Playing for Keeps Read Online Free PDF

and all-around-quiet-in-the-midst-of-any- quince -storm member.”
    Valeria flicked her long, pin-straight, jet black hair away from her face shyly and waved at Carmen. Carmen waved back and, with a big smile, said, “Nice to meet you, Valeria, I’m looking forward to working with you.”
    â€œI’m Jamie Sosa,” Jamie said before Alicia could introduce her. “I’m the AV department of Amigas Inc. Everything from oil painting to digital video, I’m your girl.”
    â€œHi,” Valeria said. “Cool sneakers. Aren’t those from Tokyo?”
    â€œWhoa,” Jamie said, clearly impressed. “How’d you know that?”
    â€œI have a little skateboard sneaker collection,” Valeria replied. “Not many, but I love each and every pair.”
    â€œ Mija , that’s a sure sign that you and I are going to get along just fine,” Jamie said enthusiastically. “I’m a complete and total sneaker freak. I bet your sneaker stash is amazing.”
    After Gaz said his hellos, they gathered up their various bags. “Okay, you all,” Ranya said, clapping her hands and bringing everyone to attention. “We need to get this party on the road.”
    Because they were such a big group, two of the ranch managers had driven out to meet the Miami crew at the airport. From the moment the Castillo Ranch vans rolled out of the Austin city limits and onto the I-35, the group was unusually silent. They’d heard about the Texas plains—and seen them, on TV at least. In an effort to “ pre -prepare,” Jamie had insisted that they watch half a dozen independent films set in Texas. But it was different seeing it up close. Miami was all art deco architecture mixed with sleek high-rises, surrounded by the glitz of South Beach, the majestic expanse of the ocean, and all of the lush island flora. Texas, by comparison, was like an Andrew Wyeth painting—rolling hills, knee-high grass, hundred-year-old oaks, and Huck Finn–worthy streams.
    When the sound of growling stomachs began to fill the van, Valeria texted her mother, who was riding in the other van with Marisol, to suggest that the group stop for lunch. The Miami guests had been traveling since early morning, and their stomachs could attest to the fact that they were hungry.
    â€œI need a nap,” Gaz said, nodding. “But I need food more than sleep.”
    â€œWell, this place is right down the road from the ranch, and it has what the Austin locals think is the best barbecue in Texas,” Valeria said.
    Gaz sat up and rubbed his hands together. “I’ll take your best barbecue, thank you very much. Then I’ll take seconds.”
    Ninety minutes later, despite the beautiful surroundings, the Miami natives were starting to get officially cranky and restless.
    â€œWhere the heck are we?” Jamie muttered.
    â€œThis is hill country,” Valeria replied, turning around in the front passenger seat to face her. “Isn’t it beautiful?”
    â€œWhat it is,” Jamie said, “is far. I thought you said we were going someplace nearby.”
    â€œOh, Driftwood’s not far,” Valeria said. “We should be there any minute.”
    â€œBut we’ve been driving for nearly two hours,” Alicia said, whining just a little.
    â€œYou gotta remember. It’s a big state on a big swath of land. It takes some time to get from place to place.” Then Valeria looked out the window and smiled. “See? We’re here!”
    â€œHere” was the Salt Lick Barbecue Restaurant. And it was, to put it mildly, a far cry from the group’s favorite Miami hangout, Bongos. Bongos was in the heart of South Beach, on elegant Ocean Drive. The furniture was upholstered in bright tropical patterns, and giant palm trees framed the ocean views outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.
    The Salt Lick was all outdoors, and all casual. Cooks dressed in