Read Online Blue Smoke by Nora Roberts - Free Book Online Page A

and more comfortable discussions on the Orioles’ infield.
    She had to squeeze her way through once she was inside, narrowly avoided having a glass of some alcoholic beverage splashed down her front, and felt some relief that she actually knew some of the people crammed into the living room.
    Gina spotted her and wiggled through the bodies to grab her shoulders. “Reene! You’re here! I have such news!”
    â€œDon’t tell me any more until you eat an entire box of Tic Tacs.”
    â€œOh, shit.” Gina dug into the pocket of jeans so tight they must be causing organ damage. The Slim-Fast hadn’t whittled off all the twelve pounds she’d gained in their first semester.
    She pulled out the little plastic box she always carried and tapped several orange Tic Tacs in her mouth. “Been drinking,” she said, chewing.
    â€œWho’d have guessed? Look, you can leave your car and I’ll drive you back. I’ll be the DD.”
    â€œIt’s okay, I’m going to throw up soon. I’ll be better then. Anyway, news!” She pulled Reena through an equally jammed kitchen and out the back door.
    There were more people in the yard. Did the entire campus at College Park decide to blow off studying for finals?
    â€œScott Delauter’s totally flunking out,” Gina announced, and did a little butt boogie to accompany the statement.
    â€œWho’s Scott Delauter and why do you boogie on his misfortune?”
    â€œHe’s one of the housemates. You met him. Short guy, big teeth. And I dance because his misfortune is our jackpot. They’re going to be one short next semester and another of the group graduates next December. Jen says they can squeeze both of us in next term if we bunk together. Reena, we can get out of the pit.”
    â€œMove in here? Gina, come back to my world. We can’t afford it.”
    â€œWe’re talking about splitting the rent and stuff four ways. It’s not that much more. Reena.” Gina gripped her arms, her dark eyes dazed with excitement and cheap wine, her voice reverent. “There’s three bathrooms. Three bathrooms for four people. Not one for six.”
    â€œThree bathrooms.” Reena spoke it like a prayer.
    â€œIt’s salvation. When Jen told me, I had a vision. A vision, Reena. I think I saw the Blessed Mother smiling. And she was holding a loofah.”
    â€œThree bathrooms,” Reena repeated. “No, no, I must not be drawn to the dark side by shiny objects. How much is the rent?”
    â€œIt’s . . . when you consider the split, and how you won’t need the food allowance on campus because we can cook here, it’s practically free.”
    â€œThat much, huh?”
    â€œWe’re both working this summer. We can save. Please, please, please, Reena. They have to know pretty quick. Look, look, we’ll have a yard.” She swept her arm out toward it. “We can plant flowers. Hell, we’ll grow our own vegetables and set up a stand. We’ll actually make money living here.”
    â€œTell me how much, Gina.”
    â€œLet me get you a drink first—”
    â€œSpit it out,” Reena demanded. And winced when Gina blurted out the monthly rent.
    â€œBut you have to factor in—”
    â€œSsh, let me think.” Reena closed her eyes, calculated. It would be tight, she decided. But if they made their own meals, cut out some of the money they blew on movies, CDs, clothes. She could give up new clothes for the wonder of three bathrooms.
    â€œI’m in.”
    Gina let out a whoop, caught Reena in a hug that danced them both over the grass. “It’s going to be awesome! I can’t wait. Let’s go get some wine and drink to Scott Delauter’s academic failures.”
    â€œSeems mean, but oddly appropriate.” She swung around with Gina, then stopped dead. “Josh. Hi.”
    He closed the back door behind him then gave