Read Online Into the Nothing (Broken Outlaw Series Book 1) by BT Urruela - Free Book Online

notice Paige is already halfway through her meatball sub. She hasn’t even bothered sitting down.
    “Did you get anything for yourself?” Teresa asks.
    “Yeah, but I was starving so I ate my burger while Brandi talked my ear off.”
    I take a seat while inspecting the different projects in front of me. “So what are you guys working on?”
    “Well, the real question is, what are we not working on?” Teresa says. Her eyes scan the dozen or so metal sculptures scattered on the table, eventually landing on the one right in front of her. “At some point this is going to be Falkor from the—”
    “No way!” I cut her off without thinking. “ The NeverEnding Story . I love that movie.”
    “Me too!” Paige is wide-eyed, presumably excited I’ve seen the movie too. “I tell her every day that I’m stealing this thing before it ever gets to a customer. That, or she’s making one for me after this.”
    “I don’t think I ever want to attempt this again. Absolutely the hardest project I’ve ever done, and I regret ever agreeing to do it.”
    “Well, I’m blown away by the ingenuity it would take to do something like this.”
    Teresa turns red, looking to Paige and then back to me. “Can I keep you?” she says, and Paige giggles.
    “That can be arranged,” I say with a smile. “So how did you even get started with this?”
    “Well, my daddy was a welder. About the only good memory I have with him was learning the trade.” Teresa spoke so freely, without altering her tone or expression. I respect a person’s ability to be so open. It makes me want to be open too.
    “He never did this kind of welding, just your usual stuff. Once I got out of art school, I sculpted—mostly with clay—and then I kind of got the idea to combine the skills. It took a long time to get it all figured out, but once I did, it sort of became an obsession.”
    “No kidding,” Paige says, rolling her eyes.
    “Hey, you didn’t mind when this obsession paid for your college degree,” Teresa says, nudging her daughter playfully with her hand.
    “Oh, I know, Mama. I’m just yanking your chain.”
    “You better be,” Teresa says, smiling and then turns her attention to me. “So, Xander, you excited for the festival tonight?” Teresa asks.
    “Yeah, I am. It sounds like it’ll be a good time. It’s been fun watching Jack the more we’ve gotten things together for the festival. No nerves at all. With how big this competition is, you’d think he’d at least be a little nervous. I guess that’s what winning five years in a row will get you, huh?”
    “Six,” Teresa corrects me with a smile. “Honestly, he’s always been that way. Even when the winery first started. He’s one of the most level-headed people I’ve ever met. As I’m sure you’ve come to find out, he puts everything he has into the vineyard. Win or lose, he’s proud of it.”
    “Well, I’m looking forward to having a bottle or two tonight.” I smile and rise from my stool.
    “Or three or four or five,” Paige says with a sly smile. Teresa gives her the typical stern motherly look and Paige just shrugs.
    “What, Mom? It’s the wine festival!”
    “You just better be careful, young lady. I won’t be bailing you out.”
    “Oh my God, Mom. Seriously? I think we’ll be okay. Right, Xander?”
    “Don’t you worry Teresa. I’ll make sure she stays out of trouble.” I stand and slip the stool back under the work station. “Anyways, I should probably get back before boss-man starts cutting my pay.”
    “Oh, you’re definitely docked at least a hundred dollars already. Keep it up and you’ll soon be working for free,” Teresa says, laughing and pretending to crack a whip. She stands and walks over to me, wrapping me up in a hug. She’s a hugger, all right.
    “Uh huh. Figures you’d talk crap and then hightail it out of here.”
    “Bye, Paige,” I say, a smile spread wide across my face.
    “Bye, Xander.”

    The sky is full of beautiful