Best Dating Rules (The Best Girls 2)

“Yes, Ma’am,” said Brad. “We’re third year residents at Mercy General.”

“She needs that foot elevated, and she needs to take some anti-inflammatories for the sprain,” Josh said. “But, I’m pretty sure nothing’s broken. Icing it would also be good—twenty minutes on, twenty minutes off.”

“What about dinner?” asked Charlie. “Can you wake her up?”

Anne frowned down at her sleeping daughter. “If you gave her hydrocodone, she’ll probably be out cold until tomorrow morning.”

Josh chuckled. “Well, she warned me she had a strong reaction to drugs. But I didn’t know she was that bad.”

“Mom,” said Charlie, “I told the guys they could shower off and change here, so we could go eat. Is that okay?”

“Sure,” said Anne, glancing at Steven for confirmation.

“No problem,” Steven said. “Follow me. We’ve got a couple of showers available.” He led Josh and Brad into the back.

Grace dragged her sisters over to the couch. “Mrs. Gherring, these are my sisters. Olivia, Hannah, and Claire.”

“Nice to meet you,” said Anne. “They’re so tall! What happened to you

, Grace?”

“We think her dad was the mailman.” Olivia waggled her eyebrows at Grace, who whacked her sister on the back of her head.

“My Grandma was short, too. And she tells me what we lack in height is made up for in beauty.”

“I think it’s made up for in mouth. Ow!” Olivia giggled as Grace whacked her again.

“Are you in school, Olivia?” asked Anne.

“Yes, ma’am. I’m in nursing school.”

“And what about you, Hannah?”

“I just finished my first year of college—majoring in undecided.”

“Way to go Hannah. Keep it up and you can come be a ski bum with me.” Charlie gave her a high-five.

“Claire? What about you?”

“I’m a junior in high school next year. And I’m going to be an accountant.”

“Claire, you can’t even keep up with your purse. How will you keep track of people’s money?” Olivia stifled a laugh.

“Easy—it’s all virtual. I’m great with virtual stuff, like video games.”

“What about you, Grace? Are you still in school?”

“No, ma’am. I teach first grade, but I’m off for the summer.”

“The bad thing is she’s the same size as her students,” teased Olivia.

Spencer wandered back into the room and sat down across from the couch, staring at Emily, his mouth downturned.

Anne cleared her throat, catching his attention.

“I’m sorry she’s asleep, Spencer. Are you going to dinner? I know you’re starving, and she’s not likely to wake up tonight.”

“You should come to dinner, Spencer. It’ll be fun.” Charlie walked behind him to nudge his shoulder.