Rabbit Punch by Greg Cmiel

Author:Greg Cmiel [Cmiel, Greg]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Greg Cmiel

24

Starring Role

“Nobody’s home,” Miki said. “Let’s get out of here.”

Cash nodded and was about to turn away when he heard heavy footsteps approach the door.

Diesel yanked the door open. “This better be good.”

Miki wore a pasted-on grin. Cash tried to look casual, slouching more than usual.

“Newbie,” Diesel snarled. “What do you want?”

Miki raised a hand in greeting, then waved it around like he was clearing the air of a noxious smell. He stuck the hand in his pocket.

“It’s Miki,” he said.

“Whatever,” Diesel sighed. “Yeah, I know.”

Cash stuck out a hand. Diesel looked down at it like he had never shaken a hand in his life.

“Hey, Diesel. The name’s Cash, we met at the park the other day. We were hitting golf balls, remember?”

“I remember. Is this going somewhere, Newb…Miki?” Diesel said.

“Friday Fight League.” Miki grinned.

Diesel rolled his shoulders and made a gesture with his hands that implied, “What else you got?”

“Cash and me. We’re both in. We can help.” Miki looked hopeful.

Diesel looked puzzled. “Help me? I don’t need any help. Just be there and be ready to get tossed around is all.” Diesel stepped away and closed the door. Miki and Cash exchanged confused glances. Cash reached up and knocked again. And again.

Diesel whipped the door open. “I’m busy. Now go away.”

“Busy rehearsing for the play, you mean?” Miki blurted out. He wished he hadn’t. Diesel burst through the door and had Miki pinned to the ground in a heartbeat.

“What are you talking about, newbie?” Diesel held Miki down, his huge hands bunching Miki’s shirt tight under his throat. Cash tried to pull Diesel off, but his efforts had little effect.

“Cash,” Miki gasped. “Tell him what you saw.”

Diesel relaxed his grip but did not let go. He turned and peered up at Cash.

“I saw you coming out of the theatre yesterday,” Cash began.

“So? I like movies,” Diesel said through clenched teeth. He opened his palms, removed his fingers from Miki’s shirt, then rocketed Miki up off the ground with one hand. He straightened Miki’s shirt.

“Not the movie theatre. The Shoreview Square Theatre Company.” Cash took a breath and relaxed his body, ready to move if Diesel charged.

Diesel didn’t respond at first. He looked off in the distance. “It’s my first starring role.” Diesel beamed, but didn’t meet their eyes. “Nobody at school knows…” His voice trailed off.

Miki piped up first. “Starring role? That’s really cool, Diesel. Seriously, man. Totally awesome.”

Diesel nodded, but glared at them both. “Keep it to yourself. Got it?” He kicked at the tangle of weeds that grew between the cracks of the sidewalk.

“Why?” Miki said.

“Cuz I said so is why,” Diesel groused.

“Sure, Diesel, whatever you say,” Cash replied.

“Tell me how you’re gonna help me at the FFL. I gotta get back inside.” Diesel hooked a thumb toward his house. “I actually am rehearsing.”

“I dunno, we’ll do whatever you want. Help with setting up. Making flyers. Selling popcorn. Whatever, Diesel.” Miki nodded like a loopy bobblehead.

“I’ll let you know,” Diesel said. “Now let me be.” He slammed the door.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.