All That and a Bag of Chips by Darrien Lee Read Free Book Online

cool. I don’t think he’s trying to run any game on her.”
    â€œI agree. Besides, her brother would probably step in if he felt like dude was trying to dog her. I remember in high school one time, this guy did something to Venice and her brother stomped the hell out of that fool! She never had any problem with men after that. Guys knew neither one of her brothers played when it came to her.”
    Monique said, “That’s deep.”
    The two walked back to the dorm and went to their rooms for the evening.
    Â 
    Venice was one of three women in the lounge trying to get their study on. It was Wednesday and she was flipping through the pages, unable to absorb what she was reading. One of the campus security guards walked through on his routine patrol. He was probably headed up to somebody’s room for a quickie or to smoke a little something something with some wild girls. He was known for making those unofficial visits. He was cute and he knew it. It would only be a matter of time before he got busted. Some of the girls in the dorm took far too many chances. Venice folded her arms and put her head down on the table. Maybe a moment of meditation and prayer could help her get back on track. She closed her eyes and took slow, deep breaths. She’d read about this technique in last month’s Essence magazine. “Food for the Inner Soul” was the name of the article. Well, it couldn’t hurt. A few minutes later, her cell phone rang. Venice snapped out of her trance.
    â€œHello?”
    A smooth voice responded, “What’s a nice girl like you doing in a place like that?”
    â€œHello, Craig! Hey! How did you know where I was?”
    â€œI know because I’m standing right behind you.”
    Venice turned around and in the doorway he stood. Venice hung up her phone as Craig came into the lounge.
    â€œI called your room and Monique told me where to find you. I couldn’t wait until this weekend to see you, so I got off a day early.”
    Venice greeted him with a warm hug. “I’m glad. I missed you, too. I’m trying to study for this exam tomorrow, but my mind’s not clicking tonight.”
    Showing those pearly whites, he said, “I have an idea. Why don’t I take you for a ride and maybe you can concentrate on your test when you get back. So, how about it?”
    Venice closed her books. “Let’s go! First, let me call Monique and let her know I’m leaving.”
    Venice called Monique from the lounge to inform her of her plans. She gathered her book bag and Craig carried it for her as they walked out into the night air.

Nine
    H ave you eaten?” Craig asked, opening the truck door for Venice. “No, I haven’t really had much of an appetite today.”
    â€œWould you like me to cook you up a little something?”
    Venice looked surprised. “So, you really do cook?”
    Craig smiled. “Of course! If you like, you can study at my house while I fix dinner.”
    Venice felt special and couldn’t hide her blush. “Are you sure? I know you’re busy with classes. I don’t want to be in the way.”
    â€œI’m sure.”
    â€œIn that case, I accept and thanks!”
    As they proceeded through town to his neighborhood, Craig said, “I’m sorry I haven’t invited you over before now. We’ve had some remodeling going on at the house for the past few weeks and it’s been a mess. We’re just finally getting things back together.”
    Venice asked, “What kind of work did you have done?”
    â€œWell, before my dad died, he’d drawn plans to have the kitchen remodeled and for me and Bernice to get our own bathrooms.”
    â€œThat’s nice. I bet it’s beautiful.”
    â€œBernice did all the decorating. I think she did a first-rate job.”
    Venice smiled and looked out the window of the truck admiring the modest homes along the