Joshua Healy (Mitchell Healy Book 10) Read Free Page A

It’s easy to avoid my father since he’s working with a customer. As quickly as possible, I hurry into the bathroom to reapply my makeup. Doing the best job I’m able to manage, I take a few deep breaths and head out to finish my shift.  I’ve yet to make my first sale, and don’t really feel like trying, but know I have to prove my father wrong even when everything else in my life feels like it’s falling apart.
    A lovely elderly couple come in a few hours later. The gentlemen has retired and they’re looking to purchase a corvette for the two of them to cruise the country roads in. I swallow back my pain and focus on them, how cute they still are, holding hands as we walk through the rows of shiny new vehicles. They choose the cherry red convertible, and after a long test drive they decide to make the purchase. Not only have I sealed my first sale, but it’s one of the most expensive cars we offer. After the congratulatory wave goodbye, I’m met by my father. He pulls me into his arms and lightly pushes me away to give me a special proud smile. “That’s my girl.”
    “I told you I could do it. I’ve been watching for years.”
    “Yeah, it’s tough though. One sale doesn’t make you an expert. It’s a good start though.”
    He’s proud, but hell-bent on making me earn every single sale without his assistance. Before I can counter with a snarky comment, I see him move to the side with a snicker. “Looks like someone else has come to celebrate your first sale.”
    Out of the corner of my eye I see him. My heart begins to patter, but not because I’m excited. I feel revolted seeing him put on an act for my father and everyone around us. He’s waving with a smile on his face as if nothing has happened between us. I amble toward him, pressing on his chest until he spins and walks in front of me. Waiting until we’re outside, I start giving him shit. “What are you doing here? I told you to stay the hell away from me. You can’t show up like this. Not here.”
    He tries his best to change my mind. “We need to talk. Now that you know the truth we can try to fix this. I don’t want Chrissy.”
    “I don’t care what you want, Shaun. You betrayed me. You slept with my roommate. You told me you hated her.”
    “Because she was blackmailing me,” he defends.
    “There isn’t an excuse in this world that would make me forgive you. I can’t look at you right now, much less deal with the repercussions of your actions. I need you to go.”
    He begins to speak, but is distracted by a raised Ford truck pulling into the parking lot with loud country music blaring from the speakers. The vehicle makes a fast turn and stops right in front of where we’re standing. The passenger window rolls down and that’s when I see him.
    “Hi. It’s seven,” he says with an uncertain grimace. “You got somewhere else to be?”
    I glance at Shaun and then back to Josh, and I don’t know what makes me do it, but I push my cheating ex to the side and put my foot on the side step in order to open the door and climb inside of the four-by-four. I don’t look at Shaun when I make the order for Josh. “Get me out of here.”

    Chapter 3
    Joshua
     
    There was some time during my afternoon where I considered not showing up to see this female again. The chances of me getting laid are pretty slim, especially knowing she’s friends with Liv. I can’t expect for it to come easily, and I’m not sure the work will be worthwhile. How good can she be? Comparable to Liv, no one has ever gotten close. Nonetheless, I prefer not to miss an opportunity to get my dick wet, no matter how selfish I may be.
    Wes and I had a late lunch, and several bottles of beer before we parted ways, him driving away in his new vehicle. Afterwards, I stopped home and got involved in a long conversation with my good old dad about where I want to be in the next five years. If he’d get off my back for a second, maybe I’d be able to give him some sort of