Noah stepped out of the back room, his head reeling from his encounter with Dan. As he looked around the store, he saw his boss chatting with two men in their early 50s.
Robert noticed Noah's gaze and beckoned him over. "Come here, Noah," he said, gesturing for him to join the conversation.
Noah felt a knot form in his stomach as he approached the two men. Their eyes lingered on him in a way that made his skin crawl. They were both overweight and one wore thick glasses. Noah steadied himself and forced a smile. "Hi, I'm Noah," he said, feigning confidence.
"I want you to take care of these guys, Noah," Robert said. "They're some of my best customers." Noah thought he knew what that meant. He would have to provide these men with the same special treatment he had given Dan in the back room.
Robert stepped forward and placed his hand on Noah's shoulder. "You'll do great, Noah," he told him, his voice low and reassuring. "Just remember what I taught you."
Noah nodded, his throat feeling dry as he forced himself to look the men in the eyes. "Yes, sir," he heard himself say.
"I'm leaving these guys in your capable hands," Robert said, his voice back to full volume. "Make me proud, little man." Robert slapped him affectionately on the back and strode away.
Noah stood there, unsure of what to say or do. The two men looked up at him, their eyes scanning his body, as if they were inspecting merchandise. He felt a chill run down his spine.
The first man, a portly guy with a receding hairline, introduced himself as Kevin. "We've heard a lot about you, Noah," he said.
A rush of shame washed over Noah as he shook Kevin's hand and tried to look friendly. "Nice to meet you," he said.
The other man, a shorter guy with a thick beard, introduced himself as Steve. "Don't worry, Noah," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "We'll go easy on you."
Noah followed the two men to a corner of the store. As they browsed the shop good-naturedly he began to reassess the men. These guys looked fairly harmless. Noah followed the two men around the store while making small talk. He began to relax as he slipped into customer service mode. The men indulged him and conversation flowed freely. Was it possible that these guys were nothing more than ordinary customers? Noah gave them a hopeful smile.
Kevin put a hand on Noah's shoulder, his grip tight. "We're expecting a little something extra, you know," he said, his breath hot on Noah's ear.
Noah tensed under Kevin's grasp.
"Why don't you show us the back room," Steve said, his hand on Noah's other shoulder. "Robert said you were talented, let's see if he's right."
Noah's smile disappeared.
Kevin and Steve exchanged a look, and Noah's throat clenched. "Sure thing," he said as he walked the men to the back room. He shivered, trying to keep his nerves under control. Noah struggled to hide his revulsion and adopted a polite and professional manner as he opened the door and gestured for the two men to enter. They strode inside and sat themselves down at opposite ends of the couch, patting the spot between them.
"Come on, buddy," Steve said, his voice sickeningly sweet. "Don't be shy."
Noah obliged, sandwiching his slender frame between the chubby men. His palms were sweaty and his mouth was dry. The space felt tight, and he wished he could disappear.
Noah tried to force a smile, but it came out more like a grimace.