at me. “She’s my piece of ass, chief. What are you going to do?”

You don’t want to know what I’m going to do to you, chief, I thought.

I don’t want a fight right then and there (especially since I don’t know how many Hell-Snakes could potentially be out of sight and ready to get involved), so I decide to just leave. I know I’ll be back soon.

“See you soon!” I tell them.

46

Megan

Kelsey and I both have Wednesday off from work, but we still choose to spend the morning together. We chill at her place and talk. We talk about Dustin. I tell her about our date, our kissing, our chemistry. I’m gushing like a teenager, fully aware of how silly I sound.

I eventually get to telling her about Dustin wanting us to both come and work for him. By the time I get to the quarter raise, she is already sold.

“I’m interested!” says Kelsey. “Why not? Who cares if there isn’t as much business? If he’s really paying us more to be there, why not?”

“He could go out of business, and then we’re both out of jobs,” I say.

“Nah, he’ll be fine!” she says. “What’s the harm in trying? I hate Jacob. He’s a fucking creep, and it’s time to get as far away from him as we can.”

“I know that we shouldn’t be working for Jacob,” I agree. “Really, the more he grabs onto me and talks about me like I’m not there and just treats me like property—I think I’m done. I’d rather work anywhere else than for him.”

“Then, there’s nothing left to discuss!” says Kelsey with encouragement. “Take Dustin’s deal! We can still be around motorcycles and hot guys! See if you can negotiate and get us a fifty-cent raise, bitch!”

Rather than calling or texting Dustin about what Kelsey and I are considering, I decide to go see him at his bike shop. I want him to know how serious I am, and I want to know for sure he is serious about hiring us.

When I get to the shop, there is only one person waiting in the lobby. Cody is standing behind the counter, amused to see me.

“Nice to see you again!” says Cody. “What brings you by here?”

“I am hoping to talk with Dustin,” I tell him. “Is he here?”

He glances behind him in the back of the store. I can hear Dustin’s voice from where I stand.

“He’s in the back,” says Cody. “Want to come back here and talk to him?”

“Please,” I say, walking past Cody immediately.

The back of the store has break rooms, office space, and bathrooms. Cody’s office is right there when you get past the front desk, and Dustin’s is right next to his. I must admit, I am astonished by what I see in Dustin’s office.

I see Dustin in there with two little boys. They are both adorable, and they both look remarkably like Dustin.

Dustin spots me looking inside his office. He is surprised to see me, but he quickly gets on his feet to open his door.