Bad Girls Finish First Read Online Free Page A

saw you, I told the guys to go on without me.” John said as he pulled out a chair.
    John Reese wasn’t Christopher’s uncle; he and his wife, Maggie, were his godparents. Although there was no blood between them, the Reeses and Josephs were family in the truest sense of the word. When Michael and Grace were married, they’d gone over to the Reeses at least once a month for Sunday dinner. Every other year they took a family vacation together.
    John was like an older brother to Michael, not just any older brother, but the type who raised their younger siblings because the parents ran off or died. John had been his touchstone, his advisor and protector. They stood by each other, come what may, and told one another the truth, even when it hurt.
    Since the divorce, John seldom saw Christopher. Now they caught up on everything—John asked Christopher about work and about Evan, but he was careful not to mention Michael.
    â€œGrace, what about you, keeping yourself busy?” John asked.
    â€œSure,” she answered, her eyes still downcast.
    â€œDoing what?”
    â€œOh, you know, different things,” she said in a small voice.
    John gave Christopher a look that asked, “Is she any better?” Christopher shook his head. As far as he knew, Grace spent most of her time watching TV.
    â€œI’ve got a lot going on, myself,” John said. “Too much, in fact.” He caught Grace’s eye and said, “I feel like I’m drowning.”
    She didn’t say anything, so Christopher chimed in. “If anybody can juggle ten things at once, it’s you. What’s got you so busy?”
    John leaned back and sighed. He rubbed a hand across his close-cropped gray hair. “I’m trying to set up a literacy program at the junior high school around the corner from the bookstore.”
    â€œFor who, adults in the neighborhood?” Christopher asked.
    â€œNah, for the kids at the school. You’d be surprised at how many twelve-year-olds read like they’re in the second grade.”
    Grace looked up from her gumbo. Christopher, who watched his mother intently whenever they were together, saw interest flicker across her face.
    â€œThe kids are eager to get started,” John said. “So is the principal of the school, but finding volunteers . . .” John threw his hands up. “It’s impossible.”
    â€œI guess everybody’s at work during the day,” Christopher commented.
    â€œLack of time isn’t the problem, it’s lack of interest. My retired friends would rather spend their time in the casinos. And college kids aren’t like they were back in your day, Grace,” John said. “These youngsters would rather zone out on videos than spend a few hours helping a child.” He nodded toward Christopher. “Present company excepted.”
    John stroked his mustache, and stared toward the ceiling. “I need somebody who connects well with children, someone patient and loving.”
    Grace was listening so intently that it startled her when John said, “What about you, Grace? I realize you’re probably quite busy, but if there’s any way you can find a little time to help me I’d be grateful.”
    â€œI couldn’t,” Grace said.
    â€œMom, you’d be great. Evan and I both love to read, and it’s all because of you,” Christopher said.
    John placed his hand over Grace’s and said, “These children need somebody, Grace. Can you imagine what it must be like, being locked in your own narrow world, needing help but not having anybody to reach out to? After a while a person starts to feel hopeless, resigned to being left behind. That’s how it’s going to go for these boys if they don’t learn how to read.”
    Grace looked squarely at John. Her expression was serious, but Christopher could see a glimmer of the beauty she usually hid. “Yes John, I can imagine