Best Dating Rules by Tamie Dearen (no david read aloud .TXT) 📕

Becca? She seems interested in Spencer.” Her mom blinked wide innocent eyes.

“Oh, you mean Betty Boobs?” Emily asked sarcastically.

Anne giggled. “I thought y’all were getting along well by the end of the hike. You have something against her besides her significant endowment? I thought y’all were becoming bosom buddies.”

“Ha, ha. Very funny. I was only trying to make them feel comfortable. Becca’s okay. But she’s not good enough for Spencer. She’s too... too...”

“Busty?” Steven grinned.

“No—too shallow. Becca and Candace were both too shallow for him. He can do better.”

“All the girls I know are too old for him,” said Anne.

“I’m having dinner with his family tonight. Maybe I should ask his sisters.”

“That sounds fun. Have you met his family?”

“I met his four sisters yesterday at Papa’s. They were crazy—you’d love them.”

“And you’re having dinner tonight? Are you supposed to bring something?”

Emily clapped her forehead with the heel of her hand. “Ohmygosh! I almost forgot. I said I’d bring Hello Dolly Bars, and I haven’t even been to the grocery store yet.”

She jumped up to give her mom a hug, cringing at the feel of her gaunt shoulders and the weakness of her embrace. “I’m sorry I have to run. I hope you’re better soon, Mom. I’m really worried about you, and so is Charlie.”

As she left, she realized her mom had never answered her question about medications. She’d have to pursue her investigation tomorrow. She wouldn’t stop until she knew the truth.

“That went well.” Anne relaxed against her husband on the couch.

“Yeah, that story about finding a wife for Spencer was really distracting.”

“That wasn’t a story—it was true. May’s been after me to find him a wife for a while. But I think Emily likes him more than she’s letting on, don’t you?”

“Really? She hardly talked to him on the hike. It’s not like they ever touch each other, even accidentally.”

“Exactly. Emily makes up her mind about people pretty quickly. She likes you, or she dislikes you. One or the other. Black and white. She’ll always try to be polite, even if she doesn’t like you. But, she won’t ever be around you voluntarily. So I know she doesn’t dislike him. And she’s so awkward around him—almost as awkward as he is around her.”

“If you say so. I didn’t notice all that. I was probably distracted by all the cleavage.”

She punched him in the chest, chuckling. “Watch out buddy. When I get my strength back, I’ll make you pay.” Then she grimaced. “Ugh. Help me up, will you?”

“Where to? Do you feel nauseated again?”

She nodded, before her feet buckled under her. He scooped her up and carried her to their bed, handing her a basin. Anne stared at the plastic tub, thinking once again there was nothing inside her to throw up. She felt like crying, but she was so dehydrated no tears emerged.

“That’s it—I’m calling the doctor. I don’t care if it’s Sunday.”

“No.” Anne spoke between dry heaves. “Let’s wait. We’ll go get an IV and call her tomorrow.”

“I think she’d want us to call. She doesn’t even know you’ve gotten worse instead of better. We haven’t talked to her since Wednesday.”

“I don’t want to bother her on the weekend.”

“Well, you’re not going to bother her—I am.” Gherring stalked from the room.

Anne could hear his voice, rising and falling. She felt the room start to spin and closed her eyes against the sensation. Then she was blissfully asleep.*****

Spencer was nervous, and with good reason. His sisters couldn’t be trusted. Even while he was cooking he observed them whispering and plotting. Occasionally they’d glance his direction, laughing out loud. True, they were aware of his observation, and they were probably egging him on. But they seemed to function together as an enemy organism whose sole purpose was to embarrass him. And tonight, he really didn’t want to be embarrassed.

Emily was special. She was a really good friend. He knew they were only friends, and it’s all they’d ever be. She’d made that perfectly clear. He knew it in his head, but his body kept thinking about other possibilities. Last November, when she was visiting her mom in New York for the first time, he’d actually hugged her. He’d had a great excuse, sharing his warmth by wrapping her inside his coat on a windy water cruise. But he’d enjoyed it immensely. Now, all these months later, he could still remember exactly what it felt like to hold her tight, as she snuggled against him. The tingle of her arms around his back. The clean scent of her hair. The awareness of her soft areas pressed against his firm muscles. If he closed his eyes, he could almost feel it like it was happening now. He imagined her huddling against him. He sensed her body relaxing against the warmth of his chest. He remembered how his heart swelled with the knowledge he was protecting her.

“Spencer. Are you listening?” His mother’s voice invaded his mind.

“Oh, sorry. What did you say?” His face flamed.

“I was telling you the back burner isn’t working any more.”

“Okay, thanks. I’ll work around it. Are you getting it fixed?”

She groaned. “Maybe after I get a job. I’ve had several interviews, but new RNs get the worst schedules. Everything I’ve been offered has been working nights. I’d never get to see your dad.”

He gave her a hug with his arm, holding his shrimp-covered fingers away from her. “I’m so proud of you, Mom, for finally getting your RN. Surely you’ll find a good job soon.”

“So… Tell me about this girl who’s coming to dinner.”

Grace grinned. “Yes, Spencer. Tell us about Emily.”

He glared at Grace. “You invited her. Why don’t you tell us about her?”

“Oh. I’m confused. Hannah told me she was Spencer’s new girlfriend.” His mother scratched her head.

Spencer switched his glare to Hannah. “She’s just a girl I work with. She’s a friend.”

“Maybe,” said Grace. “But I don’t think so. At least, I think you like her more than that. I’m not sure how she feels, but I