Complexion, Chapter 3 Summary

During his senior year at Stanford University, a friend tells Richard of a construction job. His friend talks to him about the job, because Richard says he is looking for summer work and needs money. Richard accepts the job, as his friend is trying to explain that he does not mean to offend him by telling him about the job. Richard decides not to tell his mom and to tell his father only after summer is gone, just so his father would know he could do "real work." Richard admits that he likes the work, because he can stand for hours in the sun with his shirt off. Other construction workers nearby tease him for the incorrect way he holds the shovel. Richard realizes he could not learn what his father considered "real work" in only three months. Richard decides to...