Best Dating Rules (The Best Girls 2)

“What was that about?” Steven asked as she disconnected.

“I can’t tell you. I promised not to.”

“But I overheard your side of the conversation.”

“Yes, I didn’t promise you weren’t listening, and she didn’t ask.”

“You are getting more devious by the day.”

“I’m learning from you, I think.”

“I gather she cancelled with Spencer to go out with her art teacher who has an accent. And she lied about it to Spencer. And she believes something Becca told her about Spencer. Does that about cover it?”

“I couldn’t really say.”

“I have to admit, I don’t much care for Becca after spending several hours with her. Her chatter was pretty inane. And I agree with what you told Emily about trusting Spencer. I have a lot of respect for him.”

“Well, Emily’s coming up for dinner, and you’ve got to pretend not to know anything.”

“Got it,” Steven agreed. “Now where were we?” He bent over to snatch her hands, pinning them together again, and reaching out to tickle her side as she squealed. “And this is for that remark you made about liking men with accents.”

“Steven! You’re making me scream. The neighbors will hear and think you’re murdering me.”

A wicked grin slid onto his face. “Penthouse, remember? No neighbors up here...”

*****

“Hi, Becca.” Spencer finally surrendered and answered Becca’s call while walking toward his parent’s home.

“What’s wrong? Why haven’t you answered my calls? Are you mad at me?”

“No, Becca, I’m busy. I work—I don’t have time to chat during the day. What did you need?”

“I wanted to make sure you weren’t mad at me about the picture thing. You believe me don’t you? About not giving the picture to NYC Word?”

“Sure, I guess I believe you, but I haven’t talked to Candace yet. She won’t return my phone calls. Have you talked to her?”

She hesitated. “Uhmm, no.”

“Okay, Becca. If that’s all, I’ve got a lot to do tonight.”

“Well there’s one other thing. There’s a bunch of us going to the Green Scene Thursday night at eight thirty to listen to jazz. I thought you might want to come. Maybe Candace will be there, and you could ask her about the picture.”

Spencer considered her offer. He really didn’t want to spend any more time with Becca, especially if it might make her think they had a real relationship. On the other hand, he didn’t want to sit at home and think about getting ditched by Emily.

“A bunch of people? Who’s going?”

“I’m not sure. People from the hiking club.”

“Landon usually texts me when the group is doing something.”

“Well... it’s not official, I think... Maybe Landon isn’t going. We could go together if you want.”

“No, I’d rather just meet everyone there.”

“So, you’ll come for sure?”

“I’m not positive. But, I’ll probably come. I’d really like to talk to Candace.”