Ties That Bind Read Free Page B

She hated to think that Randolph might be that way. She tilted her head and looked up at him. “Why do you ask?”
    â€œI was hoping you would go to the movies with me tomorrow afternoon. James Bond’s new movie, Thunderball, is out and I heard it’s good.”
    â€œI’m going to be busy tomorrow studying,” she responded, playing it safe and feeling awful that she felt she had to.
    â€œWhat about next weekend? Can we go out then?”
    Jenna gazed at him thoughtfully. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
    He lifted a bemused brow. “Why wouldn’t it be?”
    For the life of her, Jenna couldn’t rightly say at the moment.
    A smile came to his lips when she couldn’t provide him with an answer. “I’ll tell you what. How about going to a concert with me two weekends from now?”
    â€œA concert?”
    â€œYes. The Ramsey Lewis Trio is doing a benefit concert on campus. Would you go with me?”
    Jenna hadn’t been to a concert since the free one on campus last year. “Yes,” she said, making a decision.
    A huge smile spread across his face. “Good. Can I call you during this week, too?”
    She smiled back. “Sure.”
    â€œWhat’s your phone number?”
    As she rattled off the number, he mentally stored it in his head. “Are you going to the game next Saturday?”
    â€œI hadn’t planned on it. I’ll probably be too busy studying.”
    He nodded then reached into his pockets and pulled something out. “This is a free pass if you change your mind and decide to come. You can get in as my guest,” he said, handing it to her. When their hands touched he heard her quick intake of breath. He was glad. If being around her was playing hell on his senses he was happy to know that she was suffering that same effect.
    â€œThank you and thanks for making sure I got home safely.”
    â€œIt was my pleasure.” He smiled.

    â€œGood night, Randolph.”
    â€œGood night.”
    Quickly turning, Jenna raced up the steps to the building, opened the door and slipped inside.
    For a long while after she had gone, Randolph stood watching the closed door.
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    Bronson College, Boston, Massachusetts
    â€œAren’t you worried about not passing Professor Dunbar’s class?”
    Angela Douglass smiled up at a fellow student as they walked together from the library. Already the air was filled with a chill and the weather reports indicated there would be light snow on the ground in the morning. “No, I’m not worried. Professor Dunbar will assign me a tutor before letting me fail.”
    â€œMust be nice to have connections.”
    She heard the deep sarcasm in Sandra Sawyer’s voice but chose to ignore it. “It is.” She then glanced at her watch, a present from her parents on her eighteenth birthday two years ago. “I’ve got to run. This is the night Mrs. Hightower is entertaining and I promised her that I would help. See you later.”
    Sandra watched Angela until she had disappeared from view, thinking some people had it too easy. Just because Angela was a descendant of Frederick Douglass, everyone treated her like she was a queen. She went to class when she was ready and did half the work and still managed to get good grades, all because her family was close friends with Dean Hightower.
    As Sandra crossed the street, heading for her dorm, she thought of how unfair that was.
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    â€œYou did an outstanding job tonight, Angela. The next time I talk to your parents I’m going to let them know just what a big help you were.”
    â€œThank you, Mrs. Hightower.” Whenever she had to deal with Leanne Hightower Angela knew to be on her best behavior. She was well aware that her parents often checked up on her.

    â€œThe last time I talked to your mother she said that things were pretty serious between you and that Fuller boy.”
    Angela