Read Online Game, Set, Match (A Humorous Contemporary Romance) (Love Match) by Nana Malone - Free Book Online

peeked a glance at him. He looked so much like Sabrina with his dark eyes and olive tone to his skin, but he was nothing like her in temperament. He had an almost manic penchant for keeping commitments and promises. Izzy had a feeling she’d be paying a therapist to delve into that sometime in the future.
    Her mother’s voice rang in her head.   Better out than in.  “I know you said you didn’t want her to visit, but I’ve been thinking, maybe it might be fun?”
    He shrugged. “It’ll be okay, I guess.”
    Not to be thwarted, she tried again. “Remember that trip to Mexico and the insane donkey ride? I swear, I’ll never get on one again.”
    He cracked a smile, but still didn’t say anything. Izzy wasn’t sure if it was standard male silence or if he really didn’t want to see Sabrina. “I know it’s tough having her leave, but we can always enjoy when she’s here right?”
    When did you become such a good liar?  Izzy hadn’t enjoyed Sabrina’s infrequent visits since Nick’s trip to the hospital at age six for an appendectomy. Izzy had been frantic, but Sabrina never made it back home. When Izzy had brought it up on her next visit, Sabrina said what she always said, “You took care of it didn’t you?”
    That had been Izzy’s last straw. She knew their arrangement was unique, with Izzy having legal custody of Nick, and Sabrina having an all access pass. Izzy was also careful never to say anything negative about Sabrina, but she had a feeling Nick knew how she really felt.
    He stared out the window, watching the red lights of traffic.
    “So, I’m going to petition the Judge again.”
    That got his attention. “Oh, yeah?”
    “Yes. I told you I wouldn’t give up.”
    “Yeah, I know. But what makes you think the judge will grant it this time? Which excuse of his no longer matters?”
    She hated it that he was so astute. “Well, the gallery opening for one. I’ve got a   Sports Illustrated  shoot coming up too. That means a great income. Something more stable than a struggling studio. That’ll make a difference.”
    He shrugged. “Not all the difference. Besides, you’ve done okay.”
    No, not all the difference. She still wasn’t married; curse her luck for having a traditional Judge. And the primary reason, she was still black, and Nick was still white.
    He glanced at her. “It’s not your fault. You shouldn’t have to marry some douche just to adopt me.”
    “Watch your language.” She slid him a look. She knew what he wasn’t saying. She shouldn’t have to be white to adopt him. She sighed. “Maybe it won’t matter this time around.”
    At the sullen look on Nick’s face, Izzy opted for a change in topic. “So this thing with Samantha, you really like her?”
    Nick’s expression was still sullen, but he answered the question. “Yeah, she’s okay.”
    “Okay? I caught you guys necking like…like…well, like teenagers, and you only think she’s okay?”
    Sullen expression gone, he now looked half mortified, half amused. “Geez, Mom, do you have to ask that? Who the heck says necking? What does that even mean?”
    She laughed. “Well, yes, I do   have  to ask that. I’m your mom. And okay, you do have a point about the use of the word necking. C’mon. Inquiring minds want to know.”
    He shrugged. “Didn’t we already cover this the other day?”
    “Yeah, guess we did.” She coughed behind her hand to mask the bark of laughter when the tips of his ears turned red.
    “Well, she’s the coolest girl in school. And she’s fun. And she’s Coach’s daughter.” He turned to stare out the window. “All the guys say I’m lucky she even talks to me.”
    Something about the way he said it pulled on Izzy’s heart. She knew what it was like to be in the shadow of the girl everyone thought was perfect. She didn’t want him  hanging out  with Samantha Tisdale for the wrong reasons. “Well, do  you  think you’re lucky to be  hanging out ?”
    Another shrug.