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

way.
    Craig’s home was in an established neighborhood. All the lawns appeared professionally groomed. Craig pulled into the driveway and activated the garage door. There was another car in the garage. Venice assumed it was his sister’s car.
    Craig confirmed it. “Good, my sister’s still here. I wanted her to meet you. She’s probably getting ready to go to work. Did I tell you she was a nurse?”
    Venice was a little nervous about meeting his sister. “Yeah, you mentioned it.”
    Craig exited the truck and before he could come around to the passenger side, Venice had already got out of the truck. Craig took her bag and put his hand at the small of her back as he escorted her toward the kitchen door. Craig unlocked the door to find his sister on the telephone. She motioned for them to come on in as she tried to take her earrings off. Craig put Venice’s bag on the kitchen table and pulled a chair out for Venice to sit down.
    Craig’s sister finished up her phone call and put her hand out to shake Venice’s hand. “Hello, Venice! I finally get a chance to meet you. I’ve heard nothing but nice things about you from Craig.”
    Craig interrupted her. “Venice, Bernice will talk your head off. Anyway, Venice, this is Bernice. Bernice, this is Venice.”
    â€œI’m sorry it took so long for him to invite you over. I told him you probably wouldn’t mind the remodeling, but he insisted that we wait until it was complete.”
    Venice looked around. “This is beautiful! You guys have done a great job.”
    Bernice said, “Thank you, Venice.” She put on her coat. “Well, guys, I’ve got to run. I have twenty minutes to get to the hospital. Venice, I’m so glad I finally got to meet you.”
    â€œSame here, Bernice.”
    Bernice gave Craig a hug and exited to the garage. “You have some mail on the table in the den and I’m going over J.T.’s in the morning after I get off.”
    Craig said, “Okay, see you tomorrow some time.”
    When Venice heard Bernice drive out of the garage, she realized that she was truly alone with Craig. He asked if she’d like something to drink and she quickly said that she did. Her throat felt as dry as the desert.
    He handed her a bottle of Coke. “Let me help you set up your things in the den. You’ll probably be more comfortable in there. We could go downstairs in the rec room, if you like.”
    â€œNo, this will do just fine.”
    â€œI hope you like chicken. I have a special sauce. It’s one of my specialties.”
    â€œThat sounds good.”
    Venice felt her heart pounding as they walked into the den. She couldn’t understand why she felt such an electrical charge when she came near him.
    As Venice began to open her books, she couldn’t help but notice the portrait over the fireplace. It was a huge family portrait, which must’ve been taken when Craig and his sister were extremely young. Craig resembled their mother and Bernice was the spitting image of their father.
    Venice’s pager vibrated and startled her. It was Galen. “What could he want?” she mumbled to herself. Venice decided not to call Galen right away. Besides, if it were an emergency, he would’ve put in 911. She also didn’t know how her dear brother would take it if he knew she was over Craig’s house.
    Craig came in to check on her and saw her admiring the pictures. “Venice, I want to tell you again how sorry I am that I haven’t had a chance to invite you over before now.”
    â€œQuit apologizing. I can understand that you were having some work done.”
    Craig smiled, discreetly admiring Venice as she continued to look at the portrait. He felt an uncontrollable urge to touch her, but decided not to. Instead, he said, “You’ve busted me. I see you’ve spotted Little Craig.”
    â€œYes, you’re so cute. It’s