Free Adrenaline Crush by Laurie Boyle Crompton

did in high school and what’s he doing with his life now?” It’s true. Harley’s so smart he got excellent grades without even trying, but he’s been killing off brain cells since graduation.
    Dad sighs and studies his oatmeal, and I’m hit with guilt. Harley not living up to his potential is a sore spot, especially since he was offered several academic college scholarships. Instead he enrolled in the nearby Culinary Institute of America, claiming he wanted to be a chef at the Mohonk Mountain House. It seemed like a cool plan, but then, half a semester later, he discovered skydiving and quit. The supermarket is just the latest in a string of local McJobs he’s had over the past two years. He’s developed a reputation for not showing up for work on clear sunny days.
    â€œI’m not talking about your brother,” Dad says. “Dyna, if you’re looking at homeschooling as an easy way out, well then, that’s not the girl I’ve raised.”
    I blink at the sting. “Homeschooling was Mom’s idea.”
    â€œOkay, firstly, I love the woman to death, but your mother has completely lost her cheese over your accident. I’m only going along with this crazy voodoo therapy place to keep the peace.”
    I say with fake ditziness, “I can’t understand why talking about my feelings isn’t making my ankle better yet.”
    Dad lets out a chuckle that fills me.
    â€œI have to go camping with them next Saturday,” I groan. “What is that about?”
    He raises a fuzzy eyebrow at me. “Since when do you not like the outdoors, Dyna Glider?”
    â€œIt’s not that. Some girl in my group got mauled by a bear and now we’re all supposed to go hold her hand out in the woods. Like that’s going to prove something.”
    â€œOkay, so the asylum is being run by the lunatics. I get that. But going camping won’t kill you. And neither would high school. Maybe you can stick with therapy until school starts and then we can find you some sort of evening and weekend sessions.”
    I knew homeschooling was too easy.
    I think fast. “Dad, I’m supposed to graduate this year, and with hiking and climbing out of the picture I don’t even know what’s next. Homeschooling will give me a chance to figure out what to do with my life. I’ll work hard on my education as I explore other interests.”
    Dad grumbles, “If you think for one moment that watching television on the couch next to that moldy slice of white bread counts as exploring other interests , then you need to think again.”
    â€œPlease stop,” I plead. “If Jay knew you called him Whitebread he’d probably break up with me.”
    â€œGood.” Dad looks pleased and I slap his arm right below the naked angel tattoo. I always ignore the fact that the angel has Mom’s face on it. “I’ll stop calling him Whitebread when he faces me and starts acting a little whole grain or rye.” Dad chuckles. “Maybe shows a nice swirl of pumpernickel?”
    â€œOh yeah?” I say, flustered. “Well, I think Jay is Wonder bread.” Dad laughs so hard at that I eventually crack up, too. “Okay, so that didn’t sound so dorky in my head,” I say. “But Jay’s really a nice guy.”
    Dad grunts and mimics me in a girly voice, “Nice guy.” He levels me a look. “You are much too special for some nice guy , Dyna.”
    â€œHe’s a special guy, too, Dad.”
    â€œThe only thing that kid has going for him is the fact that he’s ass over tits for you, sweetheart. But you need to ask yourself this … What do you see in him ?”
    I crinkle my nose. “I like him.”
    â€œWell, a person who’s in love with you can be a pretty likable thing.” Dad leans over his bowl and adds, “Especially when you’re feeling vulnerable.” He points his spoon