CHAPTER SIXTEEN

SPENCER’S POV:

I am so glad today is Saturday! I didn’t think it was ever going to get here. It is now about 10:00 a.m. and Ashley will be here to pick me up in 2 hours. Even though I am really excited about today part of me is a nervous wreck. This is the first time Ashley and I will actually be able to spend some quality time together without school getting in the way.

Before I start getting ready I decide to get some breakfast. When I go downstairs to the kitchen my dad is already in there cooking some eggs and French toast.

Spencer: Hey dad. (Spencer gives him a kiss on the cheek.)

Arthur: (smiles.) Hey sweetie. I hope your hungry.

Spencer: For your cooking always. Where is everybody? Usually when you start cooking everyone is crowded around the kitchen.

Spencer grabs some orange juice from the fridge and pours herself a glass.

Arthur: Clay spent the night at a friend’s house; Glenn had a basketball tournament; and your mother got called into work. So it looks like its just you and me today.

Spencer: Actually dad I have plans this afternoon.

Arthur: Oh really? Where are you off to?

Spencer: I am hanging out with a friend from school. She is going to pick me up around twelve. So I should go get ready.

Spencer hurries to get out of the kitchen.

Arthur: Hold it. (Spencer stops and turns around to face Arthur.) What do you mean when you say friend? I mean do I need to give this girl “the talk”?

Spencer gets the look of worry and fear in her eyes.

Spencer: No dad, please don’t give her the “talk”.

Arthur: What’s wrong with asking the girl a couple of questions?

Spencer: A couple of questions? Dad the last time you talked to one of my girlfriends you made her fill out a 3 page questionnaire. And you ran a background check on her.

Arthur: There is nothing wrong with a father wanting to look after his only daughter.

Spencer gives him a pleading look and Arthur gives in.

Arthur: Alright, I won’t make her fill out the questionnaire. (Spencer looks at him like she is still not satisfied.) And I won’t do the background check. But only on one condition.

Spencer: Anything.

Arthur: You and I will spend this Sunday together, just the two of us.

Spencer: (smiles.) Deal.

Arthur: Good. Now let’s sit down, eat some breakfast, and I want you to tell me all about the girl that has put stars in your eyes.

About an hour and a half has passed and Spencer is still up in here room getting ready. Ashley arrives at the Carlin house and knocks on the door.

Arthur: (Opens the front door.) Hello, you must be Ashley.

Ashley: Yes sir.

Arthur: I’m Arthur Carlin, Spencer’s father. (Holds his hand out for Ashley to shake.) Come on in.

Ashley: Thank you. (Ashley nervously walks in.)

Arthur: (Closes the front door.) Spencer is still upstairs getting ready. Why don’t you come into the living room and make yourself comfortable.

Ashley sits on the couch while Arthur sits in one of the other chairs.

Ashley: This is a very lovely house Mr. Carlin. You can hardly tell you just moved in.

Arthur: Thank you Ashley, and please call me Arthur. While we are waiting would you mind if I asked you a couple of questions?

Ashley: Not at all.

Arthur: When was your last medical examination?

Spencer: Dad!!