Guy Talk

Jay stays under the car, wrench in hand, while Mike looms above him with that crooked smirk. “I know what you are,” Mike says, flat and sharp. The rest of the noise from the shop fades out. Jay freezes, the metal in his grip suddenly slick. He starts denying it, voice cracking, but Mike just laughs once, low and mean. He tells him straight: those other two will ruin him if they ever catch the same vibe. Mike promises to keep the truth tucked away—on one condition. Jay’s pulse pounds in his ears as Mike looks him up and down like he’s already claiming the prize. Jay’s throat works, but no protest comes out. He nods once, barely a movement, and Mike’s grin widens. “Good,” Mike mutters. “Locker room’s still open. Let’s get started.”