Best Dating Rules, Tamie Dearen [literature books to read txt] 📗

Candace took the picture. But Spencer accused me. Isn’t that why your mom went on TV last night?”

She tried to remember what Steven had told her. Something vague about the press having a couple of pictures.

“Candace had better steer clear of me for the rest of her life. I don’t know what I might do or say if I see her again. And I can’t believe Spencer didn’t tell me about it yesterday.”

“Oh, I hope you won’t be too mad at him. I probably shouldn’t have mentioned it. I think he told me he was going to keep you from finding out. He probably didn’t want you to know.”

“He has no right to keep something like that from me.”

“That’s how Spencer is. He does stuff like that all the time. I don’t mind though—I think it’s cute.”

“Well I don’t think it’s cute at all.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to start a fight between you. Please don’t tell him I told you. Then he’ll be even madder at me. Please! I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“I won’t tell him. But if you didn’t take the picture, he shouldn’t be mad at you anyway.”

“I know.” She sniffed again. “It’s so awful. I like him so much, but he gets angry for no reason. But I always forgive him... I can’t help myself.”

This was a side of Spencer she’d never seen—controlling, angry, accusing, unforgiving. She felt a little better about her date with Asher, and a little less guilty for lying to Spencer about it.

“So where are you going on your date Thursday night?” Becca asked.

“We’re supposed to meet at some place called Green Scene. It’s not really a date, though. We’re only going for coffee, and I’m paying for my own.”

“I’ve been there. It’s a cool jazz bar. What time are you going?” she asked casually.

“We’re meeting at eight thirty. So jazzercise is definitely out.”

“What are you wearing?”

“I don’t know. I figured jeans.”

“Oh, no. You need to dress up for that place. I think you should wear a dress or a skirt.”

“Really, I thought it was a casual place.”

“I’m sure you’ll feel underdressed if you wear jeans. Is your art teacher cute?”

“Actually, he’s pretty hot, but we’re just going to talk about art class.”

“Sure you are. Anyway, thanks for talking to me. I feel better.”

“No problem. Maybe we’ll do jazzercise next week.”

“Sounds great.”

Why would Spencer hide his relationship with Becca? Grace had mentioned how many times Becca had called his cell on Monday night, although he’d denied dating her. Maybe he preferred his girlfriends to be well endowed. Since he’d apparently lied to her about Becca, she wouldn’t feel guilty for her little white lie concerning Asher.*****

“Are you sure you feel up to it? I think it’s a bad idea.” Steven asked for what seemed like the umpteenth time.

“Steven. I’m much better. I’ve gained back two pounds.”

“But the doctor said it’s only water weight.”

Anne put on her most sad puppy face. “Please, Steven. I haven’t seen Gram and Gus in weeks.”

“But you’re not supposed to over-exert.”

“I only have to walk to and from the car. I should be fine without the IV for three hours. And we can take it along just in case.”

“But Gram will be upset when you don’t eat anything.”

“She’s already upset. She’ll be less upset when she sees I’m feeling fine and I can walk around. And I’ll eat a bit. I’m doing pretty well with bread. Please, please, please! I’m going stir-crazy in this apartment all day.”

“But it’s only Wednesday night. You’ve only spent two days in the apartment, and you have Connie to keep you company.”

“Yes, Connie’s great, but I miss seeing people and doing things. You know how I am. One short evening out at Gram’s house can’t hurt anything.”

“Fine. We’ll go. But only if you have a really good day tomorrow.” He seemed irritated. “I can’t believe I let you talk me into these things. If something happens—“

“Nothing’s going to happen.”

“That’s what you said when we went on the hike. Remember?”

“That marriage book said you couldn’t bring up the past when you’re having an argument. So you can’t bring up Saturday.”

“This is not an argument. This is you getting your way again, like you always do.”

“Oh, and another rule was you’re not supposed to say things like you always and you never.”

“How about this… I seldom get my way because you constantly get your way because I’m a big pushover where you’re concerned.”

“Oh you’re definitely not a pushover. I have to work hard to win every single battle.” Steven started to tickle her, but she cried out, “Ouch, ouch!”

“What? Did I hurt you? Is it the IV needle?”

She laughed. “No, I was kidding.”

“You’re going to cry wolf one too many times.”

With one hand, he pinned both of hers, and reached to tickle her side. She squirmed and cried out, laughing. He stopped when her cell phone rang.

“Saved by the bell, but only temporarily.”

She answered the call, winking at him. “Emily, I’m glad you called. Really glad.”

“Only a temporary reprieve,” he whispered in her ear.

“Hey, Mom. I thought I’d invite myself up there for an early dinner on Thursday.”

“You’re in luck. We’re going to Gram’s on Thursday night for dinner. You can come with us. She’d love to see you, I’m sure.”

“Oh... well I have plans for later in the evening on Thursday.”

“Okay. We haven’t eaten tonight. Why don’t you come up? I really miss seeing people. Especially you.”

“I can come tonight, but it doesn’t really solve my problem.”

“What’s your problem?”

“I’ve sort of told a white lie, and I was trying to make it mostly true.”

“How on earth did you get yourself in this sort of a pickle? Who did you lie to?”

“If I tell you, Mom, you can’t tell anyone. Not even Steven.”

“I won’t tell Steven.” At her declaration, he opened his eyes wide. “What happened?”

“I’m going to meet my art teacher for coffee Thursday night, so I canceled pizza with Spencer. And I told him I was having dinner with you so I wouldn’t