The Joneses by Shelia M. Goss Read Free Book Online Page A

logged on to the Internet and started researching ways to start my own business.
    Hope burst in my room. “Sis, can I borrow your car?”
    â€œYou and this bad habit of not knocking are getting old. Respect my space.”
    â€œI respect your space. You’re always in here by yourself. When you start having male company, I’ll knock.”
    â€œWhatever.” I continued surfing online without looking at Hope. “What’s wrong with your car?”
    â€œI’m low on gas and I don’t feel like going by the gas station.”
    I looked up from my computer screen. “You got your nerve. You better dig into your pretty little pocket and buy your own gas.”
    Hope frowned. “You’re such a mean older sister.”
    I threw the “talk to the hand” sign in the air. “Call me what you want, but you are not using my car.”
    â€œFine. I’ll leave you to doing whatever it is you’re doing.”
    â€œI’m starting my own business. If you’re nice, I’ll let you be my assistant.”
    Hope rolled her neck. “I don’t think so.”
    She left my room without shutting my door. I opened my mouthto say something to her, but decided to ignore her and went back to my research.
    After spending another hour on the computer, I’d found everything I needed to get started. Mahogany Event Planning was about to be in business.
    I hit the print button, but a red flashing box filled my screen. “Ugh. I hate when that happens.” I was out of ink and I needed to print out the form so I could mail it in to register my business name.
    I slipped on some shoes and rushed out to the office supply store. I wanted to get the form printed and in the mail no later than tomorrow.
    â€œExcuse me,” I said, when my basket accidentally bumped into a familiar face.
    â€œSo, we meet again.” Tyler rubbed his leg.
    â€œSorry. I should have been looking where I was going.”
    â€œI’ll forgive you, if you’ll have dinner with me.”
    I couldn’t think of an excuse. I did feel bad for hitting his leg with my cart. “Sure. Meet me at Copeland’s. In fact, let’s go now since I’m out.”
    He looked at his watch. “Now? It’s only four o’clock.”
    â€œNow or never.” I shrugged my shoulders.
    â€œThe lady wins. I’ll meet you over there.”
    â€œSure thing. I’ll be on my way as soon as I pay for my stuff.”
    Twenty minutes later, I pulled up in the Copeland’s parking lot. Tyler stood outside waiting for me.
    â€œI thought you stood me up.” He greeted me with a hug.
    â€œNo. I would have called you if I changed my mind,” I assured him.
    It’d been awhile since I’d gone out on a date. Things with my last boyfriend didn’t end well, and honestly it was hard for me to trust men after that experience. Tyler came across as a smoothoperator, so I knew I would have to keep my guard up with him.
    â€œYou’re one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting,” Tyler said.
    â€œThank you.” I didn’t know what else to say. Normally guys went crazy over Hope and her looks.
    â€œI hope this won’t be the last time we talk.” Tyler looked at me like I was Miss America.
    â€œIt doesn’t have to be.” I tilted my head and batted my eyes.
    â€œYou have me at a disadvantage. You have my number, but I don’t have yours. My phone’s been glued to my hip waiting for your call.”
    I laughed out loud. “I’m sure you get plenty of calls.”
    He winked his eye. “But none were from you. You’re who I want.”
    â€œTyler, let’s cut to the chase. You’re a handsome man. I can tell from how you dress that you’re doing quite well for yourself. Finding a woman isn’t a problem for you.”
    â€œYou’re correct.” He looked around the