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

gave in to the temptation to take a few sips. A few sips gradually morphed into an entire glass. The resulting numbing effect allowed her to focus on the music and conversation rather than thinking about her earlier confrontation with Spencer. Then his face flashed into her mind and she plunged back into her depressed state. In desperation, she stepped into the ladies room to call Charlie, but her sister didn’t answer the phone. She left a pitiful message, begging her to call back.

When she returned to the table, she found herself once again alone with Asher and a new glass of wine on the table. She considered calling it an evening, but Asher pleaded, “Let’s stay until the band breaks, and then we’ll take a stroll. It’s still early.”

Sinking back into her chair, she sipped her wine again. She usually didn’t have more than one glass of wine, so she knew better than to drink the entire glass. But after a few more swallows, she finally began to feel less miserable about the evening. The music was soft and soothing, and she relaxed as Asher rubbed lightly on her arm. Soon she felt herself drifting off, and she laid her head against his shoulder.

She awoke abruptly as a flash went off in her face. Opening her eyes, she blinked to focus on Becca standing in front of her with a victorious expression.

“Thanks for the picture! I don’t know whether to send this one to the NYC Word or to just send it to Spencer.”

Her heart was pounding, and she tried to stand up. But her legs felt wobbly and the room started spinning.

“Where are you going?” asked Asher as he gently pushed her back in her seat. “A few more songs until the band breaks. I’ll make sure you get home.”

Tears began to stream gently down Emily’s face as she laid her head back on his shoulder. She’d ruined everything. After Spencer saw this picture he’d never forgive her. And for what? Asher might have a cool English accent, but he wasn’t any better looking than Spencer. In fact, Spencer had nicer teeth. And he was taller. She liked really tall guys. And Spencer was sweeter. And he didn’t talk her into drinking alcohol. She liked Spencer better than Asher. She liked... Spencer. She liked Spencer, and it was too late. She’d ruined everything.

She dozed off again and woke up at Asher’s gentle urging. “Wake up, love. Here, finish your drink.” She sat up and grabbed the table to stop the room from spinning. Only a glass and a half. She shouldn’t be dizzy.

“No. I don’t feel good. I don’t want any more wine.”

“But you haven’t even finished a second glass.”

“No. I need to go home. I have to work tomorrow.”

“Okay, fine.” His voice was terse. “Let’s go.”

She stood up, leaning against him for support as they started for the door. He chuckled. “You don’t drink much, do you? Less than two glasses of wine, and you can’t even walk by yourself?”

The room tipped at an awkward angle. “I—I think I need to sit down. Can you call me a taxi?”

“Sure. Are you okay?”

“Yes. I’m fine.” His eyes appeared in her vision, topped by brows wrinkled with concern. His face flew away as everything went black.*****

Spencer couldn’t believe it. Emily was totally smashed. Passed out, drunk! When Grace had called him to come and help her, he’d almost refused. He wanted to throw up when he first received the offensive picture of Emily cozying up with the blond guy whose muscles were busting out of his shirt. Now he was just angry. Angry with Becca for sending him the photo. Angry with Emily for lying to him. Angry with himself for wasting his time and emotions on her.

She’d evidently passed out at the bar, and the stupid blond guy didn’t even know where she lived. What was she doing out with a guy she barely knew? He’d looked in her cell phone and found Grace’s number and called her to come fetch Emily. He hadn’t even stayed around to make sure she’d come. When Spencer arrived with Grace, the blond guy was long gone. And Emily was drunk. Incoherent. Asleep. He’d had to pick her up and carry her to the taxi, and she hadn’t even woken up.

“Should we call her parents?” Grace asked.

“No, we should probably stick her in her room and let her sleep it off.”

“Spencer, I know you’re hurt. But think for a minute. She’s not waking up. I don’t think she drinks that much.”

“Well, maybe she drinks more when she’s out on a hot date.”

Grace grabbed his arm. “Or maybe it’s something besides alcohol. Maybe you’re right—maybe she’s just drunk. But if not, if someone gave her something—some type of drug—she could die from it.”

She could die? He wanted to yell at her or maybe he never wanted to speak to her again. But he didn’t want her to die. “So what do you propose?”

“I say, let’s call Mr. Gherring and let them make the decision. It’s the right thing to do.”

“Okay, but I don’t want him to think I got her drunk.”

“He won’t—I’m your witness.”

Gherring answered on the second ring.

“Spencer? What’s wrong?”

“Uhmm. Well, this is a little weird. But Grace got a call that Emily was passed out at a bar, and we came to get her. We have her in a taxi, headed for home. But... Well, she isn’t waking up. So, do you want us to take her home or to your place or to the—”

Gherring interrupted. “Wait. Just a second.” Spencer heard muffled talking in the background and raised voices. “Spencer, thank you. I’m sorry to ask this. But will you please take her to the hospital. I’m on my way.” He heard arguing. “No, you’re not going. Don’t be ridiculous.” More muted words. “Okay. Okay. I’ll tell the doctor she’s never been drunk before. I’ll tell them. I’ll tell them. They’ll test her. They’ll do blood tests. They’ll figure out