Best Laid Plans (The Best Girls 4)

“Yes, but they’re younger. And they’re sisters—they’ll have each other.”

“Maybe Derek could come, too.”

Anne laughed. “Surely there’s not room for another person in this house you rented.”

“Actually, the place is huge. Eight bedrooms, plus couches that make into beds as well.”

“Do you really think he’d be able to come at the last minute?” This could be just the ticket to help Charlie enjoy the trip in spite of the Josh and Olivia situation.

“According to him, he’s spending the next week moping around, missing Charlie. I think he’s fallen hard.”

“He told you that?”

“He’s a very straightforward kind of guy. I also know they only met Saturday night, and she won’t let him pay for anything or kiss her. And I know his roommate likes Hannah, and they went out for pizza tonight. But his roommate leaves this weekend for home in upstate New York.”

“And his shoe size?”

“Eleven,” said Steven.

“Really? He told you his—”

“No. I’m kidding. He didn’t tell me his shoe size.” He laughed. “He gave me a business card, so I have his contact information. Should I invite him?”

“No, I guess we should let Charlie decide. I’ll ask her in the morning.”

Chapter Seven

OLIVIA HAD HER CELL phone on speaker as she scrambled to get ready for work while talking to Grace.

“So you’re going to talk to Emily about it? That may not be a good idea, because Charlie may have enlisted Emily to help her push Josh and I together.”

“Never fear, little sis. You’re talking to the master, here,” Grace bragged. “I’ll feel her out and find out what she knows. I may even pretend to agree with her and act like I’m going to cooperate. But first, I’m going to talk to Charlie and see if you’re actually right about her feelings for Josh. It might be wishful thinking on your part.”

“Grace. You’ve got to help me. No matter what you think about Charlie, I don’t want to end up getting married next month. This is turning into a nightmare.”

“Would it be so bad to marry him?” she teased.

“Grace!”

“Okay, okay. I’m gonna help you. But I’m not gonna trick Charlie into it unless I really think she’s in love with him.”

“Can’t you take my word for it?” Olivia begged. “I’m already going crazy. I think I’ve discovered I don’t like kids. I mean, Jace and Chloe are cute and all, but they’re so loud and demanding. And you don’t have time to even sit down and watch a show on NetFlix when they’re around.”

“Someday when you have your own baby, you’ll be okay with it,” Grace assured her. “But unless you really love kids, it’s hard to cope with them when they’re not your own.”

“I don’t know how you do it—teaching those first-graders every day. I’d go crazy.”

“Well I’d go crazy if I had to stick needles into people and deal with blood and guts. I’d much rather face a roomful of screaming six-year-olds.”

“I think you only like them because they’re shorter than you,” Olivia baited her.

“Watch out. I might decide not to help you...”

“I take it back. You have to help me. Please!”

“No worries. By the end of the day, I’ll have a plan.”

JOSH WAS RUNNING LATE when he dropped Chloe off, but her angelic face lit up under a ring of blond curls when she spied Ellis and Micah. She bypassed Charlie’s arms, choosing to run straight into the middle of their wrestling match, and promptly squealing with protest when one of them stepped on her foot. Charlie gave Jace a quick hug and reassured him she would make cookies for him to eat after school. Then she raced to rescue Micah who was howling because his brother was sitting on his stomach, while Josh and Jace let themselves out of the apartment.