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

a nice portrait. Your mom and dad were very attractive.”
    â€œThanks.” He took a sip of Coke. “I really miss them. I know you’ve probably been wondering about them.”
    â€œIt’s none of my business. I don’t want to pry.”
    â€œIt’s okay. My mom died about seven years ago of leukemia. I told you my dad was an architect. Well, one day on a job site, he fell off the building because the builders didn’t take the right safety measures. He survived the fall, but he died in the hospital a couple days later. That happened about a year ago. I don’t think Bernice has gotten over it yet. She was Daddy’s girl, if you know what I mean.”
    Craig became solemn. Venice couldn’t imagine the pain he and Bernice must’ve felt.
    She touched his arm softly and changed the subject. “Hey, why don’t I give you a hand in the kitchen. I also know how to do a little something something in the kitchen.”
    Craig chuckled. “Well, put your money where your mouth is.”
    They went into the kitchen and helped each other prepare dinner. Venice made a salad while Craig cooked the main dish.
    Venice said, “You and Bernice seem to be really close.”
    â€œYeah, we’ve always been close. Would you like some wine to go with dinner? I put a little in the sauce for the chicken.”
    â€œI’ll have just a little. You know I still have to study for my test.”
    Craig got two glasses out the cabinet and filled them up. He laughed and asked, “Am I contributing to the delinquency of a minor, Venice?”
    She laughed also. “Not in this state. If we were back in my hometown, you could get arrested for it.”
    â€œIf I ever get to come home with you, make sure you remind me.”
    Venice smiled and felt her body heat up again. That had a nice sound to it.
    Venice took a seat at the table while Craig sat on a stool near the oven to keep an eye on the food. He decided to turn on some music and they laughed as they continued to talk.
    Craig said, “While we’re waiting on dinner, I’ll quiz you on what you’ve studied so far.”
    Venice accepted the challenge and they began the quiz. It seemed that every question Craig dished out, she quickly threw the correct answer back at him. After finishing all the questions, Craig said, “You must’ve absorbed more than you thought. You got every question right, girl! You’re going to ace that exam tomorrow.”
    Craig and Venice drank several glasses of wine by the time dinner was ready.
    Venice said, “I don’t think I should’ve had that second glass of wine.”
    â€œWhat do you mean second? That was your third!”
    Venice giggled. “Oh, my God! No wonder I’m buzzing!”
    Craig laughed. “Let’s eat. Maybe that’ll make you feel better.”
    Venice set the table while Craig took the food out the oven and placed it on the table. The aroma filled the entire room.
    Venice said, “This smells great! You really do know your way around the kitchen.” They sat down and began to eat. “I must say, Craig, that I’m impressed. You really do know how to scorch a mean bird.”
    â€œThank you. I told you so!”
    The telephone rang and Craig got up to look at the caller ID, but didn’t answer it. Venice didn’t know what to feel, other than a sting of jealously in her gut. Could it be another woman? She hoped it wasn’t.
    Craig sat back down to his dinner. “I don’t want to have any interruptions tonight.” He reached across the table and touched Venice’s hand. “I want your undivided attention.”
    Venice started to shiver before shyly announcing that she’d do the dishes after dinner.
    â€œNo way! You’re my guest!”
    â€œAt least let me you help clear the table.”
    Craig took the dishes out of Venice’s hands. “I said no! Now get out of here.