Best Dating Rules (The Best Girls 2)

“But didn’t you say you and Spencer were only friends. Why should he be mad?”

“It’s... It’s because I lied to him.”

“Well, frankly, I think you’ve been leading him on. I think that’s why he always comes back to me, over and over again. Every time we’ve broken up for some reason, he always comes back to me. I think it’s because he knows he can count on me to be honest.”

At this revelation, Emily fought the urge to abandon her quest. But since she’d finally admitted to herself how much she liked Spencer, she wasn’t going to give up without trying.

“I don’t think I’ve been leading him on—at least I didn’t mean to. But you still haven’t told me where the hike is tomorrow.”

“Why do you want to know if you’re not planning to go?”

“Uhmm… well… my sister might want to go. She’s in town.”

“Your sister?”

“She likes outdoor stuff like that. Hiking and such. So, where is the hike? And where are y’all camping Saturday night?”

“We’re, uhmm... Let me think. We’re hiking a trail called Devil’s Path and camping at Devil’s Tombstone.”

Devil’s Tombstone sounded intimidating, but surely it couldn’t be too bad. After all, Becca had been more winded than her on the last hike. “Thanks, Becca. I... I hope you have a good time.”

“Sure... Whatever. I need to go.”

“Okay. Goodbye—“ A click sounded in her ear. It seemed Becca was no longer her friend, but then again, their friendship had been on shaky ground from the beginning. She didn’t have time to worry about Becca now—she had to concentrate on proving herself to Spencer.

Emily pulled out her laptop and located a website describing the Devil’s Tombstone hike. The more she read, the more discouraged she felt. It sounded incredibly complicated and difficult. As weak as she felt, she’d be better off starting an hour or two ahead of the group, instead of an hour behind. She’d probably make slow progress on the hike. If she started an hour late, it might be dark before she got to the campground. Starting ahead of them would be much safer. That way, if she were having trouble, the group would eventually catch up with her. A bus would take her to Tannersville, followed by Smiley’s taxi to the trailhead. She needed to leave at the crack of dawn.

She was a great planner, and she’d really thought this through. She started ticking off all the things she needed to pack—food, water, toothbrush, etc.

“Hey!” She jumped at Charlie’s voice behind her. When had she come back down from their parents’ apartment? “Wanna make popcorn and watch a movie?”

“Sure, but I don’t think I’ll be able to stay up too late. I was thinking you might sleep upstairs tonight…”

*****

Spencer didn’t sleep well, despite taking two Benadryl. He couldn’t stop thinking about Emily. For the first time he was learning how much rejection hurt. He had no desire for friendship with her. Friendship was fine when he thought there was a chance for something more. But since he knew the truth, it hurt too much. He needed a clean break. In fact, he might try to end his internship with Gherring Inc. early. Steven Gherring would probably understand and help him find an alternate internship through his business connections. That might be the best alternative.

Spencer forced his mind back to the task at hand—packing all his gear for the hike. He looked forward to the physical exertion. It would be a great way to clear Emily from his mind. Forever.

At the bus station, he hauled his gear to join the hiking group. But he noticed something extremely unpleasant—Becca.

“Hi, Spencer.” She tugged his arm as she spoke. “I’m so excited you’re coming. Isn’t it going to be great? The weather is perfect. I wasn’t sure you were coming. You didn’t answer my calls.”

“Becca. After the little stunt you pulled Thursday night, I really don’t want to talk to you any more.” He pivoted and jerked his arm away.

“What stunt? I didn’t do anything. What do you mean?”

He spun to face her, holding his arms out of her reach. “You tricked me into going to the Green Scene by telling me Candace was going to be there. You knew she was in Mexico.”

“I didn’t know.”

“Becca, I talked to her. I know you knew. And that’s not all I found out from Candace. But I won’t even go into that discussion. You told me the hiking group was planning to go the Green Scene, and guess what? I found out that was a lie as well.” He glared at her. “I really don’t like it when people lie to me.”

“Well, what about your precious Emily? I guess you found out she lied to you.”

He ignored her bait. “And I really didn’t appreciate the picture you sent me.”

“I thought you needed to see the truth.” She pushed her lower lip into a pout and crossed her arms. “Emily’s a slut!”