Excerpt of Crewel Work by Natalie Alder

"Toaster's waiting for an apology," Tanner joked. He knew
his cousin to be an easy-going guy and that it took a lot
to get J.P. to the point of such upset. Tanner leaned
against a fence post.

"Sorry about that."

"Whatever."

"I kissed her." J.P. was staring at the ground.

"Okay," Tanner said cautiously.

"I can't do this!" J.P. kicked the fence post Tanner was
leaning on.

"No, you can't do this to yourself."

"I need this job. I've worked hard to get to where I am.
I live here!" J.P. was swinging his arms around wildly in
emphasis. He looked at Tanner, his eyes were desperate.
"Tanner, she's only seventeen." J.P. let out a long sigh.

"Talk to her dad. Talk to Becker."