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

women.”
     
    Emily’s mom lounged on the couch. Her color was better, but she looked thin—like she could easily snap in two.
    “So you’re feeling better?”
    “Yes, much better. Tell me about Spencer? Are you sure you’re only friends ? He’s such a nice boy.”
    “Yes, we’re friends. So what medicines are you taking for your ulcer?” Emily had done a thorough Internet search on ulcers. She was prepared to catch her mom if she was lying.
    “Are you really sure you’re only friends?”
    “Yes, we’re just friends. And what medicine did you say you’re taking?”
    “Some type of antacids. Uhmm, I forget.” She fidgeted with a button on her shirt, refusing to make eye contact. “I wanted to know if you were really only friends, because his Aunt May wants me to match him with someone.”
    “May asked you to match him up?” Something heavy fell to the bottom of her stomach.
    “Yes. You know, she wants me to find a wife for him.”
    “Mom, maybe Spencer doesn’t want you to find someone for him. Maybe he’s not ready to get married. Have you thought of that?”
    “No, he told me a while back he’d love for me to find someone for him. In fact, before y’all came to visit me in New York, I showed him a picture of you and Charlie. He told me he’d take either one of y’all.”
    “Either one?” Why did that bother her?
    “I think he meant he thought y’all were both cute,” Anne clarified.
    “Well... If Spencer wants a wife, I guess you should find him one. Do you have someone in mind?”
    “No, I actually thought you could help me look. I don’t know him that well, and I don’t meet a lot of young people.”
    “Sure, I guess. You know, he told me he wasn’t even interested in dating anyone right now. Are you sure he still wants a wife?”
    “I guess he could’ve changed his mind, but to be honest, most guys don’t know they want a wife when they find one.”
    “That’s true.” Steven walked in and sank onto the couch next to Anne. “I was determined to remain single for the rest of my life.”
    “But Spencer’s still in grad school,” Emily reasoned.
    “Doesn’t he graduate in December?” asked Steven.
    “I guess that’s true,” said Emily. “Still, he doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to settle down.”
    “What do you think about Becca? She seems interested in Spencer.” Her mom blinked wide innocent eyes.
    “Oh, you mean Betty Boobs?” Emily asked sarcastically.
    Anne giggled. “I thought y’all were getting along well by the end of the hike. You have something against her besides her significant endowment? I thought y’all were becoming bosom buddies.”
    “Ha, ha. Very funny. I was only trying to make them feel comfortable. Becca’s okay. But she’s not good enough for Spencer. She’s too... too...”
    “Busty?” Steven grinned.
    “No—too shallow. Becca and Candace were both too shallow for him. He can do better.”
    “All the girls I know are too old for him,” said Anne.
    “I’m having dinner with his family tonight. Maybe I should ask his sisters.”
    “That sounds fun. Have you met his family?”
    “I met his four sisters yesterday at Papa’s. They were crazy—you’d love them.”
    “And you’re having dinner tonight? Are you supposed to bring something?”
    Emily clapped her forehead with the heel of her hand. “Ohmygosh! I almost forgot. I said I’d bring Hello Dolly Bars, and I haven’t even been to the grocery store yet.”
    She jumped up to give her mom a hug, cringing at the feel of her gaunt shoulders and the weakness of her embrace. “I’m sorry I have to run. I hope you’re better soon, Mom. I’m really worried about you, and so is Charlie.”
    As she left, she realized her mom had never answered her question about medications. She’d have to pursue her investigation tomorrow. She wouldn’t stop until she knew the truth.
     
    “That went well.” Anne relaxed against her husband on the couch.
    “Yeah, that story about