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“She’s wrong.” His scowl disappeared as his eyes widened. “You could help me—you could call Emily to tell her I’ve changed. You could tell her I’m not a player anymore.”
“I’ll do better. I’ll call Charlie and tell her. I’ve been wanting to get her advice anyway.” He pulled out his cell phone and dialed Charlie’s number.
“She won’t answer,” said Josh. “She texted me she was going to a movie with friends tonight.”
“Hey Spencer,” Charlie’s voice rang out. “What’s up?”
“Uhmm...” Spencer cringed at Josh’s angry expression. “I was calling to ask some advice about your sister. She, uhmm, she’s making sure we’re never alone together.”
Her laugh was so loud he pulled the phone back from his ear. “Oh, right. She’s enforcing that no kissing thing.”
“She told you about that?”
“Yeah, she told me. Sorry. Are you having a tough time?” He was irritated at the lack of sympathy in her voice.
“How do I fix it? I can’t go without kissing her. I’m dying here.”
Her laughter was musical. “You’re not going to die, Spencer. But… she’s protecting herself. She’s still convinced you’re going to drop her for some other girl.”
“I’m not.” He couldn’t hide the hurt in his voice. “I was thinking about... getting a ring.”
“Really? That’s awesome! I bet she’d quit worrying if y’all were engaged. Oh, and if you want to surprise her, I know what she likes. I mean we’ve talked about what type of diamonds and settings we like for years.”
“But I’ll have to save the money. I can’t get one that soon. You really think she won’t kiss me again until we’re engaged.” Spencer felt as if he’d been given a death sentence.
“Hopefully, you’ll find a way to convince her you’re not going to leave her for another girl. But let me warn you. We made a pact—no second chances.”
“Meaning what?” Spencer could tell Josh was straining to hear Charlie’s words.
“If we catch a guy cheating one time, that’s it. No second chances.”
Josh waved at Spencer and silently mouthed, “Tell her about me.”
“Uhmm, speaking of chances, are you giving Josh a chance? Because I think he’s trying really hard.”
Charlie groaned. “He thinks he wants me, but he doesn’t. For goodness sake, he chased my sister before he went after me. He’ll forget about me soon, and he’ll be with some other girl. Or maybe he’ll be with two or three girls. Who knows?”
Josh was shaking his head angrily and gesturing. Spencer said, “But he... He’s changed. He’s really trying hard. He’s not going out with any other girls. Ask Grace—she knows.”
“I just think it’s futile.”
“No it’s not,” muttered Josh.
“Ohmygosh! Is he there? Is that Josh? Spencer! How could you?” The phone clicked, and Charlie was gone.
“My life sucks.” Josh let his head fall onto the table with a thud.
“Mine, too. Emily’s going to hear about that phone call and give me a dressing down. Why do women make everything so complicated?”
“It’s our punishment as men. We have to suffer because Adam took that apple from Eve.”
“I hate that guy,” muttered Spencer, and Josh nodded in agreement.
*****
Emily loved watching her mom and Steven together. He was so devoted and sweet. She was truly happy her mom had found love again after being alone for so long after she was widowed. They never acted jealous or mistrustful. They had absolutely no doubts about each other’s fidelity. She was actually a little envious.
She and Spencer were having lunch with her parents in the back room at Papa’s Place in celebration of Anne’s first day back at work. Her mom looked happier and healthier than she had since the last fateful lunch at Papa’s.
