Read Online Sway by Kat Spears - Free Book Online Page B

might have some influence, some pull with Heather.”
    My gaze wandered down the table to fix on Joey, who was now watching us curiously. When she caught my gaze, she mouthed a word meant only for me. The movement of her mouth was so exaggerated, it was impossible to tell what she was saying.
    â€œWhat the hell are you saying?” I asked her.
    Gray frowned in confusion and looked back and forth between us, as if watching a tennis match. Joey just shook her head and dropped her gaze back to her book. Gray cleared his throat again and dived back in. “So, do you think you could talk to her about it? Heather, I mean.”
    â€œWasted energy,” I said. “Even if I can convince her, she won’t be enthusiastic about it and you’ll end up owing more than you’ll make back.”
    His face fell and his Adam’s apple jumped as he drew in a breath and blew out a dejected sigh. I let the silence tick by for ten beats as I worked things out in my head. Then I let another five seconds of silence pass before saying, “But maybe I can help you in another way.”
    â€œReally?” he asked, his voice an unnaturally high pitch. “Like how?”
    â€œIn fact,” I said, warming up to the idea, “I can guarantee that your event will be popular and you’ll make more money than you know what to do with.” I paused and let it sink in for a moment.
    â€œHow are you going to do that, exactly?” he asked.
    â€œMy methods are confidential,” I said. “Take it or leave it.”
    â€œFine, okay. As long as I have your guarantee,” he said with a nervous smile that faded quickly when I looked him directly in the eye with a disapproving stare. I let him squirm for a minute before shifting my gaze.
    â€œMy fee will be twenty percent of the gross income,” I said, “and you’ll be responsible for any expenses incurred.”
    â€œTwenty percent!” he said with a squeak, and his Adam’s apple bobbed crazily. “That seems … excessive,” he said, flashing an apologetic smile. “I mean, you do understand the money is going to support the student council and fund some of the amenities we offer for the whole student body? The prom, homecoming, senior class trip—all of these are partially covered by the funds we raise at the car wash. I was thinking … well, I guess I thought … maybe you’d like to donate your services?”
    â€œI don’t understand the question,” I said, ignoring unintelligible mutterings from Joey’s end of the table.
    â€œI mean, you could volunteer your time,” Gray said.
    What a douche. At this point, I was mostly just baffled by the idea that this guy had managed to win any kind of elected position. I could only assume no one else wanted the job.
    â€œListen, Gray,” I said, speaking slowly so I wouldn’t have to repeat myself. “That twenty percent, that’s my incentive. I do a better job for you, for your event, if I’ve got a serious financial incentive at stake. That’s your insurance policy. I would think that a guy like you, a guy who knows his way around a management position, would understand that.”
    â€œOf course, yeah. I can totally see that,” he said, sounding more uncertain than ever. “Just as long as I have your guarantee that we’ll make the money we need. This event is supposed to cover the expenses for homecoming. You know, decorations, band, all of that.”
    â€œWhat did I just say?” I asked sharply. “You’ll make more money than you know what to do with. My percentage isn’t going to change that. So, look, twenty percent off the top and you’ll owe me a favor.” I threw in the favor as a last-minute consideration. No telling when it would come in handy.
    â€œSure, Jesse,” he said, eager as a Labrador now. “What’s the favor?”
    â€œI don’t