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Zeke
Zeke
Zeke
Ebook472 pages5 hours

Zeke

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

3.5/5

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About this ebook

Zeke is a dark novel of sexual obsession, psychological manipulation, and looming peril.
Sue Cox is a naive college student who falls for the exciting new clerk at the local used bookstore. Captivated by Zeke’s brooding good looks and menacing but irresistible charisma, Sue capitulates to his will, leaving her wide open for exploitation. Zeke begins to exert subtle control and entices her to leave town with him. As they travel, his behavior grows more deviant and increasingly volatile.

After Sue’s car is found deserted in an outlying cemetery, the police dismiss her parents’ concerns since it appears Sue left willingly. The Coxes immediately hire William Falstaff, a small-town private investigator. He begins his inquiry with only two objectives. First, to verify that Sue’s departure is voluntary. And second, to provide her family with information on her whereabouts.

A simple case. However, he soon finds himself locked into a chase to save Sue’s life. Will he find her in time or will she become another victim of a cunning sociopath?

Approx. 102,000 words. Advisory: ZEKE contains sexual situations and violence.

There is a sequel to this novel. It is titled Sue.

LanguageEnglish
Release dateJul 9, 2012
ISBN9781476073095
Zeke
Author

Wodke Hawkinson

Wodke Hawkinson is the name under which writing duo PJ Hawkinson and K Wodke produce their co-authored works. Both PJ and Karen have published solo works as well.

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Rating: 3.6666666888888892 out of 5 stars
3.5/5

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  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Luke warm book, writing was ok. It didn't really draw me into the story. I thought the author could have created better angst when she tried to escape. I thought the writing was luke warm because I didn't get into it good enough.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Author: Wodke HawkinsonPublished by: W.H.Age Recommended: AdultReviewed By: Arlena DeanBook Blog For: GMTARating: 4Review:"Zeke" by Wodke Hawkinson was some very dark suspenseful thrilled ride. Was this a love story gone bad? YES! It was of a student named Sue who falls deeply, madly in love with Zeke, who was a handsome, charismatic andsmart clerk. Zeke wants to go out with her, however this soon turns to be as misfortune for Sues as Zeke starts to manipulate her in mind games. When her parents realizes that she is missing they hire a detective to fine her andthis is where I say you will have to pickup this good read to find out what will happen next. Truly one thing is for sure ...Zeke is very twisted and evil with a very deranged personality."Zeke" was definitely a good read especially if you are into a 'dark story of evil and sexual obsession. Now, with that being said this novel is not for the faint of heart! So, beware that the violence gets explicit.

Book preview

Zeke - Wodke Hawkinson

Sue’s eyebrows rose at the sight of the new clerk behind the counter at Re-Books. He looked up as her entry activated the bell above the door. Their eyes locked briefly, triggering a slow pounding in her chest. Pretending disinterest, Sue sidled into a row of used books. With the sun shining brightly, only half the lights were on, leaving the aisles in semi-darkness. Once in a discreet position, Sue pushed apart a group of books. Dust motes danced into the air as she peered at the clerk through the gap she’d created.

He moved with a lazy indifference she found captivating. Dark hair framed his attractive face, emphasizing expressive indigo eyes. His stunning looks and lean, sinuous physique were features you’d expect to see in Hollywood, not here in Cyrus, Maine.

While handling his next customer with a bored but polite nonchalance, his eyes searched the store. As the shopper fiddled with her handbag, he unobtrusively pocketed a few bills, closed the register, and gave the woman her change. Sue caught her breath in disbelief, and continued her sly surveillance of the sexy clerk. A rebel. Sue was seized by a small voyeuristic thrill, knowing he had no idea she had witnessed his crime.

After thanking the woman for her business, he picked up the book next to his elbow and began to read. Sue noted his slender hands, his long fingers splayed across the cover. Desire spread through her belly and flushed her cheeks.

Sue noticed she wasn’t the only young woman inside the shop fascinated by the new clerk. A group of pretty high school girls tittered at the front of the store, trying to catch his attention, but he remained oblivious.

Grabbing a book at random, Sue slowly approached the counter, at once dreading and craving eye contact. It pierced her when it came and she caught her breath before she handed over her book. He caressed her with his eyes after looking down at her selection, which turned out to be a collection of poems, a subject that had never interested her.

Excellent choice. His voice was soft and low as a bowed string on a vintage cello. I write poetry myself.

You do?

I do. His smile was slow and easy. Of course, I’m not published yet, but when I get back home, I’m going to get an agent to help me out. You know how it is. The business of business is not my forte. How about you? Do you write?

A little. The lie slipped out before she could contain it; actually, she had never attempted to write poetry. But, she might. Now.

I’d love to see your work. His look was long and penetrating. An innocent statement, but loaded with sensual undertones and implications.

Maybe she was just reading something into his words that wasn’t intended; she couldn’t be sure. Emboldened by his sheer magnetism, she managed to break through the barrier of her usual insecurity. I’d like to read some of yours, too.

We’ll have to arrange something. His voice was velvet as he rang up her purchase and gave her the total.

Sue fumbled in her purse for money. As their fingers touched, a rush of heat traveled through her. Anxious to prolong the encounter, she stated the obvious, You’re new here.

That’s right. But this is just a temporary job for me. He leaned closer. I’m only in town long enough to get my mom settled in her new place. Then I’m heading back to New York.

New York City? Sue asked, suitably impressed. A poet from New York. And nice to his mother, too. She was filled with a strange longing.

Yep, the Big Apple. I’m just passing through, more or less.

Sue stuffed her change into her purse and turned to go, wishing she could think of something to say, disappointed to learn he’d only be here a short time.

Hey, he called to her. You gonna come back and see me sometime?

Sure. Her cheeks reddened.

How about tonight? he asked, his eyes smoky with promise. I get off at nine. You can wait for me outside and we’ll go grab something to eat.

Okay. As she headed toward the door, the young girls glared at her. But she didn’t care; she was dancing inside, unable to believe her good fortune.

Wait. His voice pulled her back and she was certain he was going to say he was just messing with her; he didn’t really want her to come back. But, instead, he asked a simple question. What’s your name?

Sue. Her heart began to beat again.

Nice to meet you, Sue. I’m Zeke.

Moldy Joyce

Since she’d told Zeke she wrote poetry, Sue decided she’d better brush up on the subject. She drove directly to the coffee shop to study the book she’d just purchased.

Rushing through the door, Sue noticed Joyce Mould at one of the tables. Joyce, dubbed Moldy by bullies, was, to put it bluntly, unattractive. Her skin refused to tan and her long, dark, dandruff-flecked hair, restrained by barrettes, hung limp to her shoulders. In fact, everything about her was unremarkable. She was always dressed in knee-length plaid skirts, lightweight sweaters, knee socks and loafers. Joyce’s style did nothing to enhance her looks.

Sue and Joyce had fallen into friendship accidentally during grade school, simply because neither of them could interest anyone else. They were friends by default.

In spite of the dubious nature of their comradeship, Sue genuinely liked Joyce and enjoyed her company. They had done the usual things girls do: overnights at each other’s house, long talks on the phone, chatting on the internet in one class or another when they were supposed to be doing schoolwork, whispering and giggling against the wall at dances, hoping for invitations that never came.

But, all the years together had not made them truly close; they never shared deep, dark secrets. It was purely a symbiotic relationship; each needed the other so that neither would be a complete zero. They clung to their association throughout high school and into college where Joyce doggedly joined clubs, started discussion groups, and volunteered for the school newspaper. None of these efforts produced the acceptance she’d desired. However, Joyce garnered one thing, a following of sorts. She was incredibly smart, and she tutored. Boys only. Cheap. The tutoring kept her in demand. Often, she was too busy to meet Sue for shopping or a Coke, leaving her with only herself for company.

Sue dropped her shopping bag and purse in the seat next to Joyce and headed to the counter to order a soda and cinnamon roll. She returned to the table and plunked down, tearing off a bite of the pastry. Hey.

Hey, yourself, Joyce said. You barely caught me; I have to tutor Jeremiah Clark in thirty minutes. Joyce waggled her eyebrows at Sue. Jeremiah was the hottest boy in college. Sue felt a stab of pity for Joyce, pining after a boy who would never look twice at her in a romantic way.

Joyce shot Sue a questioning look when she dug out the book of poetry.

I know, right? But, I just came from Re-Books. They have the most unbelievable new guy working there. He’s even cuter than Jeremiah.

Cuter than Jeremiah? That's hard to believe. Although, I don’t believe you have a book of poetry either. So? The world’s ending?

Ha, ha! Sue said flatly. But, it’s true; he’s gorgeous.

"What about your red-hot crush on Taylor Lautner? Are you giving up on the dream of meeting him someday? He'd be so devastated. If he even knew you existed in the first place." An annoying smirk spread across Joyce's wide, homely face.

I still think Taylor’s adorable, but he's a movie star. This is real life. Sue fought a surge of irritation.

Well, maybe I'd better drop by Re-Books later and get a glimpse of this hunk, Joyce teased.

Suddenly Sue realized she didn’t want Joyce drooling all over Zeke. Not that he'd give someone like Joyce a second glance. Then again, he seems to be interested in me, and I’m nothing special. She sat back and pasted a look of concession on her face. Well, maybe I exaggerated just a little bit. Jeremiah is better looking.

Joyce gave Sue look of skepticism before changing the subject. "Why do you have a poetry book? I know it’s not your thing."

It just looked interesting. Sue looked pointedly at her watch. You’d better go or you’ll be late for Jeremiah.

No chance of that happening. Joyce stood and slipped on her backpack. I’m outta here. She made for the door, pushing her way through the crowd like a small bulldozer.

Sue flipped the book open at random and read one of the poems. Frowning with distaste, she tossed the book aside. Poetry couldn’t hold her attention right now; actually, poetry had never held her attention. Instead, she anxiously anticipated her date with Zeke.

Past dating experiences had been few, and all were disappointing. Craig Jennings, a boy at school, had come on to her one day. She’d wanted to be prepared in case they moved to the next step; so, with high hopes she’d visited Planned Parenthood for birth control, her teenage dreams of passion pushing her past the embarrassment. And she had been glad she had, because she had gone all the way with Craig, right in the backseat of his car. And it had been horrible. Not only had the act been unpleasant, but Craig had never asked her out again. Sue had felt humiliated, but she’d moved on.

She had subsequently fallen for the high school lines of hormonal boys exactly twice more, each time thinking she must be in love, and each time used in a fumbling ungracious way and tossed aside afterward. She kept these encounters a secret, even from Joyce; although, Sue suspected Joyce put out to some of the guys she tutored, with hopes of snagging a boyfriend.

Slowly, she chewed her sweet roll, and spun fantasies about Zeke.

Unfulfilled

Sue waited for Zeke in the soft summer darkness. He swaggered out the door of Re-Books and gave Sue a casual nod.

Your car or mine? He gestured toward a deep burgundy van.

Either. It doesn’t matter to me. Sue giggled nervously, biting her lip to keep quiet.

Let’s take mine. Zeke walked toward his vehicle, not waiting for her.

Hurrying to catch up, she was disappointed when he didn’t open the door for her; but then she saw the look he gave her as she climbed into the vehicle next to him. Her heart raced. He exuded a sexual magnetism. Even the air seemed to be bursting with his presence.

She was nervous and hopeful, finding it difficult to make conversation. But he had a way of putting her at ease, pretending not to notice her awkwardness. Chatting amiably, Zeke drove to the Sonic for burgers.

Damn, this is embarrassing, he told her with a self-effacing smile. I seem to have forgotten my wallet.

Oh, that’s okay, she rushed to assure him. I’ve got money.

His eyes lingered on her face like a caress as she handed over the cash. I'll pay you back, he lied.

During their meal, Zeke drew her out of her shell. Before long, Sue found herself talking easily with him. His voice flowed like honey and ignited sparks under her skin; she could get lost in the sound.

As the evening progressed, she tortured herself with questions. Was she talking too much? Too little? Was she coming off childish, uncool, or desperate? However, when he dropped her off at her car he asked to see her again. He didn’t try to kiss her and she was let down, for she had anticipated the entire time they were together how it would feel when he touched his lips to hers.

Sue saw Zeke every chance she got. She invited him home, but he declined.

I don’t like the idea. He shook his head; frown lines creased his forehead.

But my folks are at work; no one would be there but us.

Well, you see, Sue, it’s like this. I’m a very private person. You have neighbors, and neighbors watch their little domains like hawks. They keep track. They notice. I hate the idea of other people watching me. I’m sorry, it’s just a thing I have. Our relationship will have to be our little secret.

So, they met here and there; they spent a lot of time in her car or his van. Zeke was always such a gentleman that she was beginning to wonder if he was attracted to her at all. Perhaps he only sought friendship. Maybe he was gay, she thought, momentarily disillusioned. Their relationship seemed odd, one she wasn’t entirely happy with, but one she wasn’t ready to give up on either.

He showed her his poems, disturbing nonsensical things as far as she could determine, but she praised them as insightful and brilliant. He listened endlessly to her, falling headlong into discussions, engaged, and always attentive. At the end of each date, he kissed her chastely on the cheek before driving off to unknown destinations, leaving Sue unsatisfied, craving more, and hopelessly hooked. She already resented her summer college schedule that kept her away from him. She resented both his job and her own. The hours apart were nearly unbearable. She even resented his demanding mother, selfishly intruding on their already limited hours together.

Several weeks into their relationship, Sue hesitantly broached the subject of Zeke’s home life. I really want to meet your mom. She watched his reaction from the corner of her eye. They were sitting in his van near the park fountain. She took a sip from her drink, waiting for his answer.

He stared out the windshield as if lost in thought.

Zeke? Did you hear me?

I heard you. He sighed. It's a bad idea, Susie. My mother is not your typical parent. I won’t expose you to her. Believe me; I'm doing you a favor.

I don't care about any of that. Sue spoke earnestly. I don’t judge people. I just want to meet her.

Well, it's not going to happen. There was a pained expression on Zeke's face.

Sue swallowed hard and turned to look out the window. Quietly, she asked, Are you ashamed of me?

Zeke immediately pulled her into an embrace. Oh, honey, no! He stroked her hair with a gentle touch. "I'm ashamed of her. It hurts me to talk about it. Can't we just drop the subject?"

Sue's heart went soft at the affectionate name and the vulnerability in his voice. Of course we can. She tipped her face upward for a kiss, but he only brushed her forehead with his lips. Her heart, soaring seconds ago, fell at the unfulfilling touch of his mouth against her skin.

She had wanted so badly to meet his mother to assess the level of the woman's power over her son. Now that she’d gathered the courage to bring it up, Zeke refused to introduce them. It seemed she would have to accept the situation, no matter how much it frustrated her.

She hid her feelings and decided she’d have to find happiness in just being near him, looking into his eyes, and listening to his voice. She told herself it was enough, but deep inside she hungered for more. She hoped their relationship would move to the next level. She hoped there was a next level.

‘Hard’ Work

The woman who demanded so much of Zeke's time was, in fact, not his mother. Her name was Edwina Harrington, a wealthy socialite with a penchant for young men. Often while Sue pined for him in her bedroom across town, Zeke was busy between the thighs of Mrs. Harrington. Being a man with voracious appetites, he could not maintain any kind of celibacy for long.

Zeke smiled at the thought of Sue’s devotion to him. She was his newest project, and he was bringing her along slowly, working her, finessing her. To what eventual end, he hadn’t yet decided, but he knew potential when he saw it.

One thing was for sure, though; Sue was ripe for a hard fall, a sweet apple at the height of savor, burgeoning with readiness. The invisible bouquet of her eagerness and inexperience was a pheromone, advertising her condition as clearly as a neon sign.

In the meantime, Mrs. Harrington provided a roof over his head, a miserly allowance, and an outlet for his cravings. She didn’t care what he did as long as he was available when she wanted him. The arrangement suited him at this time.

The day was already warming when he bounded down the stairs, grabbed a banana from the kitchen, and peeled it as he strolled to his van in the driveway.

Mrs. Harrington called to him from her rose garden. Ezekiel. Aren't you off at noon today?

Yes ma’am, he said around a mouthful of fruit. But, I have something to do.

"Something? Or someone?" She arched an eyebrow.

Zeke paused, aggravated, refusing to answer. She stripped the gloves from her hands and tucked them into her pocket. She lifted a basket filled with roses and propped it on her hip. Cancel whatever you had planned. I need you here this afternoon.

"Yes, mother," Zeke mumbled under his breath.

Excuse me? Mrs. Harrington stared hard at him.

I said, that’s fine. I'll be here.

Good. She smiled with superiority and turned to enter the house.

Zeke glared at her retreating back and defiantly tossed the banana peel into the shrubs before climbing into his van. He'd have to cancel his lunch date with Sue.

As he backed out of the drive, he hoped an evening event wasn’t on the agenda. Mrs. Harrington enjoyed showing Zeke off at the country club and would dress him for the various occasions in clothes he never would have chosen nor been able to afford. He was, at best, a temporary pet for the wealthy widow.

A clear blue sky stretched overhead, and the sounds of summer filled the air. A lawnmower growled its way across a yard, kids played ball in the park, and birds tweeted happily in the trees.

Zeke drove slowly to the bookstore, windows down, breathing deep of the fresh morning air. He stopped at a convenience store to buy a cappuccino, winked at the pretty clerk as he paid, and meandered back into the sunlight. Pausing, he took a moment to appreciate the day, especially the bold green color of the trees. Green like money.

When he arrived at Re-Books, Sue was waiting outside, hovering. Zeke forced down his annoyance and pasted on a smile.

Hey, bunny. What are you doing here?

She walked meekly toward him, a hopeful expression on her face. I just wanted to say hi before class.

Well that’s really sweet of you. He looked her up and down. You look great today. Is that a new shirt?

Sue blushed. Yes, I got it yesterday. You told me purple’s your favorite color.

Zeke slipped an arm around her waist. Wow. Can't believe you remembered that.

He stared at the ground, forcing a look of regret onto his face. Hey, I hate to do this, but I'm gonna have to change our lunch plans. Mother needs me to do some repair work around the house.

Sue choked back her disappointment and bravely offered, I could help.

Ah, Sue. Zeke pulled his arm away and looked pointedly at his watch. When are you going to understand that’s not possible? Maybe we can get together later.

Sue stood awkwardly. So you’ll call me?

I'm gonna be late. I gotta go. Zeke strode to the door of the bookstore, unlocked it, and pulled it open. Over his shoulder, he called back, Later, Sue. Then he disappeared inside, leaving Sue standing on the sidewalk, arms hanging at her side. Tears stung her eyes, but she wiped them away and walked briskly to her car.

From inside, Zeke peered out the window and watched her reaction. He shook his head, grinned, and went to the back to clock in.

As Zeke put the open sign in the window and entered his code to gain access to the register, he reflected on his situation. He hadn't been entirely happy with the arrangement at Mrs. Harrington’s for a while. His chief complaint was that everything had to be on her terms and at her whim. Zeke could exert no control over the old broad. She was shrewd, mature, and totally unmoved by romantic overtures. She knew what she wanted and got it. She was no fun because he couldn't play her.

The manager called from the back room, I’m here, Zeke. Can you give me a hand carrying some books up front?

Sure. Zeke hustled to assist the man, and they worked in silence, shelving books.

The morning passed quickly. Zeke managed to pocket an extra ten dollars when a gushing woman didn't bother to count her change, another victim of his charming smile.

Less than an hour after clocking out, Zeke lounged face up and naked beside the pool. Mrs. Harrington watched him with amusement as she massaged suntan oil onto his lower body. He felt lazy in the hot sun and glanced around at the evergreen bushes and shrubbery that gave them complete privacy. He was relaxed, basking in luxury.

Mrs. Harrington’s hand was bringing him around, when he caught a movement out of the corner of his eye. Partially obscured by the weeping willow near the corner of the house was the gardener, a dark, quiet man named Lazlo.

Did you know Lazlo is watching? Zeke squinted against the sun, checking Mrs. Harrington’s reaction.

She glanced over her shoulder, her hand still moving rhythmically, and noticed Lazlo in the green shadows beneath the tree.

So he is. Her reply was casual. Her breasts rocked slightly with the motion of her hand as she rearranged herself on the chaise so Lazlo would have a better view.

Doesn't he have some trimming to do or something? Zeke stretched his lean body, thrusting upward slightly.

I didn't hire him for his green thumb. I was more interested in a different appendage. Mrs. Harrington smirked. Maybe I ought to invite him to join us. You don’t mind sharing me, do you?

Zeke didn’t answer. He knew the question was rhetorical. There was no doubt that she would have Lazlo when she was finished with him.

Zeke gazed at her heavy bosom, her thickening waist, and her bushy tangle of pubic hair. She was no beauty, but for an older broad, she wasn’t bad either. Of course, her body could in no way compare to his sweet young Sue with her supple limbs and slender frame.

Thinking of Sue brought him to his release, and Mrs. Harrington smiled her approval as she squeezed out the last drops. She then gestured to Lazlo who parted the willow branches and followed her obediently into the pool house.

Secret Love

I brought you a cappuccino. Zeke handed Sue the paper cup as she slid into the van. The warm mocha scent filled the interior of the vehicle. A hot smell on a hot day. Ever had one of these?

No. Sue frowned. She didn’t like the mocha-flavored candies her grandmother always kept in a cut glass bowl on her dining room table.

Try it. It's really good.

She was touched he had brought her a drink; in fact, she was unreasonably flattered. She took a sip and instantly recoiled.

Hot. Patting her upper lip, she tried to hide her aversion to the beverage. She drank it slowly, not wanting to hurt his feelings.

Do you like it?

Well, I’m not a big fan of mocha, but I love that you thought of me.

He looked so disappointed; she put a smile on her face and stoically took another drink. Maybe it would grow on her.

They drove to a nearby lake and parked in a secluded spot surrounded by trees, an area not favored by people fishing or swimming because there was no easy access to the water. Gusty wind blew from the lake and whispered through the leaves around them. Swaying in the breeze, tree branches swept at the scattered clouds like giant green brooms, and the summer day enclosed them in its warm hand. Windows down, Zeke lit a cigarette and leaned back, lazy in the heat.

Tell me about your friends. He gazed sensuously at her through half-closed eyes.

Sue squirmed a little and thought about inventing a list of friends to impress him, but it was hard for her to lie. Keeping secrets was easy, but telling outright lies made her uncomfortable. Well, I know a lot of people. But I guess I mainly have just one friend. Joyce.

Are you close? Zeke leaned forward just a bit, as if his interest had been piqued.

Not so much anymore. Joyce has a lot going on right now. She tutors on top of her regular class schedule.

You haven’t told her about me, have you? His voice was casual, but she detected an uneasy undertone.

No, not yet. She felt compelled to lie, wishing she'd never mentioned Zeke to Joyce. At least she hadn’t told her much, not even his name.

Well, don’t! He stared at her, gaze intense. "I want your word, Sue. Don’t tell anyone about us."

Okay. A lump rose in her throat. She wanted to tell. She wanted to boast. She wanted to scream it from the rooftops, walk through the mall on his arm, go to dances and movies with him like other couples. However, if it ever got back to him that she’d told, he might dump her, and the thought of that was unbearable. I just don't understand why us being together is a secret. What would it hurt if anyone knew?

Zeke frowned and tossed his hair back in annoyance. "It wouldn't hurt anything. But, Sue… Well, I hate to say it so bluntly, but it would make me wonder about your maturity level. You know what I mean?"

Sue stiffened. She didn't want him to think of her as juvenile. I guess.

You’re not some teenager who has to sit around and gossip about boys. You’re a woman and I’m a man. Our time together is no one else’s business. His features hardened. I mean it, Sue. It’s important to me.

I understand that. I won’t say anything to anybody.

A gust of fragrant air passed through the open windows of the van and cooled her skin. She grew thoughtful as she watched Zeke exhale, smoke drifting out, carried away by the breeze. He turned to look at her, his eyes knowing and shrewd.

No, Sue. I’m not married or in another relationship, he said in response to her unspoken question. I just really value my privacy.

It’s alright, I don’t spend that much time with Joyce anyway.

"It does sound like she’s too busy for you. Sometimes friends lose touch with each other. Life moves on and people get caught up in it. Before you know it, you’re wondering why you ever hung around so-and-so in the first place."

His words made her wonder. Why do I hang out with Joyce? And has she dropped me? Uncertainty swelled inside her.

Sometimes people find out when they grow up that they really don’t have anything in common with their childhood friends anymore. Sometimes you just have to cut the ties because you’ve moved beyond them. It’s like you’re traveling in different orbits or something, and it gets harder and harder to make your orbits intersect. Pretty soon, it’s a hassle to keep forcing something when you should just let it fall away, die a natural death. I know; I’ve been there.

In a few short sentences, Zeke had described her relationship with Joyce. Sue looked at him in amazement, impressed with his ability to pinpoint the truth and bring it into the light. She felt almost ashamed of her friendship with Joyce. Why had she hung onto a zero like her? Zeke was right. They really had little in common. And now that Sue thought about it, Joyce hadn’t dumped her; Sue had simply moved on. You're smart about people, Zeke.

He shrugged. I just see what I see. Joyce just had to let you go, that’s all. She’s grown beyond the need to have you clinging to her all the time. He crushed his cigarette in the ashtray and turned to smile at her.

Sue felt her insides roil as the blood rushed from her face. Joyce had to let me go? I’m the loser? There was no way to hide the hurtful shock she felt and Zeke pounced on it like a lion on a kill.

Don’t take it so hard, Susie. People let go of each other every day. It’s not a bad thing. You yourself said Joyce was a loner. She was just using you so she wouldn’t be completely alone. Now she has all the people she tutors and doesn’t need you. I say big deal. You don’t need her anyway.

Sue struggled to keep her composure but tears leaked from the corners of her eyes. I don’t think she dumped me. We just grew apart.

Let it go, bunny. Like I said, you don’t need her. You got me, don’t you?

Sue tried to hide her pain and embarrassment. Tell me about your friends. She grabbed the chance to change the subject.

Don’t have any around here, he said simply. They’re all back home in New York. To tell the truth, I don’t think about them much. If it’s meant to be, we’ll hook up again someday. A faraway look came into his eyes.

Sue didn’t like the dreamy look that always came over Zeke when he talked about the city. She felt threatened by it. To distract him, she took a huge gulp of her mocha cappuccino and tried to turn her grimace into a smile. Hey, she said brightly. Want to share this with me?

Nah, I had some already. He stared out the window as if he'd forgotten she was there.

Sue suspected he was thinking of his old life. It hung over her like a bad diagnosis, a disease waiting in the wings to destroy her happiness. He would leave someday. She tried to ignore the looming threat and all it implied.

When Zeke took her back to her car, Sue clutched his arm. When can I see you again?

He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. Soon.

She got out of the van and watched him drive away, her heart fluttering. Was he growing bored with her? Or were things still fine between them? The doubt ate at her as she got in her car to drive home.

Body and Soul

Zeke and Sue reclined on a blanket spread over a lush growth of weeds and wildflowers, looking up at mountainous white puffs of cloud drifting in the blue sky. The drone of insects and the chirping of birds provided music. A soft breeze whispered suggestively through the trees as it gently caressed their bodies. Warm sunlight played over them as they lay beside each other, holding hands.

For being a transplant to the region, Zeke certainly knew the area well, always finding out-of-the-way places where they could be alone. This time they were in an old cemetery just outside of town. Sue hadn't even known it existed before Zeke had taken her there. They had hidden the van behind a row of evergreens and carried their picnic lunch past the tilted tombstones into the pasture beyond. There, they hollowed out a secret room within the tall vegetation. Sue felt drugged, heady with sensory overload from the beauty of the day and the presence of Zeke by her side.

They talked quietly of everyday things, before the conversation turned to issues of money.

The bookstore doesn’t pay for shit. But I guess it’s better than nothing until I sell some of my poems.

"I know what you mean. I have to

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