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“No.” Anne spoke between dry heaves. “Let’s wait. We’ll go get an IV and call her tomorrow.”
“I think she’d want us to call. She doesn’t even know you’ve gotten worse instead of better. We haven’t talked to her since Wednesday.”
“I don’t want to bother her on the weekend.”
“Well, you’re not going to bother her—I am.” Gherring stalked from the room.
Anne could hear his voice, rising and falling. She felt the room start to spin and closed her eyes against the sensation. Then she was blissfully asleep.
*****
Spencer was nervous, and with good reason. His sisters couldn’t be trusted. Even while he was cooking he observed them whispering and plotting. Occasionally they’d glance his direction, laughing out loud. True, they were aware of his observation, and they were probably egging him on. But they seemed to function together as an enemy organism whose sole purpose was to embarrass him. And tonight, he really didn’t want to be embarrassed.
Emily was special. She was a really good friend. He knew they were only friends, and it’s all they’d ever be. She’d made that perfectly clear. He knew it in his head, but his body kept thinking about other possibilities. Last November, when she was visiting her mom in New York for the first time, he’d actually hugged her. He’d had a great excuse, sharing his warmth by wrapping her inside his coat on a windy water cruise. But he’d enjoyed it immensely. Now, all these months later, he could still remember exactly what it felt like to hold her tight, as she snuggled against him. The tingle of her arms around his back. The clean scent of her hair. The awareness of her soft areas pressed against his firm muscles. If he closed his eyes, he could almost feel it like it was happening now. He imagined her huddling against him. He sensed her body relaxing against the warmth of his chest. He remembered how his heart swelled with the knowledge he was protecting her.
“Spencer. Are you listening?” His mother’s voice invaded his mind.
“Oh, sorry. What did you say?” His face flamed.
“I was telling you the back burner isn’t working any more.”
“Okay, thanks. I’ll work around it. Are you getting it fixed?”
She groaned. “Maybe after I get a job. I’ve had several interviews, but new RNs get the worst schedules. Everything I’ve been offered has been working nights. I’d never get to see your dad.”
He gave her a hug with his arm, holding his shrimp-covered fingers away from her. “I’m so proud of you, Mom, for finally getting your RN. Surely you’ll find a good job soon.”
“So… Tell me about this girl who’s coming to dinner.”
Grace grinned. “Yes, Spencer. Tell us about Emily.”
He glared at Grace. “You invited her. Why don’t you tell us about her?”
“Oh. I’m confused. Hannah told me she was Spencer’s new girlfriend.” His mother scratched her head.
Spencer switched his glare to Hannah. “She’s just a girl I work with. She’s a friend.”
“Maybe,” said Grace. “But I don’t think so. At least, I think you like her more than that. I’m not sure how she feels, but I intend to find out.”
“Grace, I’m warning you. If you do anything to—”
“I’m not going to do anything. I’m merely going to observe.”
“Grace—” Spencer began.
“Well,” his mother interrupted. “I’m just glad your friend is coming to dinner. You’ve dated all those girls, and you’ve never brought a single one to the house before. I was beginning to think you were ashamed of us.”
“Mom, please don’t say stuff like that around Emily,” pleaded Spencer.
“Like what?”
“Stuff about me dating so many girls. I don’t want her to think I’m a player.”
“What’s a player?” she asked.
Olivia jumped in. “But you are a player. Aren’t you, Spencer? At least you’ve never minded us saying it before.”
“You may not bring them home, but every time we see you, you’re with a different girl,” said Claire. “What are we supposed to call you?”
