Teasing Hands Read Online Free Page A

after we returned, quickly becoming a local stomping ground for the Brooks’ family. So much so, the staff now knew to expect us at least twice a week for dinner.
    “ Not a scratch,” I told the drooling, pimpled-faced attendant when he openly gaped at my ‘69 mustang. This car was my pride and joy. A special project I’d taken on with my father, it took us a year to complete, but it was worth every scrape and bruise I sustained. It was a beauty: cherry red and all shiny chrome—the envy of every mid-life crisis fool in the city of Miami.
    Growing up, dad wasn’t around much. Not because he didn’t want to be, but being a member of the city’s council is a twenty-four hour job here. I understood that. The man was hard-working and loved us fiercely; any time he was able to give was appreciated.
    “ Yes, ma’am,” the kid replied while I put the keys to my baby in his waiting palm. His hands shook as he opened the door and got in, his face too jubilant for my liking.
    Fucker didn’t know how to handle so much power.
    “Leave the poor kid alone, Amanda.” My mother appeared next to me, smiling at our conversation. “Maybe, if he crashes it, I could buy you one of those cute little Fiats to replace it.” She was full of shit.
    My mother loved th e car as much as I did; she had enjoyed every second Dad and I worked on it. Dirty, greased-up smudges and kisses had made her smile while we brought that beauty to life.
    “ You wouldn't,” I gasped out in mock horror. “Then again, maybe Dad and I could rebuild something new for me?”
    Kimberly laughed at my mother’s horrified face. “Didn’t see that one coming, Susana?”
          She ignored Kimberly’s jab and grabbed my hand. “Come on, my darling brat. We have much to discuss and plan.”
    “Jesus ,” Courtney mumbled.
    Kimberly shook her head and pushed her daughter toward the doors. “You two are being ridiculous.”
    “ Funny, Mom,” Court deadpanned. “Have you and Aunt Susana looked in the mirror lately?”
    I laughed. What else could I do but laugh at the craziness that was my life.
    “ Can we go in already?” Mom whined.
    “ Bite me, Susana.” Kimberly rolled her eyes.
    “ And you two are the adults?” Court sighed and turned to face me. “We are so screwed.”
    Sadly, I could only nod in acceptance of what would be us one day.
    “Oh hush you two, and walk in.”  Kim sneered, while my mother muttered something about “Kids and smart mouths.”
    As usual , the place smelled amazing when we entered. The scent of grilling meat made us all moan quietly. I know. Disturbing.
    “Evening, Mrs. Brooks, ” Fernanda, the hostess, greeted. “Will it be just the four of you today?”
    “ Yes, dear,” Mom replied. “By the way, is Carlos working tonight?”
    “ Yes, ma'am.”
    “Then w e would like a table in his section if it isn’t too much trouble.”
    “ Of course,” Fernanda said with a smile. “Right this way.”
    Once seated —the mothers on one side with Court and me on the other—the pythons began to guilt us. In reality, I was surprised my mother had stayed quiet for so long.
    “ Baby girl, the day you were born,” my mother gushed, “was the happiest day of my life. I’d always dreamed of having a little girl, and there you were. I wanted to dress you up, play Barbie’s, and as you got older, take care of your heart when some jerk broke it. Everything your grandmother wasn’t able to do with me before her passing.”
    Oh , that's a low blow, Mom.
    “So beautiful and tiny i n my arms. All ten toes and fingers accounted for. You had your father’s eyes and hair, while your lips and nose were mine. What I held was perfection.”
    Dammit , cue my tears. And hers.
    “ I want us to do this together, Amanda. We should bond like you and Daddy do over cars. Think of it this way: instead of getting dirty and grimy, I want to pamper you. Go to the spa and get our hands done. Maybe a massage? Talk about boys.”
    Kim