Mending Read Online Free PDF

country boil?” Bradley was glancing from side to side looking for it on the menu.  “Surely they do?”
    Gabby leaned over and into him pointing to the bottom of the menu. “It’s right here. It’s called Ivan’s Steam Pot.” Her eyes wandered up towards his.  When she was this close to him, she felt on fire. Her breathing hitched and she whispered.  “It’s my second favorite thing to get here.”
    “Ah, well I’ll have that, then.”  He tapped her nose.  “And, since it’s your second favorite thing, why don’t you get your first favorite thing and I’ll share mine with you.  That way you can have a little of both.”
    Gabby squeezed her shoulders inward and clapped her hands stiff and quiet like a cheerleader. “Yummy.”
    Bradley threw his head back laughing at her. “I’ll have to get you excited more often.  That was the cutest thing you just did.”
    Gabby blushed, “Yeah, I am pretty easily excited when it comes to certain things.  Good food is definitely one of them.”
    “Yeah, but we had good food last night and even better dessert.  You didn’t do any cheerleader clapping for that.”
    “This is true, but I was far more nervous last night than I am tonight.”
    He cocked his head to the side, puzzled.  “Is that right?”
    “Yes, our talk on the beach last night helped tremendously.  And besides, you’re different tonight.”
    His brows furrowed. “Did you not enjoy last night?”
    “I did!  It’s just that tonight, I know we’re just friends…that you aren’t thinking about making out with me.”  She raised her eyebrows while grinning at him.  “Makes a difference.”
    Bradley chuckled and rubbed his finger over his bottom lip. “Hmm, did I say that?  About the making out?  Because I haven’t really stopped thinking about that.”  He whispered as he ran his thumb down her cheek, “I’m just using every ounce of self-control to refrain so I don’t scare you away again.”
    Gabby sat there for a moment relishing in his touch.  “Oh –”
    The waitress interrupted the conversation and Bradley looked over at Gabby winking, “Right, oh.”
    “Hi folks.  Welcome to A.W. Shucks.  My name is Ashlee and I’ll be your server tonight.  What are you two drinking?”
    “I’ll have a Guinness if you’ve got it and Miss Gerhart right here is having a Diet Coke.”  Bradley looked over towards Gabby putting his head down slightly, “Unless you want something else?”
    Gabby smiled in appreciation of his consideration. “No, I’m good.  A Diet Coke is fine.”
    The waitress affirmed to Bradley, “Yes sir, we have Guinness.  And a Diet Coke for you, ma’am. Can I get you two started with one of our appetizers tonight?”
    “Yes, we’ll take an order of the Oyster Shooters.”
    “Do you need a few more minutes while I put these in for you, or would you like to go ahead and order now?”
    “We’re ready.”
    “Ok, and what would you like?”
    “I’ll have the Ivan’s Steam Pot and she’ll have the Shuck’s Award Winning Stuffed Shrimp.”
    “Okay.  The shrimp come with the vegetable of the day unless you’d like a salad or soup?
    “I’ll have a salad with ranch dressing, please,” Gabby politely replied.
    “Great.  I’ve got this.  I’ll get you fresh drinks and I’ll have those oysters out to you in a few.  Again, my name is Ashlee.  Let me know if I can get you anything else.”
    “Thank you,” Bradley replied as the waitress walked away.
    “So, let’s get down to business.”
    “Down to business?” Gabby chuckled.
    “Yes, let’s talk about what we’re going to do after today.”
    “I’m all ears.  What do you suggest?  My funds are limited. I’m not sure how I’m going to afford to keep up with you.”
    Bradley cocked his head and narrowed his eyes, “Oh please.  You’re going to have to come up with better excuses, or better yet, how about lose them all together?”
    “I’m not making excuses, I’m just