Page 90 of Detour

Joe just threatened me but gave me a gift, too? Talk about a double-edged sword. Neither is suitable for workplace behavior and I have the book on business ethics to prove it.

My hands shake as I grab a fresh set of towels, grateful I’ve at least regained movement of my body that was temporarily paralyzed. I have to quit. There’s no other choice at this point. Joe’s pushed too far and my back is against the wall with nowhere else to go. Securing another job before I push back, or fold, is my main goal now. I’m so close to starting that class Robert lined up that I can’t jeopardize the opportunity by not having the income to pay my part.

I vow to stop by Coty’s after work to job hunt some more, then move to dry the Cadillac rolling off the conveyor belt.

One thing’s for sure, whatever’s awaiting me in my locker is going straight into the garbage.

Screw Joe’s warning.

CHAPTER 30

Angela

Coty’s sprawled across his bed, down by my feet, when he asks, “So, what homework are you doing this time?” I narrow my eyes at him playfully and he throws his hands up. “Don’t get me wrong, you don’t need a reason to come over, ever. I just want to know what you’re doing.”

I release a breath, considering how much I should tell him. With his sincere eyes staring back at me, I decide it’s time to share what’s going on—at least some of it. “I’m looking for a job.” When his expression doesn’t change, I continue, “I’ve been having some issues with my manager. He’s, uh-”

“A creep?” Coty guesses, quite accurately, making my eyebrows jump. I nod, cautiously spurring him to explain. “I noticed the way he looks at you the times I’ve been there. Like he wants to eat you for dinner.”

Personally, I identify as more of a dessert but I get his point. And he’s not wrong. Joe’s sick. He’d take anything he could get, maybe even some things he can’t.

“Yeah, it’s been hard working there. The dynamic’s changed recently, so I’ve been looking for something else.” Coty drops his gaze to the comforter, chewing on his lip before rolling to his back. I look back to the PC in my lap.

This morning in the shower I told him about the night course I’ll be starting and he was supportive, but then went quiet for the rest of our time together. Leaving him to his thoughts like I did earlier, I focus on the task in front of me. Several food service options pop up, so I apply for the ones that might fit my new schedule.

Coty clears his throat suddenly, pulling me from a coffee house attendant—or barista, excuse me —application. I find myself craving the caffeinated drink now more than ever before even though I’ve never tasted coffee. Fucking mocha swirl eyes.

“Has he tried anything with you? I mean do you think you’re safe?”

Still typing, I answer, choosing my words carefully, “He hasn’t done anything.” Which is true— mostly. He tried, but he didn’t get anywhere. “And I don’t know. Is any woman ever really safe?”

“Angela.”

I look up, meeting his warm eyes.

“I’m serious.”

“Me, too. You don’t know what it’s like to be a female. Every man poses a threat with their size alone, not even factoring in if they’re aggressive. Then you add odd behavior and lewd comments and you don’t know what someone is capable of. You expect the worst but hope for the best. That’s just life for a woman. I have no idea what Joe could, or would, do.”

Coty shakes his head vigorously. “You shouldn’t have to deal with that.”

“No, I shouldn’t. That’s why I want to run my own business ultimately. That won’t happen until I can earn enough money to start one, so for now I’m looking for another job and hoping my next boss is nothing like him.”

“I want to start taking you to work again.” He holds up a palm when I open my mouth to argue. “The guys and I will take turns, just until you find something new. Whether you agree or not, one of us will be there every day when you get there and when you’re done. Don’t be difficult. Please.”

“You do know I work with him, right? I mean he could do anything, at any time, not just when I show up or leave. I don’t know how you being there would change that.”

“I don’t either exactly. This has been eating at me for a while now but I know you can handle yourself so I haven’t said anything. It kills me knowing you’re there with him though. I just want to help where I can.” His eyes plead with mine, but his words hint at something else, something I’ve been wondering.

“Was there really something wrong with my Jeep?” When his gaze drops to the gray comforter, I know I have my answer. “Coty!”

“There was.” He looks back up, grimacing. “Sort of. The carburetor did need to be replaced but we got the part in much faster than I led you to believe.”

I move to stand but he jumps from the bed, stopping me.

“Just listen. Marc and I were both getting fucked-up vibes from that guy, and when you asked me to pick you up, I just knew it had something to do with him. I made the decision then and there that I’d do whatever I had to until I could make sure you were safe. I’m sorry I wasn’t honest with you. I should’ve told you upfront that I just wanted to help out.”

“That wasn’t your call, Coty. I needed my car.”