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

“Chanelle, I’m still in love with Jarvis. Is it possible to be in love with two men at the same time? I mean, I’ve always been in love with Jarvis, but Craig…he’s so nice and perfect and I think about him all the time. When I come near him, I feel myself getting weak in the knees and things start stirring, if you know what I mean. I’m just glad Jarvis isn’t going to school close to Dawson. You know I’m supposed to go up to hishomecoming. Joshua said Craig would probably be pissed off if I go visit Jarvis. Then Jarvis is going to be mad if I don’t come. I don’t know what to do.”
    Chanelle asked, “When is his homecoming?”
    â€œFour weeks from tomorrow.”
    Chanelle put her arm around her girl and said, “Girl, just take a deep breath. You don’t have to make any decisions right now. We’ve got some time. I’ll help you work it out, okay?”
    Venice hugged her and agreed. “Please don’t say anything to Galen or Sidney.”
    â€œYou don’t have to worry, girl. Have you told Craig about you and Jarvis yet?”
    â€œNo, but Joshua thinks I should tell him.”
    â€œUh-uhm, girl! If you tell him now, it’ll be a cold day in hell before he’ll let you anywhere near Jarvis. You know Jarvis is my boy, but he’s a trip. He told you that you’d always be his woman and that he was coming back for you after graduation and you know he ain’t playing. He’s always meant what he says and proved it in the past. That’s why other guys couldn’t get anywhere near you when we were in high school. They were afraid of his crazy ass. Jarvis has always been obsessed with you, Venice, and you know it. You couldn’t get away from him, even if you wanted to. Your daddy would probably have to shoot him or something. Venice, I bet if you don’t show up for his homecoming, that fool will come down here, get your tail, and take you back up north with him. Don’t get me wrong. I love Jarvis, but he’s obsessed when it comes to you. You must’ve put some serious coochie spell on that man.”
    â€œYou’re silly, Chanelle. You’re exaggerating a little, aren’t you? Jarvis wouldn’t come down here and trip like that.”
    â€œGirl, don’t underestimate him. You know his dad’s a pilot. He could get on a plane in a minute and be here before nightfall.”
    â€œIt’s not funny, but you’re right. Be quiet! You’re making me nervous now, Chanelle.”
    She snapped her fingers. “You know I’m right.”
    They stopped talking for a moment and swayed to the music from the band.

Eleven
    C raig and his childhood friend, Skeeter, usually hung out together a couple days a week. They decided to meet in the park for a game of one on one. They’d already played a couple of games; each one claiming to have better skills than the other.
    Skeeter asked, “Hey, man, what’s up with you and your friend’s sister?”
    Craig shot a jumper over Skeeter. “Her name’s Venice.”
    Skeeter drove the ball on Craig. “Has she broke you off any yet?”
    Craig gave Skeeter a hard foul. “She’s not like the kind of women you hook up with. But, I think she could be the one, man.”
    They stopped for a moment and Skeeter said, “What do you mean?”
    â€œShe could be the one!”
    Skeeter was surprised. “For real? Say it isn’t so! You mean she could be the future Mrs. Bennett and she hasn’t even broke you off any yet. Damn! She must be something else.”
    â€œIt’s not her. I haven’t made a move on her yet. You’ll understand when you meet her. She’s got it going on and I don’t want to mess things up with her.”
    â€œI’ve seen her around. She’s fine as hell.”
    â€œThat she is! She used to run track in high school.”
    â€œYou can tell by