Chances Are by Donna Hill Read Free Book Online Page A

him to identify himself. She’d heard that voice of his in her dreams. “Not at all. I’ve been here for a while.”
    Answers that question. “Just calling to confirm about today—for the visit. I thought about ten. If that’s good for you.”
    â€œTen is fine. Things should be calmed down by then.”
    â€œCalmed down?”
    She laughed lightly. “What I mean is, chaos reigns supreme from about seven-thirty to nine, when everyone is rushing around trying to get ready for school, or work and getting the children that stay on-site down to childcare.”
    He frowned. “They go to school and work?” the incongruity of the idea momentarily stumbling his thinking.
    She heard the disbelief in his voice and although she was used to it in most others, in Garrett she was disappointed.
    â€œOf course. That’s just one of the many criteria we have for the girls staying here.”
    â€œHmm.”
    He almost sounded as if he thought she were lying. Now she really was annoyed. “Is there a problem, Mr. Lawrence?” she asked, snapping him to attention.
    â€œNo. Not at all.”
    â€œThen I’ll see you at ten.”
    â€œYes. Definitely.”
    â€œGoodbye.” She hung up the phone, then stared at it for a few minutes. “I know what you’re thinking, Mr. Lawrence. Well your thoughts are just about to be changed.”
    â€œI thought I heard somebody moving around. What in the world are you doing here so early?” Betsy shuffled into the room, still dressed in her nightgown and robe.
    â€œI had a lot I wanted to get out of the way before everyone was up and about.”
    â€œMmm. It must have kept you up last night to get you in here this early.” She yawned. “Anything I can help you with?”
    â€œNo. But I just want to let you know that the producer will be here today to take a tour of the building.”
    Betsy straightened, fully awake. “Why didn’t you say so? I got to get these lazy girls up and together. Make sure their apartments are up to par. You know how they can leave their places sometime when they run outta here in the morning.”
    â€œMaybe you can select one or two apartments for the visit and just let those girls know.”
    Betsy nodded. “That’ll be easier. Kisha usually keeps a neat place, and Theresa.”
    â€œPerfect. And it’ll be good for Theresa. Make her feel she’s a part of things.”
    â€œI’ll get them up right now and let them know.” She turned away, then stopped. “So what’s this man like?”
    â€œSeems to know what he’s doing.”
    â€œI sure hope so,” she mumbled, moving away. “For these girls’ sake. I sure do.”
    Dione blew out a breath. “So do I,” she whispered, even as the memory of the tingle of his touch raised the hair on the back of her neck.
    By the time Brenda arrived at eight, the building was virtually vibrating with energy. She could hear excited voices and footsteps darting across the hall above her head, and spotted several girls dashing up the staircase. She walked into the office while pulling off her coat, surprised to see Dione.
    â€œMorning. What’s going on? Feels like electric wires running through here. Betsy on another surprise inspection tear again?” She slid open the closet door, hung up her coat and sat down at her totally organized desk. She shifted her pencil cup to the center of the desk.
    Dione smiled. “Something like that. Garrett Lawrence is stopping by this morning to take a tour. I wanted to make sure that everything was in order. He’ll be taking a look at Kisha’s and Theresa’s apartments.”
    Brenda immediately noticed that Dione wouldn’t look at her while she was talking, something very unusual for Dee. Brenda swiveled her chair fully in Dione’s direction.
    â€œSo, the meeting went well.”
    â€œI think so.”