Best Dating Rules (The Best Girls 2)

“Oh, that’s good, I guess,” Josh’s face fell.

“You didn’t tell me you’d even applied.” Emily pouted at her sister.

“It was supposed to be a surprise,” said Charlie. “Don’t tell Mom and Steven. I want to tell them myself.”

“It really would be fun if you came here to go to school,” said Emily.

Charlie’s chin jutted out. “I can’t afford to pay out-of-state tuition.”

Emily nodded. She understood not wanting to take tuition money from Steven, although he’d be glad to pay. She had the same sense of pride, feeling uncomfortable even taking the job he’d offered despite the fact she was well qualified.

Spencer frowned. “Couldn’t your—ow!” Emily kicked him under the table.

“Maybe you could get a scholarship,” Emily suggested.

“Couldn’t your dad pay for it?” Josh asked.

“No,” Charlie said firmly. “He married my mom, not me. He shouldn’t be saddled with my expensive tuition.”

Brad choked on his drink. “Are we actually talking about Steven Gherring, here? He could pay that without blinking an eye.”

“It’s the principle of the thing,” declared Emily. “My mom still shops at the second-hand clothing stores when Steven’s not around to protest. We weren’t raised to waste money or take handouts.”

“Let’s change the subject,” said Charlie. “I’ll have a Fall Break, and I’ll come to visit y’all in New York.”

“I can’t wait until Fall Break to see you,” mumbled Josh.

“I don’t think this is a good time to have this discussion,” said Charlie.

“When else can we discuss it?”

“Fine,” said Charlie. “Then let me state for the record I think you’ll probably forget about me by tomorrow and most assuredly by the end of the week. Brad, wouldn’t you say that’s a fairly accurate prediction?”

Josh glowered at Brad, but as usual, he merely laughed at his friend’s predicament. “I would say, based on Josh’s past behavior, that’s an extremely accurate prediction.” Before Charlie could gloat or Josh could explode, he held up his hand. “However...“ He waited until he had the attention of everyone at the table. “However, Josh doesn’t seem to be following his normal patterns of behavior. Not since after the two of you came out of the living room last night.” His lips spread in a teeth-flashing smile, and he winked at Charlie. “I’m just sayin’...”

“I waited six months to see Emily again, except for Skype,” said Spencer. “And she pretty much fought me the whole time. And then when she moved here, she still wouldn’t date me. But she was worth the wait.”

Josh gave him a horrified look. “Is that supposed to be encouraging?”

“Maybe not encouraging, but realistic. And I’m not as stubborn as my sister.” Emily pointed with her water glass.

“Ha!” said Charlie. “That’s a laugh. You’re twice as stubborn as me.”

“Maybe you’re right, Sister. Maybe you’re getting soft. I’ve never seen you cave as easily as you did with Josh.”

Charlie gave Emily a warning glare, but Josh shook his head. “Believe me, it wasn’t easy. None of my normal stuff works on Charlie. I’m really starting to feel insecure.”

“Really, Josh? I don’t think you even understand the concept of insecurity.”

“You’re right, Charlie.” Brad nodded toward Josh. “But if anyone can give him a taste of it, you can.”

*****

Spencer was determined to have a few minutes alone with Emily. Climbing had been fun and dinner was great, but he couldn’t stop thinking about her. It was exquisite torture to have her so near and barely be able to touch her. In the back of his mind, the entire evening, he thought about what it would feel like to kiss her again. He knew she didn’t want to kiss him, and he’d never force her. But so far, he’d had some success persuading her to bend her rule a little. If only he could get her alone...

After dinner, Brad announced he was walking Grace home. Josh pleaded and cajoled with Charlie until she relented and agreed to walk with him to get ice cream before returning to the apartment. When Charlie invited Emily and Spencer to come, the two men exchanged glances, and Spencer knew they were on the same page. Both of them were hoping to have some alone time with their Best girls. Spencer started rubbing his fingers lightly up and down on the inside of Emily’s arm, effectively rendering her incapable of speech.

“I think we’ll go back to Emily’s apartment and wait for you guys there,” he said, pulling Emily toward the waiting car. “She shouldn’t be walking too much on her sore ankle.”