The Fixes Read Online Free PDF Page B

face. Is obviously about to shoot holes in that theory when the floorboards unexpectedly creak in the next room, and Eric’s dad appears in the doorway. “Eric?”
    â€œDad . ” Eric feels a sudden rush of, like, guilt , like his dad just walked in on them smoking pot or hooking up or something. “This is, uh, Jordan. We’re just doing some calculus.”
    â€œIt’s after midnight on a weeknight,” Eric’s dad says. “Surely your calculus can wait until a more reasonable hour.”
    Jordan’s standing, hand outstretched, before Eric can reply. “You must be Mr. Connelly with two n ’s,” he tells Eric’s dad. “I’m Jordan Grant. Eric was just helping me cram for when I retake the exam.”
    The creases on Eric’s dad’s forehead get deeper. “Helping you cram ,” he repeats. “That implies you haven’t adequately studied already.”
    Jordan’s smile doesn’t waver. “Well, yeah. That’s correct, sir. I’ve been busy with some, uh, other projects.”
    â€œThe night before an exam is hardly the time to start studying,” Eric’s dad says. “And it’s EXTREMELY IRRESPONSIBLE of you to conscript your friend into enabling this kind of behavior.”
    ( Mortifying , Eric’s thinking. Dad, you’re the worst .)
    â€œYes, sir,” Jordan says. “Extremely irresponsible, I agree.”
    â€œOur house is closed to visitors after eleven on weeknights,” Eric’s dad continues. “Even to those who are cramming.”
    â€œOf course,” Jordan says. “I was just leaving.”
    â€œSee that you do.” Eric’s dad turns to go. Stops and looks back. “Oh, and Mr. Grant?”
    Jordan winks at Eric. “Yes, sir?”
    Eric’s dad gives it a beat. “It’s Senator Connelly.”

49.
    â€œIt’s Senator Connelly.”
    Jordan is whispering, a pretty good imitation of Eric’s dad’s voice. Eric is equal parts trying to shut him up and trying not to laugh.
    â€œMy dad will kill you if he hears you,” he tells Jordan. “He’ll kill both of us.”
    Jordan waves him off. “He’s not going to kill anyone. He’d never get reelected.” He shoulders his backpack. “Anyway, thanks for this. I’d better get out of here.”
    â€œI’m sorry about my dad,” Eric says. “I’m sorry I couldn’t help you more.”
    â€œDon’t be sorry.” Jordan opens the back door. “This was good. I learned a lot. I’m feeling optimistic.”
    He tosses a wave over his shoulder. Disappears into the backyard. Eric waits at the open door until he hears Jordan’s BMW rev. Until he hears the tires chirp as Jordan peels out, until the block is dead quiet once again.
    Then he closes the door, locks it. Stands in the empty kitchen.
    (Statistics problems just seem like a letdown at this point.)

50.
    â€œIt’s noble of you to want to help your friend out,” Eric’s dad says.
    (It’s the next morning, at the breakfast table. Eric waited all night for this.)
    â€œBut your friend is going to have to learn proper work habits if he wants to succeed in this world. Using you as a crutch isn’t going to suffice.”
    â€œHis dad’s Harrison Grant,” Eric says. “The studio head. His family’s loaded. He doesn’t need work habits.”
    Eric’s dad lowers the newspaper. Stares at Eric across the table. “But you do. And staying up to all hours to help your rich slacker friends isn’t going to help you one bit. You remember what we’ve said about time management.”
    Eric looks down into his cereal. Sighs. Then recites. “I need to be proactive in making the most of my time. I need to choose activities that will set me on the right course for the future. This is where I set the foundation for my life as a