Page 69 of Marcus: Sins of the Father

Marcus glances sideways at my father, and the small smile that spreads across his face warms my heart. I stay back, watching them bond.

“Hey, I was heading to a car auction as soon as I finished up here, and seeing as you’re about done, would you like to tag along? Should be some sweet rides there. I’m planning to bid on a 1967 Chevy Camaro Z/28.”

Marcus straightens, wiping his hands on a rag and emits a low whistle. “That’s a sweet ride.”

“Yeah, I had one once when I was young and stupid. The one that got away.” My dad smiles and shakes his head. “But I plan to get her back today.”

“I’d love to come. I’d like to see that car close up.” He closes the hood and catches my eye. “Hey, babe.”

“What are you two up to?” I smile.

“I’m taking Marcus with me,” my dad chimes.

“Oh, I thought we’d spend time together.” My eyes shift to Marcus.

“Nope, I’m taking him to the car auction,” my dad continues, likes it’s all settled. Besides, he already won you over. Now it’s me he has to impress.”

Marcus grins and shrugs. “He’s got a point.”

“Fine. Steal my boyfriend. But come have a cup of coffee first. I already made it.”

“Yes, ma’am. You guys head on in. I’ll be there in just a minute,” Marcus replies.

My dad and I make our way to my kitchen. I fill two mugs, placing one in front of my father, and one at the empty chair.

“Want any cream or sugar, Dad?” I ask as I grab an extra mug for myself.

“Black is good,” he calls.

I grab the French vanilla coffee creamer out of the fridge for myself. “I’d pull out some kind of lunch for everyone, but I was headed to the grocery store when my truck wouldn’t start, so I’m running pretty empty.”

My dad chuckles. “We have to leave soon anyway if we’re going to make the start of the auction.”

“All right.”

“So, since you’ve been lying to me about quite a bit, how’s the opera really going?” He eyes me over the rim of his mug.

Sighing, I stir my coffee and stare into the cup. “I’m working on it. It’s almost finished, but I have no idea how I’m going to get it seen by the right people. Maybe I’ll have to start knocking on doors.”

“Getting your foot in the door is always the hardest part,” he murmurs. “I could make some calls. I’m sure somebody knows somebody.”

“Absolutely not. I want to do this on my own. I want to know my work is good, not that I have an influential father.”

“I get it. But just so you know, I’d only get your foot in the door. Your talent would have to carry you from there, and I don’t doubt for a second that it would.”

I smile. He’s a great dad and a hard man to live up to, but my desire to prove myself is a me problem. He’s never once made me feel like I couldn’t live up to his name, but I still feel the challenge anytime someone learns he’s my father.

Marcus joins us at the table, sliding his phone into his pocket and meeting my eyes. “So, what plans did you have for today?”

“Grocery shopping and doing some laundry. I’m a real wild one.” I waggle my eyebrows.

Marcus sips his coffee then sets his mug down. “Well, change of plans.”

“I thought you were going to the auction with my dad?” I quirk my head to the side, confused.

“Oh, I am. And I felt bad leaving you high and dry, so I called some friends.”

“What?” I yelp. I must look appalled because my dad chokes on his coffee.

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