Adorkable Read Online Free PDF Page B

than any of my previous dating disasters combined, and was a surprisingly cautious driver.
    Too cautious. He drove like a ninety-year-old man with cataracts. If he stopped at one more yellow, I couldn’t be held responsible for my actions.
    When we walked in, Hooker was propped up against the snack stand, tapping her foot impatiently, clad in full-out Storm paraphernalia. The white thigh-high boots she was wearing looked painted on, but that was nothing in comparison to the white Lycra bodysuit and cape. My favorite touch was the frosty bob wig she’d donned just for the occasion. Classic Hooker. She never did anything by halves.
    Spotting me, she pushed off.
    “Hey, Spitz,” she called, waving wildly. “Sally Sue Spitz, over here!”
    I gave a smaller wave back and tried not to be embarrassed as every head turned my way.
    The ticket taker stopped mid-tear. “Spitz?” he said and then smiled. “Great God Almighty, you must be Nick’s kid.”
    I fought down my grimace and nodded.
    “Well, how about that.” The guy’s nametag said Eddie, and he was dressed in a suit. I assumed he was the manager. “You look just like him you know.”
    Actually, I thought I favored my mother, but whatever.
    “Your dad’s a great man. He really helped us crack down on illegal activity here at Regal Cinemas.”
    “Hmmm,” I said and tried not to roll my eyes. If selling popcorn and candy at such high prices wasn’t a crime, I didn’t know what was.
    “You be sure to tell him Ed said hi, next time you see him.”
    “Sure.” As I walked away, I added, “But you’ll probably see the jerk before I do.”
    Though we lived in the same town, I didn’t see much of my dad. He was like one of those zits that popped up when you least expected it. A nasty surprise that made life hell until it cleared out. To most people, he was Nick Spitz, Chariot’s favorite cop. I knew him as the guy who’d gotten caught banging the babysitter—while I was in the other room watching cartoons. Mom filed for divorce the next day.
    “Finally.” Hooker was hands on hips when I reached her, the timeless superhero pose. I didn’t even think she realized that she was doing it. After the talk about my dad, the sight made me smile. “I was beginning to think you wouldn’t show. Will’s up there saving our seats. What took you so…oh hey, Austin.”
    Offering his hand, Austin said, “Hi again, Lillian, and thank you. Sally’s great.”
    “And don’t you forget it, bucko.” Tugging me around, Hooker bent her head to mine and said, “So, what do you think?”
    “He’s really nice,” I said. “I don’t appreciate you enlisting my mom’s help and springing him on me as I was leaving the house. But he seems okay.”
    She scrunched her nose. “Just okay? That’s it?”
    “Yeah, he’s actually not so bad.”
    “Spitz, the guy’s wearing Chinos, and he tried to shake my hand.” She tugged at one end of her bob. “I found him bent over a book bigger than my head in the sci-fi/fantasy section at Barnes and Noble.”
    That sounded suspicious. “And what were you doing in Barnes and Noble?” I asked.
    “Isn’t it obvious?” she laughed. “I was looking for the male version of you.”
    I laughed despite myself.
    “Glad you think it’s funny,” she said. “I always say it’s the polite ones you’ve got to watch out for. Also, please don’t kill me.”
    “Kill you for what?” I said.
    “Hey Lil, I see you found my date.” Turning my head, I caught Chaz Neely checking out my ass.
    Hooker glared at Chaz while I glared at her. This couldn’t be happening.
    “I told you not to call her that,” she said.
    Chaz held up both hands. “Sorry, man, I forgot.” To me, he said, “Love the hair by the way. It really gives you something, almost makes you look hot.”
    I glared harder as Hooker slammed a palm against her forehead.
    “She’s actually my date and she’s already hot,” Austin said a little red in the face. “Don’t