Infinite Risk by Ann Aguirre Read Free Book Online

black Grand Funk Railroad, one white Who shirt. They were priced at five bucks each, though, so I hesitated.
    â€œI need to move some merchandise to make room for stock in back,” Mrs. Quick said. “So if you want them, I can cut you a deal. Two for six?”
    That seemed like a good deal. “You have three bucks?” I asked Kian.
    He nodded. “But I don’t listen to either of those bands.”
    â€œIt’s a shirt, not a testimonial.” I paid for my part in crumpled singles; then Kian added his bills.
    â€œNeed a receipt?” Mrs. Quick asked.
    â€œNo, it’s fine. Do you take stuff as trade-in or on consignment or…” I was already plotting to get Kian into some better-fitting jeans.
    â€œAs long as the clothes are clean, I can sell them for you on consignment or I can give you store credit.”
    â€œThat would be cool, thanks.”
    â€œDo you want a bag?”
    I shook my head, taking the Who shirt and stuffing it into my bag. Kian did the same with his black one. With a pair of Chucks instead of those grubby white Walmart sneakers, skinny jeans, and that band shirt, he’d fit in better at school. A wardrobe change didn’t require a ton of money, but I could tell his aunt didn’t care by what she bought for him and Kian probably felt too guilty to object.
    As I headed for the door, I had to step out of Devon’s way. He looked straight up horrified to see me here; then he noticed Kian. “Can I talk to you?”
    He dragged me out the door into the bitter wind before I could protest. “What?”
    The neon threw an orange glow over us, making our skin look ruddy and weird. It was starting to get dark, and a few flurries swirled down, shining as streetlights caught them. I rubbed my hands together and stuffed them in my jacket pockets. Gloves would’ve been a smart investment; I didn’t even think to look. Next time.
    â€œHow come you’re here?”
    â€œI got a shirt. Is that okay?”
    â€œYou promised you wouldn’t tell anyone.”
    â€œAnd I didn’t. We’re shopping. But you acting like this is more likely to tip Kian off than anything I say. Plus, it’s kind of weird that your friends don’t know—”
    Devon sighed. “Of course they do. But assholes like Wade Tennant give people shit all the time for less.”
    Since I had been the Teflon crew’s favorite target, I understood his concern. Once bullies locked you in their sights and saw wounds appear, it was like some kind of collective madness infected them. Individually, they might not even be that bad, but combine mob mentality with peer pressure and shit got scary.
    â€œI understand, but we’re just shopping. I swear.”
    Since it was true, I had no other defense. Devon studied me for a long moment, then appeared to believe me. “Okay. You like my mom’s store?”
    â€œShe’s got some cool stuff.”
    â€œVonna and Carmen shop here too, to be honest.”
    â€œSo you’re protecting them. Well, no worries on my account.”
    We exchanged a tentative smile then. Kian stepped out and pulled up the hood on his puffy maroon jacket. He started to ask me a question, but it was like his voice shriveled up and died when he realized I wasn’t alone. Wow, he really can’t talk to people. So why didn’t he clam up at lunch that first day?
    To smooth the awkward moment, I said, “Devon’s in my English class; he had a question. Do you know him?”
    Kian shook his head, not making eye contact. The pavement might’ve been inscribed with hieroglyphics based on his intent fascination. I stepped closer so he had no choice but to look at me, and I tipped my head in encouragement.
    â€œHey,” he finally mumbled.
    Devon’s eyes widened. “Hey.”
    â€œHappy shopping,” I said. “We’re out of here.”
    Devon waved, seeming surprised. “See