A Bookie's Odds Read Online Free

driver’s side.
    They rode in silence, and Nicholas knew Georgia was contemplating his uncle’s offer. A week earlier, she had confided in him the trouble she was having in finding a job. Before reviewing her applications, interviewers would point her in the direction of the secretarial pool. And those were the ones who had been able to look beyond her complexion. One potential employer presented her with a mop and told her to empty the trash when she was finished with the floor.
    The job at the diner was the opportunity Georgia had been hoping for. Yet Nicholas’s protective instincts kept him from supporting her. There were some places she should not frequent, just like there were some men she should not get involved with.
    Realizing his objections would start an argument, Nicholas decided to drop the subject for the time being.
    “I’m wearing a navy blue suit tonight,” he announced.
    Georgia turned to him and raised her eyebrows. “Why should I give a hoot about what you wear?”
    “Figured you’d want to know so we don’t clash.”
    “And why would we?”
    “I’m taking you to the club.”
    She rolled her eyes so hard he was surprised she did not sprain her eyeballs. “You’re full of yourself. You don’t even know if I’m going.”
    Nicholas chuckled.
    “What’s so funny?”
    “You’d never miss Nonna’s birthday.”
    “Then who said I’d let you take me? Maybe I’m going with someone else.”
    Red flashed before his eyes. Nicholas’s laughter abruptly stopped. He clenched his teeth to keep his objections from escaping.
    His reaction was ridiculous. Georgia was his sister’s best friend. There was no reason he should care whether or not she went with someone else. However, the realization that his behavior was inappropriate did not stop him from insisting, “You’re going with me.”
    “You couldn’t find anyone else?”
    He had not considered asking anyone else. It would not be the same, attending a family gathering with anyone but her.
    Instead of telling her the truth, he grumbled, “Why do you have to make things so difficult?”
    “Someone needs to put you in your place. It’s presumptuous to expect people to jump at your command.”
    “Just be ready at seven,” he announced as he turned the corner.
    “Humph,” was her only response.
    He drove to the other end of the block and parked in front of a three-story building. Cardboard covered one of the windows to Sugar, the bar her father operated from the space on the ground floor.
    “What happened?”
    “Someone broke in last week.”
    “Was anyone hurt?”
    She shook her head. “It happened after closing. They were gone by the time Daddy got downstairs.”
    Nicholas noticed the stubborn glint in her eyes.
    “What’s wrong?”
    Georgia sighed. “When I came downstairs, Daddy was reading something. I asked him about it, but he shoved the paper in his pocket and told me it was nothing.”
    “Don’t you trust your father?”
    “I want to know what’s going on.”
    “Stop worrying.” He brushed his hand across her cheek. “If it was serious, I’m sure your father would tell you.” Despite his statement, he made a mental note to speak to his father. Over the years, the two men had become good friends, and his father watched the other man’s back just as he did Georgia’s.
    Nicholas climbed out of the car, strolled to the passenger side, and opened the door. “Don’t forget, I’ll be back at seven.” He reached into the back and grabbed the shopping bag.
    Georgia sucked her teeth. “You’re so full of yourself.” She climbed out of the car.
    “Confidence is a virtue.”
    “Or a sign of arrogance.” Georgia took the bag from him and sauntered toward the stoop.
    Though she had not confirmed their date, Nicholas had no doubt she would be ready when he returned. Despite her declaration, his assumption was based on habit, not arrogance.
    Since Celeste’s sixth birthday, she had not missed a Santiano celebration.