The Henson Brothers: Two Complete Novels Read Online Free Page B

someone out there for you."
    "And here she comes," Malcolm said, leering at a shapely woman with caramel skin and spice-colored hair. She had entered the bar and was now speaking to the bartender. Her tiny fluorescent green skirt hitched up her legs as she leaned on the counter.
    Drake saw her and turned away, letting his hands fall to his sides. "Oh, her."
    Eric leaned forward. "Kristin is someone you can handle. She likes you."
    "That's only because I ignore her."
    "Then stop ignoring her."
    "I'm afraid that would take too much effort."
    "At least practice on her. Most times, you're like a statue. This will give you a chance to talk, interact, practice your moves."
    "I don't have any moves."
    "Then make them up."
    He stood. "I call this one 'making an exit.' "
    Eric grabbed his sleeve and pulled him down. "Try again."
    "Hi, guys," Kristin said, sliding into a seat next to Eric, while she flashed a brilliant smile in Drake's direction.
    Both Eric and Malcolm said hello. Eric sent his brother a pointed glance that was as eloquent as a nudge.
    Drake sighed. "Hi, Kristin."
    "Hi, Drake. What have you been up to?"
    He wrapped his hands around his mug. "I've been working on this new recipe for brown rice. See I—" He stopped when he saw Malcolm shaking his head and Eric doing a sawing motion against his neck signaling him to cut it out. "Never mind. How are you doing?"
    "Just fine. I just got my nails done. Do you like them?" She rested her hand on his. Her nails were bright red with gold tips. They made him think of claws tainted with the blood of its victims. He moved his hand away. "Very nice."
    "For what they cost me, I hope they look more than nice."
    Malcolm spoke up. "You want compliments, baby? You'd better come to me."
    They began to flirt. Drake didn't care. He had done as much socializing as he had rationed for the day. He stared down into his beer glass, wondering where he had gone wrong with Cassie. If things had gone right, he would be sitting here with her.
    "Drake, you don't look happy," Kristin said, breaking into his thoughts. He glanced up; her lovely dark eyes showed concern.
    "Women troubles," Malcolm explained.
    "Is that possible?"
    "For him it is."
    "Lay off," Eric said.
    "Oh, poor Drake." Kristin leaned toward him, exposing an ample amount of cleavage. Drake was amazed and disgusted—disgusted that in his present state the invitation was tempting. "You know you can talk to me any time."
    He stood. "I think I'd better go."
    Eric opened his wallet and stood too. "Same."
    * * *
    "I don't know how you can hang out with those two," Drake said, squinting from the glare of the sun a few minutes later. "You have nothing in common."
    "Malcolm amuses me. I find his simplicity refreshing."
    "What do you see in Kristin?"
    "What's not to see?"
    "An intelligent thought perhaps."
    Eric wiped some sweat from his forehead. "True, but she's interesting in other ways."
    "Don't tell me you've slept with her."
    "Okay, I won't."
    Drake looked at the sky. "I don't believe it."
    "What's not to believe? She was willing and I was curious."
    He shook his head, then finally asked, "Was it any good?"
    "I don't tell." Eric took a flyer from a volunteer advertising a new store and scanned it "But she really wants you and just uses me as a substitute."
    "And you don't mind?"
    "Hey, if a woman wants to take out her sexual frustrations on me, I'm here to serve."
    "That is warped."
    "No, just sex." He tossed the flyer in a trash bin. "It usually happens that way. Women are drawn to your distant, brooding looks and turn to me for comfort." He straightened his glasses. "I comfort them. It all adds up."
    "A true Sir Galahad. I'm glad to have been of service to you all these years. How does it feel to be a scavenger?"
    "Hey, you got the looks, but I've got the brains and they've served me well. Started with Greta Rodgers my sophomore year. She was a senior and my first."
    Drake remembered a quiet girl with big glasses, and decided not to ask.