Sticks and Stones Read Online Free PDF Page A

accused.
              “Who’s that?”
Zee asked, choosing a donut from the box.
              “No! I’m
totally serious! He made an appointment to see us at noon!”
              Zee huffed,
“Hello? Who the hell is this storm chaser?”
              Grace’s mouth
hung open. She quickly snapped it closed and glanced at Zee. “Chase Storm is the most famous architect in Chicago.”
              Zee shrugged,
“Can’t be that famous. I’ve never heard of him.”
              Blake clapped
his hands together. “He read about us in the latest issue of Chicago magazine
and would like to discuss a business opportunity. Plus, it just so happens that
he’s friends with my brother.”
              Grace frowned.
“You don’t talk about your brother much, do you?”
              Blake blushed.
“Well, you once said that you thought hockey players were Neanderthals so I
stopped mentioning him.”
              Grace tucked
her hair behind her ears. “He’s a hockey player?”
              “Yeah. He’s a
defenseman for the Chicago Wind.”
              Zee’s eyebrows
furrowed. “Don’t you talk to him? Or is he opposed to your lifestyle?”
              Blake shook his
head. “No, Ricky’s been very supportive of my relationship with Max.”
              “How did you
and Grace meet?” Zee asked, chewing on a chocolate frosted donut.
              “Max works at
the same law firm that Grace’s ex works at. We met at a company picnic, found
that we both worked for mediocre interior design companies and decided to go
into business together,” Blake explained. “Since then we’ve managed to turn a
small profit.”
              Grace’s eyes
frantically scanned the office. It wasn’t a big office, but it was situated on
Michigan Avenue. A bit pricey, but if you wanted to make it in Chicago as an
Interior Designer, ya had to pay the big bucks. “Yep and we’ve managed to keep
our heads above water,” Grace muttered, distracted. Then a smile began to spread
across Grace’s mouth. Her abundance spell worked its magic.
     
    *        *        *
     
              Rick sat at a
booth, deep inside the restaurant, far away from prying eyes. He grinned when
he saw his breakfast companion approaching.
              “Hey good
looking,” he murmured.
              “Back at ya,
sexy,” Chase grinned as he slid into the booth. “Man, we haven’t been here in a
while, huh?”
              Rick snorted.
“No. You being married and all has put a damper on things.”
              Chase lifted an
eyebrow. “I’m going to let that comment slide because I know something’s not
right with you, so spill it.”
              “Sorry, bro.
I’m gettin’ antsy. I can’t wait to get back on the ice.”
              Chase chuckled.
“Technically you are on the ice since you’re teaching inner-city kids how to
play hockey.”
              Rick lifted a
shoulder. “Not the same. I mean, yeah, I’m having a great time with the kids,
but in two weeks the hockey clinic will be over.”
              A petite
blonde, with too much blue eye shadow, stopped by their table and took their
order after filling their coffee cups.
              Rick glanced
out the window.
              “Something’s
bothering you. Care to share?”
              Rick ran a hand
over his face. “Not much to tell. I met a woman, we shared a moment and she
left. End of story.”
              “Shared a
moment? What the fuck does that mean?”
              “See? I didn’t
tell you because I knew you’d fuck with me.”
              “Dude, I’m
sorry. Aw, c’mon, don’t pout,” Chase smirked. “Tell me about her.”
              “’I can’t
exactly describe how I feel, but it’s not quite right. And it