Thicker Than Water by Carla Jablonski Page B

really ready for anyone to give her a reason to stop.
    â€œDefinitely,” Hecate said. “Stevo!” she called. “Someone here to meet you.”
    A short round man emerged from the back. He was completely bald and looked like a little fat Buddha, except that he was tattooed and pierced on every inch of flesh that Kia could see. Probably in places she couldn’t see too, but she had no interest in finding out.
    â€œKia is interested in taking Blanche’s spot,” Hecate said.
    Stevo narrowed his eyes and walked around Kia.
    â€œI’d really like to work here,” Kia said.
    â€œHave you done work like this before?” he asked, coming around her to face her again.
    Kia decided she should stick with the truth. “No, but I’m a really fast learner, and I’m very responsible.”
    â€œCan you start tomorrow?” he asked.
    â€œYes,” Kia said, figuring she would work it out.
    â€œYou’re hired. Tell her what to do,” he growled at Hecate before disappearing into the back.
    The two girls high-fived. “You’re in!” Hecate said.
    â€œI’ve just doubled my wardrobe,” Kia said. “Which is a good thing because I’m totally making myself over.”
    A series of little chimes went off in Kia’s purse. She pulled out her cell phone and checked who was calling. Carol.
    â€œHi!” Kia said into the phone. “I was going to call you later.”
    â€œWhere are you? I tried e-mailing, and I called the house,” Carol said. “Are you okay?”
    â€œI’m fine. I just had a little too much fun last night.” Kia watched Hecate open boxes of amulets and tie little price tags to them.
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Carol asked.
    â€œI went out with Hecate again.”
    There was a slight pause. “To that vampire place?” Carol asked.
    â€œTo a different one.” Kia picked up a pair of lace-up boots from a rack and checked the price. Ouch. Well, maybe with an employee discount...
    â€œThere are more of them?” Carol asked.
    â€œYeah. This club was a lot smaller, though.” Kia held a maroon corset with black feather trim against her body and checked out her reflection in the mirror.
    â€œWhy would you go?” Carol asked.
    Kia frowned. There was something unfamiliar in Carol’s voice. A kind of incredulous disgust.
    â€œHey, good news,” Kia said. “I just got a job!”
    â€œReally?” Carol still sounded strange. Maybe it was just the cell-to-cell connection.
    â€œListen,” Kia said. “Why don’t I call you back when I get to a landline? I should get home anyway in case Dad calls.”
    â€œOkay. I’m heading home now.”
    â€œLater.” Kia clicked off.
    â€œSo tomorrow,” Hecate said, looking up from tagging. “I’ll be here when you come in and I’ll show you what you need to know.”
    â€œCool.” Kia grinned. “This is going to be great.”
    She hurried back to the Upper East Side, hoping that her father hadn’t checked in while she was gone.
    She’d still have to tell him about the new job, though. How could she explain that she went on a job interview when she was home sick from school?
    The elevator door slid open on Kia’s floor and the minute she was inside, she checked the answering machine. Safe. No calls from Dad.
    She plopped down on the couch and dialed Carol.
    â€œSo like I said, I got a job!” Kia said as soon as Carol picked up. “With a paycheck and everything. Not to mention some serious perks.”
    â€œWhat kind of job?” Carol asked. She sounded like herself again. Interested. Kia could even hear a smile in her voice.
    â€œAt NightTimes, working with Hecate. Clothing store,” Kia added, realizing Carol wouldn’t know the place.
    â€œOh.”
    Kia frowned. Carol’s voice had gone flat again.
    â€œYou should see the clothes,