3 SUM by Quig Shelby Read Free Book Online Page A

Claire. “The poor boy was gagging for it, led us both astray.”
    â€œTeaser,” said Gillian. “But you should know I have connections, Valery; give me any problems and I’ll have you marched to the front.”
    They may have taken my pride, but I still wanted to hang onto my life.
    â€œI never said a word.”
    â€œWell, let’s just keep it that way,” said Claire, “and maybe next time we’ll go easy on you.”
    â€œMaybe,” added Gillian.
    She sat on my lap, and began to stroke my hair.
    â€œYou know, you’re so adorable when you’re mad,” she said.
    Her finger was under my chin, and she pushed it up until our lips touched. Suddenly she pushed me away, and wrapped her soft hand around the back of my neck.
    â€œNot yet,” she said, and my head was spinning.
    Maybe she was right, I was gagging for it. I was perspiring heavily.
    â€œHey don’t sweat it,” said Claire. “You can leave early today.”
    â€œYou’re sure?”
    â€œI’m always sure, and, besides, it’s Friday tomorrow. Have a good long weekend, week, whatever; who knows what’s in store.”
    â€œThanks.”
    â€œAnd, Valery, great job on the nail varnish,” said Claire.
    Chapter Eight
    The phone wouldn’t stop ringing and eventually, wearily, I picked it up from under my pillow. It was Steve 873 from work. I guess it had to be; I had no other friends.
    â€œLet me in, sleepyhead, we’re going to be late,” he said.
    I pulled on a light blue velour tracksuit, and lifted up the latch.
    â€œYou can do your hair on the bus,” said Steve, excitedly.
    It was Saturday, and we were going to Claude’s for our monthly waxing.
    â€œYou ever wonder about Z’s?” asked Steve.
    This was our nickname for Claude, he always looked tired.
    â€œHow do you mean?”
    â€œOh, just that he’s such a handsome beast, unattached, and never seems aroused, excited.”
    â€œMaybe he’s into women,” I said.
    Steve’s mouth dropped open in shock, as though he’d never considered the option.
    â€œI won’t believe it,” he said, “and we’re two of the most gorgeous guys in town.”
    Well, I was good looking. I wasn’t so sure about Steve. You couldn’t call him ugly, or rather you would but you couldn’t. No one was labelled unattractive officially; we were all beautiful in our own way.
    â€œSo why hasn’t he hit on us?” I asked Steve.
    â€œOh my, you really think he’s into them, women, real ones?”
    â€œAsk him,” I replied.
    â€œI couldn’t, just the sight of him leaves me tongue-tied, but you could.”
    â€œI’d be embarrassed, Steve, honestly. Besides if he’s into women, or would be given the chance, he’s probably fighting depression like the rest of us.”
    That was another drug in our cocktail, antidepressants. They worked most of the time.
    Steve played with his hair for a while, and looked around the bus to see if there was anyone he could flirt with.
    â€œOr perhaps he’s androgynous,” I said, trying to cheer him up. “It’s not illegal.”
    In fact, they were usually in better jobs than us medicated guys and received more credits. Though I’d heard it was one hell of a test to prove it.
    â€œWhat a waste,” pondered Steve as we hit the kerb.
    The only guy responding to his pouts was the driver.
    â€œHe’d look great as a blonde,” he whispered in my ear whilst pointing in the driver’s direction. “I’ll get my nails filed later.”
    â€œAt Suzie’s nail bar,” we said together and laughed. Steve laughed much louder than I did; he was trying to show the driver he was fun.
    â€œA bite to eat?” I asked.
    â€œOnly if we shop for a new bag.”
    â€œSteve, I’m low on credits”
    â€œDon’t be such a sissy, I’m