Renewed (The Fractured Series Book 3) Read Free

shrugged. “He didn’t say. Just said he wants to ‘have a word’ with you. I hope he kicks your ass.” I turned and walked back to the storefront. Although I knew he was there to talk about Jennifer, I half-hoped he was there to beat my dad to a pulp. Nice daughter, right? “He’ll be right with you,” I said to Mr. Sutton, who offered a small smile in return.
    Dad walked through the door from the garage, wiping his greasy hands with an equally greasy rag. His messy strawberry blond curls fell forward into his face. “Hey, Jason. I’d shake your hand, but as you can see, I’ve been busy with the cars.” Mr. Sutton waved the gesture off. “What can I do for you today? I hope the Porsche isn’t giving you trouble.”
    Nice cover up, Dad. He’s probably here to let you know he’ll be castrating your son and hiring some thugs to take you down for sleeping with his wife. And, I’m not going to stop him, at least not for the second part.
    “Ah, no, Mark. The Porsche is fine.” Mr. Sutton wrestled with his words. “Arlene and I want to invite you and Dina to the house tomorrow. There’s something important we need to discuss.”             
    The color drained from Dad’s face. “Uh, sure, Jason.” I could tell Dad was unsure of which issue Mr. Sutton was referring. It was fun to watch him squirm.
    Mr. Sutton looked very uncomfortable. The contrast between the two men couldn’t have been clearer than white on black. Mr. Sutton was very prim and proper in his immaculate designer labels and yuppie ensemble, and my father’s filthy coveralls and work boots were covered from top-to-bottom in car fluids. His blondish hair was a curly mess, while every strand of Mr. Sutton’s straight hair lay in place. Although I didn’t agree with my dad sleeping with Mrs. Sutton, I couldn’t imagine her in bed with her husband either. Who knows? Maybe he’s a wild one when the lights are out.
    “How’s one?”
    “We’ll be there.”
    “Great,” Mr. Sutton said. “Don’t forget to bring Bryan.”
    Oh, so this is about Bryan. I guess Jennifer told her parents. Oddly, my father’s shoulders relaxed. Sure, be relieved your son’s head is on the chopping block, just as long as your secret is safe and you aren’t going to be castrated . The disgust I had for my father multiplied in that moment.
    Mr. Sutton turned to leave. “Bye, Mandy,” he said pushing the door open.
    “Bye, Mr. Sutton,” I waved, even though I knew he couldn’t see me.
    Dad looked at me. I shifted my eyes back to the game of Solitaire on the computer screen. There was no way I was going to be sympathetic to him.
    At twelve-thirty Rob walked into the shop. Immediately, my sour mood shifted. It felt as if someone pumped me up with helium. He had two pizza boxes in his hand. I stretched over the counter and gave him a big kiss.
    “Mmm, you look very sexy behind that counter. I’d like to check your engine.”
    He made me blush thinking about him working under my hood.
    “I thought if I bribed your dad with lunch, he’d let me steal you for an hour.” His dimple was right where I liked it, to the right side of his soft, perfect lips.
    Each of the guys came in , took a slice of pizza and thanked Rob, before heading back into the garage. Rob and I went out to the back of the building, and we each ate a slice of pizza. “I’ll be home at seven tonight,” he said.
    “Can I wait for you at your house?” I asked, as if he’d ever say no.
    “What a silly question. Of course you can wait at the house. You have your key, right?”
    I tapped my pocket and nodded. “I’ll make dinner,” I said.
    “Why don’t I take you out for dinner?”
    “Because, you can’t have the dessert I’ve planned if you take me out.”
    “Ohhhh.” His face flushed, and I could tell he was on the same wavelength as I was. He tossed his unfinished pizza slice into the dumpster and grabbed me around the waist. “Will there be whipped cream?” he