Best Laid Plans

by Tamie Dearen

  “I know that.” He held back a frustrated groan.

  “Good,” said Grace, with a wide smile. “So, who wants to see the honeymoon pictures?”

  “NICE APARTMENT,” SAID Derek.

  “Yeah, I feel guilty about it. My stepdad’s letting me live here for free.”

  “I think Steven Gherring can afford to pay for your apartment. It’s like pocket-change to him.”

  “I know, but I don’t like to feel indebted to anyone. Up until now, I’ve managed to pay for school with scholarships and working part time. But I need to take out loans to pay for Columbia.”

  “Tell me about it. Everybody in law school has loans—don’t sweat it.”

  “Steven offered to pay for law school if I’d agree to work in their International Law department when I graduate.”

  “And you didn’t take the deal? Are you crazy?”

  “I may take him up on it next year. I want to make all A’s and prove I’m worth the investment.”

  Derek shook his head. “You’ve got a little pride issue with your stepdad, huh?”

  “Actually, I probably just have a little pride issue. Period. I can’t help it. It runs in the family.”

  “Your sister?”

  “Yep, and my mom, too. She still likes to shop at the secondhand clothing store so people won’t think she married Steven for his money.”

  “Seriously? That’s insane.”

  “I know. But Steven’s given up trying to change Mom. He just throws up his hands at her antics.”

  “I don’t know. I think I like it. You’re kind of unexpected, the way you look at things. Like, who wouldn’t take advantage of having such a rich stepfather? You’re kind of awesome like that.”

  Charlie dismissed his praise. “So I’m starving—let’s eat. How much do I owe for my half of the food and movie?”

  “I’m only letting you do this because of the pride thing. I’m not crazy you’re keeping this from being a real date by paying half.” He spread out a variety of cartons on the table, and they speared samples to fill their plates.

  “How do you know about that?” Charlie asked. “It’s supposed to be a secret.”

  “Hannah told Lance who told me all about the Best family dating rules. So I understand it’s not a real date unless I pay for something or kiss you.”

  Charlie felt the blood rush to her face. “Look Derek—”

  “So I thought maybe I’d let you pay. But you know, there’s still that other little loophole—the kissing thing,” He grinned, his eyebrows dancing.

  “I made it very clear there would be no kissing.”

  “You know, your eyes are remarkable. Golden—I’ve never seen anything like them. And when you’re angry, they look molten.”

  “Don’t try to distract me. It won’t work.”

  “I’ll be perfectly happy just to be close to you... for now.” His eyes twinkled. “Wait! Don’t get mad. I’m teasing you.”

  “Okay, but I’m serious about not dating anyone.”

  “Are you sure it’s not because of that Josh guy?”

  “No! I mean, of course not. Josh is marrying Olivia.”

  “Hmmm. That’s not what she said. And he seemed awfully protective of you. Are you sure there’s not something else going on between you two?”

  “No way—we’re friends. We’ve known each other for years, but that’s all.”

  “You’re absolutely positive Josh isn’t into you?”

  “Of course I’m sure.”

  “And you don’t have some other guy you’re interested in?”

  “No one.”

  “Great.” He wore a satisfied smile. “So there’s no real reason you and I can’t date. I mean, other than your stubborn streak.”

  “I’m not stubborn. But I don’t want the complication of a boyfriend while I’m in law school.”

  “Because I might keep you from studying?”

  “Yes, exactly,” she said, relieved at his understanding.

  “Except I made the law review, so I’m much more likely to help your studying than to hinder it.” Now his blue eyes were scrutinizing hers as he leaned across the narrow table. He was close. Much too close. Charlie dropped her chopsticks.

  “You don’t know me, Derek. And I don’t know you, either. I doubt we’re compatible.”

  “Why not? Why would you assume we’re not compatible? Like you said, you don’t know me.”

  “Because I’m not... I don’t... I’m not like most people. I don’t have casual sex.” She finally got the words out, but her cheeks were burning.

  “You’re a virgin, aren’t you?”

  She opened her mouth, but no words would come out. She couldn’t believe he’d asked the question.

  “It’s not a big deal. Would you believe me if I told you I was a virgin, too?”

  “No, I wouldn’t.”

  “Okay. Actually I’m not.” He grinned. “But only because I was with one girl for four years. We were engaged, and she dumped me. She didn’t like me studying all the time after I started at Columbia. She said I didn’t appreciate her anymore, and she married some other guy six months later.”

  Charlie felt her heart break for him. She was always a softy when a guy was hurting. And something told her this was still a raw area for him. He was quiet while he chewed a bite of sweet and sour chicken.

  “Look, Charlie. I’m really not trying to sleep with you. I only want to spend time with you. I like you a lot, and I just want you to give me chance.”

  “Frankly, you’re kind of aggressive.”

  His lips stretched in a Cheshire-cat smile. “Guilty as charged. But with me, you’ll always know exactly what I’m thinking because I’ll tell you. I guess that makes me aggressive in some books, but I think it makes me honest. And frankly, a straightforward girl like you should appreciate that.”

  “I think it’s highly unfair I’m having to argue with a third-year law student when I haven’t even started my first semester.”

  “Didn’t your mom tell you? Life’s not fair.”

  “Mom also told me to beware the silver-tongued devil.”

  “She actually said that?”

  “Maybe. Maybe not.”

  He laughed. “Judge. Order the witness to answer the question, please.”

  “I take the fifth.”

  “I may hold you in contempt of court.”

  “What for? What did I do?”

  “Nothing. I’m simply looking for any excuse to hold you. Contempt of court will do.”

  “Objection!” she said.

  “On what basis?”

  “Nothing. I’m simply looking for any excuse to object to you.” She grinned back.

  “Your Honor. I respectfully ask the defendant be remanded into my custody.”

  “No, I’m going to be released on my own recognizance.”

  “I’m declaring a mistrial.”

  “On what basis?”

  “You gave false testimony. You perjured yourself.”

  “When did I perjure myself?”

  “When you said this argument was unfair because I was more experienced. You’ve obviously had way too much experience arguing. You neglected to mention that fact.”

  Charlie chuckled. “Who knew growing up with a quarrelsome older sister would provide some benefit in law school?”

  After dinner, they sat on the couch to watch the rented movie. “Hope you like Princess Bride,” he said.

  “I love it!” She launched into a quote. “Mawage. Mawage is wot bwings us togeder tooday.”

  “My name is Inigo Montoya! You killed my father! Prepare to die!” Derek started the mantra, but Charlie joined in with him at the end. And they laughed together.

  She snuggled amongst the pillows on the couch, a respectful few inches away from him, and relaxed, enjoying the movie. A few times she felt his gaze and glanced over to find him looking at her.

  “What?” she said.

  “I like to see you smile.”
<
br />   “HEY... CHARLIE? IT’S over...” She blinked her eyes in confusion and sat up swiftly when she found she’d slumped against his shoulder.

  “Calm down. No rules were broken. It still wasn’t a date.” His words were soft and soothing. “I didn’t take advantage of your unconscious state, except to enjoy the way your hair smells. Surely, you can’t begrudge me that small pleasure.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pass out on you, but I’m so exhausted.”

  “I’ll leave and let you get some sleep.” He stood up and held out his hand to pull her up from the couch. “I don’t suppose you’ve changed your mind about that kissing thing?”

  “Nope.”

  “Can I see you again before you go skiing?”

  “I don’t know. We leave Saturday. There’s not much time...” Charlie jumped at the sound of a knock on the door. She ran to peer through the peephole. “Oh, it’s my dad.”

  She jerked the door open. “Hey. Is something wrong? Did something happen to one of the boys?”

  He stepped inside and hugged her. “No, sweetie. Your mom couldn’t reach you on your cell, so I came down. Can you come up a little early again tomorrow? Say six forty-five?”

  “Sure Dad. No problem.”

  Steven’s eyes fell on the man standing behind Charlie. “Are you going to introduce me?”

  “This is Derek Vance. He’s a third-year at Columbia. Derek, this is my dad, Steven Gherring.”

  “It’s an honor to meet you, sir.” He offered Steven a firm handshake.

  “Nice to meet you, too.” Steven gave Derek the once-over. “Third-year? What are your plans after graduation?”

  “I’m not sure. I interned with a firm in Chicago and one here in New York. I was kind of leaning toward the Chicago firm, but I could change my mind.” His eyes shifted toward Charlie.

  Had he just implied he might change his life plans based on her? Oh, no. This was unacceptable. “I think Chicago is a neat city. I’ve visited a friend there once. You should definitely pick Chicago.”

  He shrugged and smiled, apparently unfazed. “There’s no guarantee either firm will offer. But I’d have to take the bar exam in Illinois if I go to Chicago. It would be easier to stay in New York.”

  “Are you headed out?” asked Steven. “I’ll walk with you to the elevator.”

  “Yes, sir. Charlie kicked me out for the night.” He turned to Charlie, almost leaning in for a kiss, but instead, turning his head to give her a hug. “Goodnight, Charlie. I hope I get to see you before you’re gone for a week of skiing. But if not, have a great time and do a few mogul runs for me.”

  Charlie let out a breath as she shut the door behind them. Keeping him at bay was a bit exhausting. A week apart should help him cool off. He’d actually been a perfect gentleman, but she couldn’t let her guard down around him. On the other hand, she’d had an entire evening without moping about Josh being in love with Olivia. Maybe Derek was good to have around after all.

  “I’M SO EXCITED CHARLIE’S dating someone,” said Anne. “She really has seemed down about Josh, despite swearing she doesn’t have feelings for him anymore.” Anne hated knowing her child was suffering when she was helpless to do anything about it. Wasn’t it a mother’s job to kiss away her child’s hurts?

  “Well, Josh seems pretty determined to marry Olivia. I’ve got my attorneys looking into matters, but it appears the judge usually goes with the ad litem’s recommendation. And this ad litem prefers the child have a mother and a father in the home.”

  “I’m afraid this ski trip is going to be pretty awful for Charlie, having to see Josh and Olivia together all the time. And Grace has Brad. And Emily has Spencer. She’ll feel like the odd one out.”

  “But Hannah and Claire won’t have boyfriends with them,” Steven reasoned.

  “Yes, but they’re younger. And they’re sisters—they’ll have each other.”

  “Maybe Derek could come, too.”

  Anne laughed. “Surely there’s not room for another person in this house you rented.”

  “Actually, the place is huge. Eight bedrooms, plus couches that make into beds as well.”

  “Do you really think he’d be able to come at the last minute?” This could be just the ticket to help Charlie enjoy the trip in spite of the Josh and Olivia situation.

  “According to him, he’s spending the next week moping around, missing Charlie. I think he’s fallen hard.”

  “He told you that?”

  “He’s a very straightforward kind of guy. I also know they only met Saturday night, and she won’t let him pay for anything or kiss her. And I know his roommate likes Hannah, and they went out for pizza tonight. But his roommate leaves this weekend for home in upstate New York.”

  “And his shoe size?”

  “Eleven,” said Steven.

  “Really? He told you his—”

  “No. I’m kidding. He didn’t tell me his shoe size.” He laughed. “He gave me a business card, so I have his contact information. Should I invite him?”

  “No, I guess we should let Charlie decide. I’ll ask her in the morning.”

  Chapter Seven

  OLIVIA HAD HER CELL phone on speaker as she scrambled to get ready for work while talking to Grace.

  “So you’re going to talk to Emily about it? That may not be a good idea, because Charlie may have enlisted Emily to help her push Josh and I together.”

  “Never fear, little sis. You’re talking to the master, here,” Grace bragged. “I’ll feel her out and find out what she knows. I may even pretend to agree with her and act like I’m going to cooperate. But first, I’m going to talk to Charlie and see if you’re actually right about her feelings for Josh. It might be wishful thinking on your part.”

  “Grace. You’ve got to help me. No matter what you think about Charlie, I don’t want to end up getting married next month. This is turning into a nightmare.”

  “Would it be so bad to marry him?” she teased.

  “Grace!”

  “Okay, okay. I’m gonna help you. But I’m not gonna trick Charlie into it unless I really think she’s in love with him.”

  “Can’t you take my word for it?” Olivia begged. “I’m already going crazy. I think I’ve discovered I don’t like kids. I mean, Jace and Chloe are cute and all, but they’re so loud and demanding. And you don’t have time to even sit down and watch a show on NetFlix when they’re around.”

  “Someday when you have your own baby, you’ll be okay with it,” Grace assured her. “But unless you really love kids, it’s hard to cope with them when they’re not your own.”

  “I don’t know how you do it—teaching those first-graders every day. I’d go crazy.”

  “Well I’d go crazy if I had to stick needles into people and deal with blood and guts. I’d much rather face a roomful of screaming six-year-olds.”

  “I think you only like them because they’re shorter than you,” Olivia baited her.

  “Watch out. I might decide not to help you...”

  “I take it back. You have to help me. Please!”

  “No worries. By the end of the day, I’ll have a plan.”

  JOSH WAS RUNNING LATE when he dropped Chloe off, but her angelic face lit up under a ring of blond curls when she spied Ellis and Micah. She bypassed Charlie’s arms, choosing to run straight into the middle of their wrestling match, and promptly squealing with protest when one of them stepped on her foot. Charlie gave Jace a quick hug and reassured him she would make cookies for him to eat after school. Then she raced to rescue Micah who was howling because his brother was sitting on his stomach, while Josh and Jace let themselves out of the apartment.

  The morning flew by, and soon a knock on the door heralded her sister’s arrival with lunch.

  “This is so great,” Charlie said. “I wish you could do this every day.”

  “Well, my boss is usually such a slave driver,” Emily quipped, referring to their stepfather. “But today he gave me two hours off
for lunch so I could bring food to you guys. And he paid for it, too.”

  “Yum! I love the lasagna from Papa’s Place.”

  “The kids love it, too. But they’re gonna need to be hosed off afterward.” Charlie followed her eyes to see all three thoroughly enjoying lunch, while painting themselves with it.

  “Yep. I’m gonna have to hose down the kitchen as well.”

  “So this is Josh’s niece? And he has a nephew, too?”

  “Yes. This is Chloe, and his nephew, Jace, is nine.”

  “It makes so much more sense, now. Why didn’t he tell us the truth to begin with?”

  “Well, I think he was still working on convincing Olivia to marry him, and he was hoping to do it before everyone found out why he was rushing things.”

  “But you still think he’s in love with her? You don’t think he’s only marrying her so he can get custody?”

  “He told me he loves her,” Charlie said. “And I believe him.”

  “But that doesn’t jibe with what he told Spencer about them only getting married for a year. Why would they split up after a year if they were in love with each other?”

  Charlie shrugged. “My guess is Josh is in love with Olivia, but she isn’t convinced of it. He’s probably asking her to give him a year to prove himself,”

  “Maybe...”

  “There is something else,” Charlie hesitated. “Remember, at Sunday night dinner, Olivia said she didn’t love Josh. I hope that’s not true, because I don’t want him to get hurt again.”

  “So you’re feeling guilty because you were the one who hurt him before? And now you’re planning to help him convince Olivia, so it won’t happen again?”

  “Basically. Yes, that’s it.” She sighed. “Two years ago I was so sure he could never really change, and I was only trying to protect myself from getting hurt. I actually figured he’d forget all about me. I never dreamed he had real honest-to-goodness feelings for me. Now I think he was telling the truth all along, and I feel like a real heel. I want to make up for it.”

  “And is part of your motivation that you’re in love with him?”

  “How can you ask that? Would I be trying to help him get together with Olivia if I was in love with him, myself?”