Berry Picking Read Online Free PDF Page B

realized she didn't know what she was doing. Conrad and his grandmother seemed to have a rhythm she couldn't pick up, but she didn't care. She was enjoying herself and imagined the sweet blackberry pie they would bake later.
    His grandmother came up to Paula and looked into her basket. “You're doing it all wrong.”
    “Wrong?”
    “Yes. The way you're choosing the berries. The ones that are hard and shiny are usually bitter inside. Instead, you want to look for the ones like this.” His grandmother reached out and pulled several berries from deep inside the bush. “You want to look for berries that are sort of dull, plump, and undamaged, rich with color that almost fall away in your hand.”
    “Oh.”
    His grandmother looked down at the ugly looking berry. “Not attractive I know, but they're delicious.” She popped several in her mouth. “The best way to find the berry you like is to taste them.”
    “You're the expert.”
    “Yes I am.” She sent Paula a sidelong glance then lowered her voice. “You pick your men that way too, don't you? Don't look so shocked. You wouldn't be the first. Most women do. They go for what they see on the outside or for what sounds good and not what is good.” She looked over at Conrad who was busy eating a handful of berries. “I know he doesn't look like much, but he's a solid man. Most women pass him up because he doesn't meet the typical standard of charm or attractiveness.”
    “He's a nice man.” Paula continued picking, uneasy with how accurate his grandmother was.
    “He's more than that but you don't see it. He’s ‘black gold’, just like the finest blackberries. So do us both a favor and break up with him before you break his heart.”
    Paula looked at her surprised. “What?”
    “I know your type. I like you. I really do, but not for my grandson. He needs someone who really sees how special he is and that woman isn't you.”
    “Mrs.--”
    “I can tell that you're the kind of woman who likes to get to the point and so do I. I don't suffer fools gladly. I love my grandson and when he finds the right woman I'll know it.” She tapped her chest. “Just like I know how to pick berries, I know how to read people. That man you have hanging on the side.” She began to grin. “Thought I didn't know about him? Yes, I do. Conrad told me you still want to be free. You want your options open. Well, I'm here to tell you that option number two is perfect for you. You want a suave, sophisticated man who looks good in a dinner jacket and charms clients, so go after him. He's who you deserve. Leave my grandson alone.” She narrowed her eyes and hardened her tone. “And if you stay with Conrad to spite me, I promise I'll make you pay.” She turned and left.
    Paula stared at the older woman’s back, speechless. Sugar and spice she was not. She didn't think she was good enough for Conrad? Maybe she didn't think any woman would be. Who did she think she was to tell her about the man she deserved? She was a catch and no one would tell her what to do.
    She walked over to Conrad and looped her arm through his. She glanced up and saw his grandmother tighten her lips. Paula didn't care. She glanced down and looked into his basket and saw it was full. “You're really good at this.”
    “I've had the practice.”
    “Your Gran let me know I was doing it all wrong so I had to start over.”
    “Better to start over than have a basket filled with bitter fruit.”
    “That almost sounds like a proverb.”
    “I'm a man of hidden talents. Have you tasted one yet?”
    “I thought I'd wait for the pie.”
    “No, nothing's better than a ripe fruit.”
    “Said Eve to Adam.”
    “This is not that kind of garden.” He held a berry out to her.
    She could have taken the berry from him. She could have fed herself, but she didn't. Paula opened her mouth and let him place the berry inside.
    He was right. There was nothing like the fresh juicy taste of a ripe, juicy, blackberry and having