Here With Me Read Online Free PDF Page B

before a round of awkward silence had a chance to set in.
    “Do you want to head back?  The food should be ready soon.”
    “We probably should,” he said, standing up. 
    Mallory reached down and picked up the bucket and shovel.
    “Here, let me get that,” he said, taking them from her and they walked back to the fire.
    When they approached, Nate looked over at them and Mallory noticed he seemed more relaxed. In fact, he looked somewhat comfortable with Kenna, who was sitting next to him.
    “So how was your clamming expedition?” Kenna asked.
    “Very successful,” Mallory replied, gesturing to the bucket.
    “I caught two clams,” Ryan said proudly.
    “Wow.  I’m impressed,” Nate said sarcastically. “Pretty good for a desert boy.”
    “You should be impressed,” Ryan said. “How much longer till everything’s ready?”
    “Maybe fifteen minutes,” Cole piped in from behind and they both turned to face him.  “I’m Cole Hollins,” he said, extending a hand to Ryan.
    “Ryan Scott.”
    Mallory noticed Cole was eyeing Ryan curiously before he turned to check on the pot.
    She sat down in the sand near the fire and watched as Ryan took a seat next to Nate.  The sun was nearly set now and the temperature had dropped.  The heat from the fire warmed her up and her eyes continued to drift across the firelight to Ryan.  He sat quietly drinking a beer and the flames seemed to dance around his profile, casti ng shadows across his face.  She quickly looked away before he caught her looking at him.
    “It’s ready,” Cole said a few minutes later, lifting the lid off the large steam pot. 
    Mallory stood up and grabbed a plate, taking her place in line.
    “So, what exactly am I supposed to d o?” Ryan asked, slipping in line beside her. 
    “Just take what you like.  There are clams and mussels, but there’s also corn and potatoes.”
    He nodded and watched her spoon out a large helping.
    “You look skeptical,” she said.
    “No, not skeptical, just curious.”  He took the spoon from her and began filling his plate.
    She walked back to her spot on the sand and sat down.  Ryan made his way back to where he’d been sitting, but then looked over at Mallory, silently asking her permission to join her.  When she smiled up at him, he came over and sat down next to her and began picking at his food, eyeing it strangely.
    “You look scared.”
    “Would you laugh at me if I said I was?” he asked, giving her a sideways glance and a half smile.
    “Maybe just a little,” she said, prying open a clam and popping it in her mouth.
    “You make it look easy.”
    “It is.  Just give it a try.  You act like you’ve never eaten seafood before.”
    “I’ve eaten it.  I’ve just never been a big fan.  I prefer mine breaded and fried.  This looks a little raw for my taste.”
    “Well, a clam bake is the wrong place for you then.”
    “I’m always up for trying new things,” Ryan said as he fumbled with a clam.
    “Here, let me help,” she said, reaching over and taking the shell from his hands.  She cracked it open and after scraping out the meat, handed it back to him.
    “Alright, here I go,” Ryan said and then slowly brought the shell to his lips, looking at her hesitantly.
    “Go on,” she encouraged him.
    He quickly flung the shell back, sliding the clam into his mouth.  He closed his eyes and swallowed hard and then set the shell back on his plate. 
    “Well?  You survived at least.”
    “Not as bad as I anticipated…a little slimy going down, but it’s pretty good actually,” he said, picking up another clam.
    “I’m glad you approve of our strange food.”
    “I didn’t say I approved of it all.  I still haven’t tried those stuffies and hot weenies.”
    “I’ll win you over,” she pr omised.
                               
    ****
     
    Mallory hadn’t realized practically everyone was gone until Nate walked up to her and Ryan.  They had spent the