Chapter 10
"What've you been up to, Codes?" asked Jake. "Last time I heard from you, you were living at that fancy-schmancy tennis school. What are they doing there anyways? You couldn't play sports if you tried!" He snapped his chewing gum and grinned at Cody. Sebastien shivered- he got a bad feeling from this guy.
"Shut up Jake! It's not like you could play tennis either!" smiled Cody. She leaned against the doorjamb and put her hand on his shoulder.
"Can we just get to the point, Cody?" asked Sebastien, under his breath.
"Who is this guy, anyways? Your boyfriend?" Jake was practically hissing. He brushed her hand away and scowled.
"No! No offence, Seb." She turned back to Jake. "You know I can't resist guitar players…especially ones with your permanent record." She winked.
"Cody, what are you doing?" whispered Sebastien.
"I'm saving your butt!" she growled at him.
"You're the one who got me in trouble!"
"And I'm getting you out of it…just follow along, okay?" she was about to talk to Jake again, when Sebastien spoke quietly.
"What about Squib?" She hesitated, then ignored him.
"So Jake, I got you a gig at the fancy-schmancy tennis school. Friday, school dance. Bring the guys- it pays well," she said.
"What's the catch, doll face?" Inwardly, Cody was dying at how sick Jake made her. She couldn't believe she ever thought he was cool.
"You've got to make Sebastien here look like he's in the band. And you've gotta be good, got it?" She caught the sharp tone in her voice and changed tracks. "Like you're ever not…"
"You know it. Fine, I'll be there, and tennis star here can pretend to play guitar in the back. But I'm not looking for just money- I want more, Cody." He grinned and put his hand on her waist.
"I think the money's enough," interrupted Sebastien. He whispered to Cody again. "Look, I can just tell them the truth. They can book another band, k? Don't do this Cody!"
Cody closed her eyes and whispered back, "It's not all for you."
"So how about it Codes? I'll have a little…party after the gig. Just us two. You in?" His hand slipped to her wrist, and when she didn't respond, his grip tightened.
"I'm…not sure," she said tentatively. This time, it was Jake whispering to her.
"You owe me. Besides…you wouldn't want anything to happen to tennis star here, would you?" He twisted her wrist and she winced in pain. She knew, from the time when she'd spend all day with Jake, that he wasn't lying. He knew her secrets- the deepest one of all. The whole gang had almost discovered it the night they got locked in the gym, and she couldn't bear to think of what would happen if they knew. She'd only started hanging out with him because he seemed interesting, at first. Then things started getting less friendly, but by then it was too late. She escaped only when her dad got custody of her and brought her to Cascadia.
"Fine. I'll come…just don't- don't bring us back to where we used to be. I only came here because I needed your help." And I thought things might have changed…she thought. If I don't go, Sebastien's in trouble. What have I done?