Olivia Twisted (Entangled Teen) Read Online Free PDF Page B

moment, then turns an unsettlingly softer gaze on me.
    “Foster home? That’s cool.” His voice changes to a smooth, almost melodic tone.
    “You think?” I ask icily, pretty sure he’s making fun of me.
    “Yeah. Sam and I are also…unattached.”
    My mouth opens and closes stupidly, but I can’t find anything to say. So two of the first people I meet are orphans like me. What the hell?
    “She’s looking for a job. Needs to make money,” Sam tells him.
    He looks at her and something seems to cross between them. The corners of his mouth curve up slightly as his eyes take me in again. Good Lord, you’d think I’m the first person to ask about a job. Maybe no one else works around here. I mentally scan through commonly used phrases, trying to find something useful to say.
    The hiss-pop as he opens his can of soda makes me jump. He takes a sip. “So what kind of job are you looking for?”
    “Sam referred me to Slice of Happy. I’m going to give that a shot.”
    He doesn’t say anything, but the puckered expression on his face clearly says that he’d rather work in hell.
    “Do you have a job?” I ask Sam.
    “Sure. With computers.”
    “Really? Doing what?”
    “Programming, for the most part.”
    Her eyes slide toward Z, but he’s still watching me. I shift in my seat and try to focus only on Sam, because seriously—a job in computer programming for a kid in high school? I’d feel like I died and went to heaven.
    “Does the company you work for need any more help?”
    She grins. “Maybe. I’ll let you know. They’d have to test you first to see if you’re a good fit.”
    “Oh, okay.” A job like that would be so much better than waiting tables, and I’m confident enough in my abilities to know I can pass whatever tests are required.
    Z’s eyes are still on me, so I turn to look at him directly. “So is Z your real name?”
    “Maybe.”
    “Maybe?”
    His Cheshire Cat smile unnerves me. “Sure.”
    I’m mystified and more than a little put off by his attitude, which doesn’t seem to fit his boy-next-door appearance. Makes me think of what they say about a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Worse, he seems to be enjoying my discomfort.
    “I just remembered, I need to go to the office for something.” I stand up and offer what I hope is a warm smile. “Nice to meet you.”
    “Mmm-hmm.” Z’s lips twitch. What is wrong with the guys in this school?
    I back away and bump into a chair, skidding it sideways into a girl at the next table. “Hey, watch it!” She glares at me.
    “Sorry,” I mumble, scurrying away as fast as I can. I find a deserted hallway and stop to lean against the lockers. Damn Sam and all her questions, taking me off guard. As much as I like her, I hate that she felt she could snoop around to find out my business, much less tell that Z guy.
    The day finally ends without further glimpse of either Z or Sam. I get off the school bus quickly, almost running in an effort to avoid Tyson. I have a feeling he’s going to try to find out where I live, and I don’t exactly want him coming over to play.
    The cool darkness of the house envelops me as I walk through the front door. Derrick had mentioned they wouldn’t be home until after five. I walk through the house, flipping on every light I can find and opening some of the blinds. Being in the dark reminds me of every horror movie trailer I’ve ever seen. I toss my backpack on a dining room chair and sit at the PC in the corner. It looks like it’s a few years old. Great. There’s got to be a way I can get my own damn laptop back.
    A search for Slice of Happy Pizza shows the location only a couple of blocks from the house. The manager answers the phone when I call and tells me to stop by at four thirty to fill out paperwork and have an interview. That gives me almost an hour for homework.
    Opening my folder, I take out the trig assignment and type in the address. At least they give homework online. I’m about halfway through it