Best Dating Rules by Tamie Dearen (story books to read .TXT) 📗

“He was over at the house last night, working with Joe. I only saw him for a bit after I came home from hot yoga. He seemed more quiet than usual, but he was probably tired.” She smiled proudly. “He always makes time to come and help his father.”

“He seems like a great guy. I can’t imagine raising five kids. Are your girls as mature as Spencer?”

Connie shook her head. “Uhmm, no. Not quite. But they’re getting there.”

“I’d love to meet them. Emily really likes your family. Maybe we could get together when Charlie comes to visit.”

“Now, Charlie is...?”

“Charlotte, actually. She goes by Charlie. She’s my younger daughter.”

“That could be really fun, although it might be a little loud, with six girls together. How old is Charlie?”

“She’s about to be twenty-three.”

“And is she a CPA like Emily?”

“Oh no. Charlie is more of a... free spirit.” Anne chuckled. “She started college, but she had no idea what she wanted to do. So—at least for now—she lives in Colorado and leads rafting trips in the summer and teaches skiing in the winter. She’s my adventurous, outdoorsy girl.” Anne cocked her eyebrow at Connie. “To tell you the truth, when they all met last fall, I thought she and Spencer might hit it off.”

Connie’s eyes sparkled. “But it seems like Emily and Spencer have hit if off instead, doesn’t it?”

“Well, not that I want to be an interfering mother—” Anne paused and then smirked. “Who am I kidding? I love being an interfering mother. I wonder if there’s anything we could do to spur the relationship along?”

“What about Emily? Do you think she likes Spencer?”

“I think she’s afraid of liking him. I think she’s afraid of liking anyone.”

“Why’s that?”

“She wants everything planned out, and she likes to control things. And I think she’s afraid to trust a guy. I’m really afraid Spencer will give up before she lets her defenses down.”

“He doesn’t really talk to me. Maybe the girls—I don’t know for sure. I might ask Grace what she thinks. Surely we’ll think of something.”

“Yes, we’ll have to think of something.”

Anne’s cell phone rang. “Hi, Steven.”

“Hey, Sweetheart. I’ve got news for you.”

“What’s that?”

“Your first fan mail has started arriving. At least I assume that’s what it is. We have a stack of letters addressed to Mrs. Anne Gherring, care of Gherring Inc.”

“Seriously? Fan letters? What if it’s hate mail instead?”

“It’s possible, but not likely. Or it could even be people asking for money. But the HER Foundation told me they thought your interview would raise awareness. They expected some women to contact you. You can even refer them all to the foundation if you want. I want to screen them for you, though, just in case there are any nutcase letters.”

“Have there been any more articles in the tabloids?”

“No. Evidently, NYC Word doesn’t consider you newsworthy since you went mainstream.”

“I’m really glad it’s over,” said Anne.

“Yes, well... You know it’s not exactly over. The HER Foundation mentioned having you as a keynote speaker for a fundraiser.”

She felt the blood drain from her face. “I’m actually hoping my appeal will wear off before I have to do something like that.”

“We’ll see. But don’t count on it. You could work on writing a speech in all your spare time at home,” he teased.

“I’d like to do some real work. Surely there’s something I could do from home. I’m hoping I can go back to work in a week or two.”

“Hmmm.”

“Hmmm? What does that mean?”

“Nothing. Just hmmm.”

“I think that’s short for I’m avoiding this subject. Don’t you need me at work?”

“Nope, not at all. Things are so much better without you here.”

“Steven!”

“What do you want me to say? Of course I miss you. We all do. But right now your health and the baby’s health are the priority.”

Anne let out a huge sigh. “I know, but I don’t feel useful.”

He chuckled. “When I come home tonight, I’ll feel you and see if you feel useful.”

“No thanks. I don’t need any help to know how I feel.”

“But I want to help.” She could hear the smile in his voice.

“Steven, you’re incorrigible.”

“Oh yes, I’m definitely encouragable.”*****

Spencer’s heart was beating fast. He was simply planning to drop by Emily’s desk and have a casual conversation. But then he’d seen her. She’d worn her hair down today, and she was even more beautiful than before. He steeled his nerves and stopped beside her cubicle.

“Hey, Emily. Your hair looks nice. What’s the occasion? I’ve never seen you wear it down before.”

Two rosy patches appeared on her cheeks. “Uhmm, I don’t know. I just thought I’d try something different.”

“I didn’t even know you had curls. Or do you curl it? I never understand my sisters. They use curling irons and straightening irons. Sometimes they use both of them at the same time. Sometimes they use the straightening iron to curl their hair. It doesn’t make any sense to me.”

“I’m too lazy to do all that. Mine’s always curly, so I put it in a braid most of the time. It’s easier to control.”

“Oh...” He suddenly felt tongue-tied. “Uhmm... I talked to my mom last night. She said your mother’s doing really well. I’m glad she’s better.”

“Yeah, me too.”

“Uhmm, so... Are you going to be with your parents all night? I mean, if you finish early, you should call. I’m probably going to listen to some jazz tonight.” When she looked hesitant, he quickly added, “And Grace is going to come.”

Emily’s entire face turned red. “I’ll... I’ll probably be there all night.”

“Oh, okay. Sure. I understand.” Was she really going to be there all night? Or was she merely making up an excuse to avoid being with him. He was probably being too pushy again. “I just thought I’d let you know. I thought Grace would like it if you came.”

“But next time I’ll go.” She was tapping her fingers nervously on her desk. “I mean... I like jazz. So, you know...”

“Yeah. Okay. Next time.”

“Or who knows? Maybe I’ll get a wild hair