Free The Halo Effect (Cupid Chronicles) by Shauna Allen Page A

his eyes as he spun away and faced the street from the open garage door. “He’s a dick is what he’s like.”
    Michael stayed quiet, his steady, rhythmic breathing filling the gas-scented air in the still garage. Finally, Tristan heard his shuffling steps as he moved. A big hand clamped down on his shoulder. “I’m sorry, man. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
    Tristan couldn’t meet his gaze. He knew his eyes would give too much away. Instead, he stared at the street and Michael’s sky-blue Volkswagen Bug. He still couldn’t believe the big guy drove such a dorky car.
    They both glanced over at the sound of a motor turning over. A few seconds later it died. Michael gave a small laugh. “That Noble. Always fiddlin’ with his bikes.” He peered down into Tristan’s face. “He’s kinda like you that way.” He pivoted and moved back to the workbench.
    Tristan watched as he started putting the tools away neatly. It was almost time for Michael to go home. He hated for him to leave with things so awkward between them. He took a small step in his direction—literally and figuratively. “I don’t see my dad anymore.” He heaved a deep breath and looked in Michael’s eyes. There was true caring there and it gave him the strength to keep talking. “He signed over all his rights to my mom last year because he doesn’t want me anymore. He’s got a new family now.” He glanced away, then back. “Guess I’m old news.”
    Michael carefully set down the tool in his hand and shut the lid on the box with a metallic clang. He got that weird thoughtful expression on his face that sorta freaked Tristan out, but sorta calmed him, too. He rubbed a hand across his big, bald head. “You know, Tristan, my friend. I’ve learned a few things in my life. And there’s something I want you to know.”
    Tristan listened carefully, his heart racing, wondering if whatever Michael had to say could hold the key to his totally jacked up world.
    Michael continued. “A father’s love and acceptance is important. But you have more than one father, child.” He glanced up at the ceiling. “And, sometimes, a family is the one we make with the people we are gifted with.”
    Tristan stared at him, dumbfounded by his words. He didn’t understand them, nor could he believe they’d come from this guy’s mouth. “Whaaa?” he sputtered.
    Michael’s face split into a smile. “Enough of that serious stuff. Can I use your bathroom?”
    Tristan’s brow furrowed. “Um, yeah, sure.”
    He watched as Michael disappeared inside, even more confused than he was before.
    Family? Gifts? More than one father? What the . . .?
    Several minutes later, Michael ducked back out. “Hey, dude. It’s gettin’ late. It’s about time for me to be hittin’ the road.” He made a beeline for the open garage door. “I’ll see you later?”
    Tristan watched him lope toward his Bug. “Okay.” He raised his hand in a half-hearted wave. “Bye.”
    Michael turned back to him just as he was about to drop into his little blue getaway car. “Don’t forget what I said,” he called. “Our family is the one we make.”
    Tristan bit his lip and didn’t acknowledge him as the big guy drove off. He let the silence of the empty garage fill him as he slumped against the workbench.
    Michael couldn’t have made it to the end of the street before his mom pulled up the driveway in her little silver SUV. She cut the engine and hopped out with a little smile just for him.
    “Hey, sweetie. Where’s Michael?” She looked around the room as she approached.
    He ducked his head, avoiding her kiss. “He just left.”
    “Oh. I’m sorry I missed him.” She glanced at the newly assembled parts of his bike. “Wow! You guys did all this today?” She grinned at him, sparking newfound pride in their accomplishments. “Impressive!”
    “Yeah.” He tried to be nonchalant and not show how totally stoked he was.
    She ruffled his hair. “Very, very cool, baby.” She