Read Online Blood Relations by Michelle McGriff - Free Book Online Page B

out at her more than anything.
    â€œDo you want my number?” she asked, right before Junior bellowed again. “Junior! Please!” she yelped before her eyes crossed and then closed slowly to keep from rolling in her head. When she opened them, he was staring deeply at her ... through her.
    â€œNo, you call my secretary if you want me to take care of things. There will no problem taking care of this here,” he said, fanning his hand over the front of her car. Juanita strained to hear a double meaning. She so wanted there to be one. She’d not even considered the fact that he had a secretary. Since when did gumshoes get secretaries these days?
    They shared an awkward moment before she smoothed back her wild hair. “I know this neighborhood well. It’s the Palemos. My ex and his wife live here ...” She paused before pointing at Junior. “... and I was taking him to... .” She suddenly realized that she was rambling. “Who were you looking for?” she asked him after clearing her throat.
    â€œJuanita, come on!” Junior yelled out, sounding rude and disrespectful. He was begging for a grounding, but she would have to hold that off because for two weeks he was going to be staying at Rashawn’s house—whether they liked it or not. Ovan looked around her again and then back at her, his face bursting into a full-on grin.
    â€œIt doesn’t matter anymore ... because I found you,” he answered. Yes, he was indeed flirting. No mistake.

Chapter 13
    Breakfast was quiet. Sometimes things were livelier when Junior was there, Rashawn had to admit that. “So, I’m surprised Junior didn’t make here for breakfast,” Rashawn said, breaking the silence.
    â€œWell, I think Nita is trying to lay low considering she asked me yesterday if Junior could stay the entire winter break,” Chance said.
    â€œWhat?” both Reggie and Rashawn asked at the same time.
    Chance looked at them. “And I haven’t given her an answer yet, but—”
    â€œI’m leaving, Chance. Why would you tell her yes? I won’t be here for the first few days.”
    â€œAnd what difference does that make?” Chance retorted, not meaning to sound rude.
    Rashawn dropped her fork loudly on her plate. “Well, excuse the hell outta me.”
    â€œThat’s not what I meant ...”
    â€œHe’s gonna be here all winter break? That’s so not cool. I have plans,” Reggie griped.
    â€œAnd what difference does that make?” Chance asked Reggie, this time the question having intended meaning.
    â€œI don’t care if he’s here,” Rainey mumbled under her breath while picking around on her plate with her fork.
    â€œOf course you don’t,” Reggie said with a sneer.
    â€œWhy does everyone act like that toward me?” Rainey whined.
    â€œNobody is acting any kind of way,” Rashawn jumped in. “It’s just I’m not going to be here and it’s a lot of work for Daddy to have all you guys by himself.”
    â€œRashawn, that’s not true. I do it all the time.”
    â€œYeah, Mommy, you’re hardly ever here anymore,” Rainey said, her innocence showing.
    â€œYeah, Mommy,” Reggie added, without a drop of anything innocent showing anywhere.
    â€œLook. I’m working hard to—” Rashawn began, but quickly stopped speaking. Reggie’s phone rang. “Shut that off at the table!” Reggie quickly grabbed the phone. It was a rule—no phones at the table. At that open show of blatant disrespect, Rashawn stood from the table and gathered her plate and juice glass. The phone now vibrated against the glass Reggie had laid it next to. Rashawn held out her hand. Reluctantly, Reggie handed the phone over. She continued into the kitchen to set her plate in the sink after shoving the phone into her pocket. “Now, do whatever is it you people do—decide whatever it