Emily Calls It (The Emily Series) Read Online Free

I borrow a skirt or a sundress?” I held up my ratty jean shorts and tee shirt.
    “Of course, honey. Where are you going?” Oh, this was going to be an interesting conversation.
    “Just out with a friend. I won’t be home late.” I knew that wasn’t what she was asking but I hoped it would suffice.
    “OK.” I could see she was going to let it go; good. “Let’s see what we can find. ” I followed her down the hall. She had a couple of cute sundresses I hadn’t seen before - and in the past she wouldn’t have let me wear them, but it seemed I was old enough now to be trusted. I picked a bright blue simple sundress with thick straps. It wouldn’t have been something I would’ve bought myself, but it was pretty cute. Luckily I had packed more than just flip- flops so I had a pair of sandals that would go with it just fine.
    “Is this one OK?” I asked.
    “I think that would look lovely on you, honey.” She lifted my chin and looked at me almost as if she was making sure I wasn’t wearing too much makeup or something.
    “What?” I asked perplexed.
    “You are really starting to look like your grandmother.”
    “What?” I turned back to the dress and she dropped her hand. “Not that there’s anything wrong with looking like Grandma, but I don’t think so.” But that got me to thinking. “How are they?”
    “Oh, you know. I hear about all their ailments, but mostly they’re fine.” She paused. “They miss you. They ask me about you all the time. They wonder when you’ll visit.”
    I sucked air through my teeth. “Yeah, I miss them too. I wish I could make a trip down there. If I had more time, I’d stop in on my way back to school.”
    “I know, honey.” She turned and I followed her out of her room.
    While I got dressed, I thought about them. My grandparents. They were truly the best. Even though they always said they would pay for college, I knew how unusual that was and I was truly grateful. They’d always been there for me. I couldn’t have asked for better family.
    I pushed some earrings through the holes in my ears and touched the dangling crystals with my fingertips. I was ready.
    I pulled up to the restaurant and saw Scott’s car immediately. Inside, he was at the bar talking to the bartender.
    “Hi.” I slid onto a stool.
    “Hi , Emily.” He pivoted toward me. “You look nice.” He touched my hand as he had before and leaned into me, kissing my cheek. The bartender went back to drying glasses but kept an eye on us and a smirk on his face.
    “Thank you,” I said a little nervously. He looked good too, but I didn’t think to say it. He wore jeans again; thi s time rip-free, and a white, button- down shirt with the sleeves rolled up. His white shirt set off his tan, and the green of his eyes seemed even more vivid. He was a good looking guy, and I was noticing.
    “Should we get a table or would you like to have a drink here first?” He tapped his finger on the bar.
    I was actually pretty hungry. “Oh, I think I’m ready to get a table if you are.” He swung his legs around and hopped off his stool with ease. Something that I could never have done. I scooted off my stool, trying to be as ladylike as possible. While we waited for the hostess, I felt Scott rest his hand in the middle of my back. I mentally replayed my “relax” mantra a few times before it took effect.
    During dinner the conversation came with ease. I wondered once or twice what we were doing there. He knew I was leaving in a couple of days, and I knew it, too. Our date seemed superfluous. Yet, here I was enjoying his company. I learned a few things about him that evening.
    He was majoring in Business at San Francisco State . He knew Doug, Shayla’s boyfriend, from football. He was from a small neighboring town where he lived with his parents (still married to each other ) and two sisters. He seemed to have all of the northern California qualities including the summer pear orchard job. But there was