Dead End Job by Vicki Grant Read Free Book Online Page A

about 10:30. I still had an hour and a half to go. I figured Mr. Abdul was going to be tired the next day. I decided to help out by unloading some stock in the back room for him.
    I knew something was wrong as soon as I walked in.
    I smelled roast chicken.

Chapter Fifteen
    â€œFrances! You surprised me!”
    Devin was standing in the back room, holding a couple of wineglasses and trying to look cool. Beside him was a big cardboard box set up like a supper table. It had two place settings, a candle, a carving knife, a take-out salad and one of those little roast chickens you buy in the grocery store.
    Devin put the wineglasses on the “table” and waved me away.
    â€œGo back! Go back!” he said. “I’m not ready for you yet.”
    All that stuff I was going to say to him? I totally forgot it. I just stood there with my hand on my chest and my heart going crazy.
    â€œHow did you get in here?” I said.
    â€œFran-cessss,” he went, like I was being stupid. “The bathroom window! You were the one who showed it to me. Remember? Our second night together?”
    He was doing that romantic thing again. I couldn’t stand it.
    â€œGet out of here!” I said.
    â€œWhat?!” He was laughing. “We haven’t even eaten yet!”
    â€œGet out!” I said. “You’re not allowed in here.”
    â€œI’m not allowed in a store? Frances, how do you expect Mr. Abdul to make any money if you won’t let the customers in?”
    He winked at me. He thought he was so clever.
    â€œYou’re not a customer,” I said. “I’m calling the cops!”
    I turned. He grabbed my arm and swung me back around.
    â€œWhoa. Whoa. Whoa,” he said. “Hold on. I wouldn’t want you to do something you’ll regret. Not again.”
    â€œWhat are you talking about?!?”
    â€œC’mon! You know we both did things in the past that we’re not very proud of. That’s why I’m here! To patch things up. I thought if we had a nice little dinner, just the two of us, we could put bygones behind us. You know, make up. Move on.”
    He pulled me in close like he was going to kiss me. I turned my head and pushed him away. He held on.
    I said, “Trust me! I haven’t done anything I regret! I meant everything I said. Now let go of me!”
    I punched him in the chest. He barely flinched. I kicked his shins. He just said, “Frances, calm down!”
    I went nuts. I screamed. I kicked. I pushed. I pulled. I slapped him. I had to get away.
    He hit me across the face. I couldn’t believe how strong he was.
    My head flew back. My glasses rammed into my nose. I was stunned. No one had ever hit me before.
    I stopped struggling. I couldn’t move.
    â€œSorry, Frances,” he said and rubbed my cheek with his fingertips. “All better now?”
    He looked me right in the eye, as if he was really concerned. As if I’d had a seizure and he only hit me because he had to.
    My arm hurt where he held it. It dawned on me that I’d have a bruise the next day.
    I tried to smile back. I didn’t want him to hit me again.
    I swallowed and said, “Devin, you better go before Mr. Abdul gets here. I’m not allowed to let customers in the back room.”
    â€œDid you forget?” He laughed. “Mr. Abdul’s not coming back tonight! We’re safe.”
    I wondered how he knew that. How long had he been there? How much had he heard?
    I tried something else.
    â€œLeo will be here soon,” I said. “He gets jealous. He’s a big guy.”
    Devin stroked my hair. “You don’t have to worry about him, Frances. He knows about us now. He won’t be bothering you anymore.”
    â€œBut…but there’ll be customers. I’ve got to be out front for the customers.” My voice was shaking and I could barely keep from crying.
    â€œYou’re right!” Devin said. “I