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."