by J. B. McGee
“You look beautiful. These are for you. Yellow for friendship, as promised. You know, we have to walk before we run,” he whispered.
“They’re beautiful,” she softly spoke as she brought them to her nose to smell. “I’ll just be a minute, let me put them in some water.”
“Okay, no hurry.” Turning to her sister, he said, “Sam, good to see you again. Thanks for sharing her with me again today.” Bradley nodded to her.
“Bradley.” Sam acknowledged. “No problem. She’s the happiest I’ve seen her in some time.” It was clear that there was an underlying implied warning Sam’s comment.
Gabby walked back into the room smiling at Bradley. “You ready?”
“Yep!” Bradley waved with one arm as he placed his other in the small of Gabby’s back. “See you later, Sam.”
“Y’all have a great time,” Sam said as they were walking out the door.
Gabby turned her head with a huge grin and giggled. “Thank,Sam.”
“Do you want to sit inside or outside tonight?” Bradley asked as they approached the hostess at A.W. Shucks.
“It doesn’t matter to me, either is fine.”
“Let’s eat inside tonight, then.”
“Inside it is,” Gabby giggled.
The blonde teenage hostess smiled as they approached, “Just the two of you tonight?”
“Yes,” Bradley replied politely.
“Would you like to be seated inside, outside, or first available?”
“Inside, please.”
“It’s going to be around fifteen minutes, is that okay?”
Bradley looked down to Gabby for her affirmation.
Gabby nodded her head in agreement. “I’m fine with that, are you?”
Bradley looked back to the hostess. “Yes, that’ll be fine, then.”
The hostess handing them a black square buzzer replied, “Please feel free to help yourself to a drink at the bar while you wait. This will vibrate and beep when your table is ready.”
Bradley smiled and lead Gabby towards the bar. “Shall we?”
Gabby smiling a wry smile replied, “I’ll have a Diet Coke since you likely haven’t made prior arrangements for your underage friend.”
“No, Miss Gerhart. I didn’t know where we were going. Had I, I would have at the least made us reservations.”
Gabby frowned putting her head down. “I’m sorry, I should have done that.”
“Hey. I didn’t mean it like that, Gabby.”
She shrugged her shoulders with her head still down. “Well, that’s kinda how it came out.”
Pushing that piece of hair that is always framing Gabby’s face behind her ear, his expression softened. “I always make reservations. I am not the most patient man. I will say that you won’t find me complaining about fifteen minutes longer to look at or be with you, though.”
Gabby blushed. “You’re so smooth.”
“I’m not trying to be smooth.” He rubbed his chin with his fingers. “It’s the truth.”
“You barely know me,” she whispered as she glanced up to him.
“I know. It’s intriguing…you’re intriguing. I want to know you better.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Everything. Why is this your favorite restaurant?”
Gabby’s face reddened as she looked into his curious blue eyes. She quickly looked back down fidgeting with the napkin under her glass. “Because this is where my mom used to bring us on special occasions.”
“Ugh, I’m sorry.”
“Why are you sorry?”
“You’ve been through so much, too much.”
“Please don’t pity me. I don’t pity myself. You shouldn’t –”
Putting his finger up to her mouth he hushed her. “I don’t pity you. I just wish I could change it.”
“Well, you can’t.” Gabby shrugged her shoulders and glanced up. “Things happen for a reason. I don’t understand why, but my mother taught me that much before she left.”
“I believe that. It doesn’t make it any easier to handle, though.”
The conversation was interrupted by the buzzing of the coaster-like device the hostess had given them, startling Gabby. She looked into his eyes as she started to laugh at herself. Bradley’s smile broadened. As the laughter faded away Gabby found herself paralyzed in the moment, totally captured by his gaze. Bradley arched his eyebrow and moved slightly closer to Gabby’s face. He picked up his and Gabby’s drink, leaning into her he whispered, “I think that’s us.”
It was difficult for Gabby to form words, and she blinked wide eyed picking up the coaster as the vibration and beeping got even more loud and annoying. She gulped and tried to regain her composure. “Yep, I’m ready.”
They couldn’t have asked for a better spot to have been seated. The rounded booth was in a quiet corner and allowed them to sit next to each other, but was also far more spacious than what they needed. Either could have slid farther apart from the other, but instead their proximity was so close that they were nearly touching.
“What do you usually eat here?” Bradley asked as he opened his menu.
“I love their bacon wrapped shrimp. They are stuffed with deviled crab. They’re just incredible.” Gabby gushed.
“Mmm, that sounds good.” He glanced over to her grinning. “Is that what you’re going to order?”
“I think it is.” She cheerfully replied, tilting her head.
Bradley turned to her with a crooked smile and that eyebrow raised again, “You think? Doesn’t sound very definitive.”
Shrugging her shoulders, “Yeah, I am pretty sure. Sometimes I like to see what other people are ordering before I order.”
“Oh, Ok. Well, do they have a low 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
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 telling you.” She shrugged. “I don’t take hand-outs. I’m not a cause or a charity.”
He raised one eyebrow. “What about gifts?”
Goodness he looks sexy when he does that, Gabby thought. She playfully responded, “Depends.”
“Well, you’ll have to get over it. If I want to see you, I want to see you. I won’t let money or your pride get in the way of that.”
“Okay, I guess?” Gabby answered unsure.
He took a sip of the Guiness that the waitress had just brought. “How often do you usually see Sam?”
“Well, we had planned on doing therapy on the weekends.”
“I said I’d find you someone for therapy. But, if you plan on doing therapy every weekend, when do you plan to squeeze some time in for me?”
“Well, Sam and I decided that about therapy before our date yesterday.” Gabby bit her lip, “While we were at the beach…what if I see you every other weekend?”
“We can start with that and see how it goes.”
“What will we do in between those weekends?”
Bradley shrugged. “Text, emails, calls?”
Gabby spoke softly, “Do you think that will be enough for you?”
“I dunno. We’ll have to try it and see how it goes. My question for you is: Are you prepared for it not being enough for you?”
Gabby busted out laughing. “You’re so confident of yourself.” She rolled her eyes. “Yes, I’m sure it will be plenty.”
“Well, I wouldn’t be so sure of yourself. I can tell that it’s taking you as much self-control to not touch me as it is for me to not touch you.”
“Oh, I’ll be fine.” Gabby narrowed her eyes.
“Well, if I have anything to say about it, you won’t be.”
Gabby shook her head as she let out a small laugh. “Sounds like a challenge? Ya know I told Sam earlier that I worried this was just about the challenge for you. Is it?”
“And, I thought I told you yesterday that it wasn’t.”
“But, are you sure?”
“Gabby, I’m sure. Let’s please quit wasting precious time on this topic. I find you challenging, but that’s not why I want to be with you. There’s more to it than that.”
“Okay. Sorry.” Gabby looked down at her fidgeting fingers.
Bradley pulled her chin up. “Don’t be. Let’s just let that go, please.”
Gabby smiled. “Alright, so where were we? Texts, emails, phone calls?”
“Yes, and every other weekend.”
“Are you going to come to me or am I supposed to go to you? Obviously gas is an issue for me.”
“No, gas is a non-issue. What do you say we take turns and alternate your place and mine?”
“That sounds fair.”
The waitress walked over and placed two plates with extra napkins down in the center of the table. Bradley paused, patiently waiting for her to place the items down, and nodding politely sent her on her way.
He turned back to Gabby and playfully tapped her nose. “So, when is the next time I’ll get to see you then?”
The gesture made Gabby smile and tilt her head. “So, does this new arrangement start this weekend or next weekend? The every other weekend thing?”
“I vote for us to see each other next weekend and then start it the week after.” Bradley winked. “I don’t think this weekend should count.”
Gabby giggled. “Are you going to be making the rules up as you go along Mr. Banks?”
“I just might. Will you complain, Miss Gerhart?”
“Hmm. If you make up the rules as you go, are you really playing fair?”
“I never said I play fair, Miss Gerhart. I do get what I want, though.” He picked up his glass. His lips curved in a smile around the rim. He winked as he took a sip.
Gabby was trying to stay focused on the conversation because all of his cute gestures were making her melt. She was so confused about him. Shaking her head she said, “Alright, so since you came here this weekend, am I coming to Atlanta next weekend?”
“I would love for you to come to Atlanta next weekend. Why don’t you see if you can bring Sam with you? I want to introduce her to my friend, Ryan.”
Gabby pursed her lips before saying, “You mean, as in you want to set them up?”
“Yes, I think they would be perfect together. I think you’ll agree when you meet him. He’s a resident.”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea for Sam to get involved with someone so far away, or even at all right now.”
“Why is that?”
“The obvious. She just started med school and that is so all-consuming. Besides, she won’t have the time to go back and forth like me.”
He tilted his head. “Well, why don’t you let her decide that for herself?”
“Okay, I’ll ask her. What about therapy?”
“I’ll arrange that first thing Monday morning. You two will have to do that on weekends that we aren’t together or arrange for therapy during the week.”
“You mean you don’t want to tag along to therapy with two emotionally screwed up girls?” She chuckled.
“Don’t talk about yourself like that. There are a lot of people far more screwed up than you.” He rubbed his knuckles down her cheek and inhaled sharply. “Besides, I think you’ll find you’ll mend just fine.”
She leaned into his touch, whispering. “You really think that?”
He broke the contact and she realized she had been holding her breath. Was she going to have any will power where he was concerned? He held an oyster up to her mouth. “Of course. Open up.”
She did as she was told, grinning as it slid down her throat.
The conversation came easy for the rest of dinner. Bradley would feed her bits and pieces from his steam pot, as he had promised her. It was difficult for either of them to keep their hands to themselves. They would occasionally brush fingertips or lean into one another and give a playful nudge.
When they finished, Bradley paid and offered his hand for her to crawl out of the booth. Because Gabby had school the next day back in Columbia, Bradley took her home as soon as they were done.
He opened the door for Gabby after they arrived back at Sam’s house. They slowly walked to the door much more comfortable with each other than they had been even the night before. When they reached the front porch, Gabby turned with her head down. Bradley gently lifted her chin. “What’s the matter?”
“Nothing.”
“That’s not true. You’re sad.”
Gabby glanced up towards him. “Maybe.”
Bradley pushed her hair on both sides back behind her ears. “You have nice hair, but it’s always covering up your beautiful face. What might have you sad?”
Gabby blinked slowly drinking in his touch and his words. “I really like being with you. The past two days have been…well...” Gabby shook her head. “They’ve been too good to be true.”
Bradley cocked his head to the side and furrowed his eye brows. “But, they are true. Nothing can change that.”
“I know, but I just worry that I’m going to be let down after you leave.”
“How many times do we have to discuss this, Gabby?” He sighed, “I told you we’ll try and we’ll see how it goes. If it’s not working, at least we’ll know we tried. All I want is for us to try.”
Gabby smiled a shy smile and nodded her head. “I know, okay. Try. You haven’t even asked for my email or phone number, though.”
Pulling his phone out, he swiped the screen and opened up the contact list. She was surprised when he showed it to her. “I got it from Sam the day I called her and asked when you were coming home.”
Gabby’s jaw dropped. “You’ve had my number and my email all this time?”
“Yes, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve opened it and almost pressed the button to call you, but chickened out.” He smiled a half smile while shrugging his shoulders. “Sometimes I just look at your name and think about you…about the night at the wedding.”
Gabby glanced from the phone up into his tender blue eyes. She couldn’t help but smile. He was proving to be far more than she ever expected. “That is so sweet. Are you just trying to be charming?”
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