Custom Built (Fast & Fury #1) - Chantal Fernando Page 0,2

my own. I know I’m going to have to tell him, though; I’m just going to buy myself a little time.

“Everything is fine, Dad,” I assure him. “How are you?”

My dad lives about an hour away from my apartment, and we catch up for family dinner every week or so. Besides that, we usually text or chat every day or every other day. I love spending time with him, and I look forward to seeing him. Yes, I’m a daddy’s girl.

“I’m good, just busy with work. You know how it is,” he says.

Actually, right now I don’t.

My dad has always worked hard, and that’s where I got my own work ethic from. As soon as I was old enough to get a job, I did. I was never spoiled, and had to work for everything I had. For my first car, he told me he’d match whatever I saved, which taught me how to work for my money, but also allowed him contribute.

Dad now owns a construction business, along with my uncle Neville, who also owns and runs a farm. Dad mainly does the admin side of things, but he started off as a laborer, so he isn’t afraid of hard work.

“I’ve been thinking about you today, so I thought I’d give you a call.”

“When are you free this week?” I ask. Might as well face him, because avoiding him isn’t going to help the situation. I can’t lie to him, though, so I guess I’m just going to have to tell him what happened in person. Or maybe I should try to secure a new job first.

“Always free for you,” he says, voice gentle. “I was actually calling to invite you over on the weekend. I’m having a barbecue, and everyone will be there. Your uncle wants to see you too, so I hope you can make it.”

“Okay, message me the details and I’ll be there,” I reply. “I’m looking forward to it.”

We say our byes and I love yous and hang up. Sighing, I glance down at my handful of resumes and lift my chin. Surely there’s something for me out there. I’m too old to have no job security, and it annoys me that it has come to this. I should have gone back and finished my degree—then I’d have something to fall back on—but there’s no point with the what-ifs now. I just need to find something, anything, and if I don’t like it, I can always just stay in that job until I find something better.

“Who knows? In a few weeks I might have to come apply here,” I mutter to myself as we pass Toxic, a well-known strip club.

If I didn’t think my father would kill me, I might even consider it.

I spend the rest of the day handing out my resume, smiling and trying to act as charming as can be.

Just hoping the next door to open for me will be a good one.

Chapter Two

“Hey, princess,” Dad says, opening his arms wide, smile etched across his face. I’ve barely gotten out of my car before I’m in his arms. I’m his only child, and he absolutely adores me, and I know that. The feeling is mutual.

“Hey,” I say resting, my cheek against his chest. “How are you? You’re looking nice.” He’s wearing a thin blue sweater I got him for his last birthday.

“Thank you.” He beams. “Come on, let’s go inside.”

“There’s a lot of people here,” I say, frowning as we step through the door and walk through the house.

“The whole family, plus some friends of mine,” he explains, resting his arms on my shoulders and looking at me. “You’re a sight for sore eyes, you know that? I’ve missed you. I haven’t really seen you since after the surgery.”

“I’m fine, Dad,” I assure him. “There’s nothing to worry about anymore. It’s all over with, and I just have to go back in a few months for a checkup.” Where hopefully they will find out that the cells haven’t returned.

“I know, I know. I worry about you, though. You need to come and see me more. You know you could save so much money on rent and bills if you moved back in here. It’s a bit of a drive to work, but it’s not too bad. It would still save you a lot of money.”

I smile at his familiar words. “I know, Dad. But I’m a grown woman, and I like being independent. I’m too old to be living with my dad