Best Dating Rules: A Romantic Comedy (The Best Girls Book 2) by Tamie Dearen Read Free Book Online

afraid she’ll think I’m trying to trick her or something since I told her there was a big group of friends going.”
    “Well, I’m no expert on relationships—it took me fifty years to finally get married—but I think Emily likes to be in control. Why don’t we let her make the decision? Just leave it to me.” He spotted Anne and Emily emerging from the elevator.
    Emily’s brows sunk low over her eyes. “I still think I should’ve brought the canned ham.”
    The face Anne turned to her husband showed desperation. “Steven, would you please give your expert opinion on supplies here.”
    “Well, first we’ve got to make an important decision about the hike. The hiking club has changed their destination. They’re headed for a strenuous seven-hour hike. So we could join them as planned, or pick another hike that’s shorter and more moderate.”
    Emily brightened. “I’ve been researching all the hikes on the AT near here. I found one that sounded really good—Silvermine Lake Loop. It’s only rated moderate and it’s a four-mile circuit.” She pulled out her phone and quickly retrieved the route information.
    “This looks good, Emily,” said Spencer. “I’ve always wanted to do this one.”
    “This will be much better for Mom. She doesn’t need to go on a seven-hour hike.”
    Anne rolled her eyes at Gherring, but he nodded. “I agree. I don’t want her to do anything so strenuous. So we’re all in agreement? And as for supplies, we won’t need so many since we’re doing this hike. We’ll never be more than an hour from the car, and there will be plenty of people on this trail if we have an unforeseen problem.”
    “Let’s go.” Emily led the way out the door.
    Spencer hung back. “Thanks, Mr. Gherring. You’re really good with women.”
    “Sometimes I get lucky. I’ve screwed up plenty of times.”
    “That’s the truth,” agreed Anne.
     
    Emily paced outside the apartment building as she waited for the others to emerge. She realized she hadn’t thought this whole thing through. She’d suggested they go on this alternative hike, but that meant they wouldn’t be going over in a group. With only the four of them, would it be like a double date? And she was still worried about her mom’s health. Steven had readily agreed her mother shouldn’t strain herself. Yet she’d done extensive research on ulcers and found no evidence physical exertion was harmful. Maybe he was simply being overprotective, but she still thought they might be hiding something.
    Spencer came out with his phone to his ear. “Hi, Becca. Yeah, I know I said I was coming on the hike. But I’m with some friends who weren’t prepared for a seven-hour hike. Yeah. Yeah, we decided to do Silverman Lake Loop instead. Uhmm, I don’t know. Who’s ‘we’? Just you and Candace? Remind me—who’s Candace? Oh yeah, I remember. Well, I guess you guys could come with us, but I don’t know if there’s room in the car for two more.”
    “Hey Spencer, my car will hold six if we get cozy.” Steven pointed to a shiny black SUV, parked and waiting on the street.
    “Uhmm, okay. There’s enough room. I guess you could come. But I heard you were one of the ones who pushed for the long hike. Oh... Oh... Well, sure. I guess we can pick you up on the way. We’re leaving right now. Fine. See you in a few.”
    “So, it looks like we’re taking Becca and Candace along. I hope you really don’t mind,” he said to Steven and Anne, with a sidelong glance at Emily.
    “Of course we don’t mind. Why should we mind? We were planning to go with a huge group before.” Her mom climbed into the car.
    “Well… I think they heard I was bringing Mr. Gherring, and maybe that’s why they decided to leave the big group and go with us. They might be weird around you. You know what I mean?”
    “I really don’t think it’ll be a problem. The star status wears off pretty quickly in these situations.” Steven leaned inside to fasten