Chapter 6
Chapter Six
Brad apologized for not making a reservation at the popular eatery while he and I waited for a table.
We took a bench by the entrance after requesting a table for two, and watched patrons come and go.
“Who knew it would be so crowded on a Wednesday evening?” he asked, not that he expected an answer.
A passerby on his way out replied, “It’s the monthly ‘Two-for-One’ Night. You should try the crab-stuffed shrimp.”
“What does that mean? You get two shrimps on the plate instead of one?” Brad quipped.
“They usually offer three stuffed shrimp as an entrée, but tonight you’ll get six. Enjoy!”
“That sounds good,” I said as the guy walked away. “Maybe we’ll get an extra beer, too.”
When a waiter arrived to take us to a table, he verified that the house draft was a two-for-one special, as were the shrimp and hot wings. Brad and I ordered the shrimp platters and beer.
While we waited, I told him about the pleasant day with his sister, our successful gown fittings, and a delightful lunch with my friends at Charlie’s Diner. With a focus on my wedding attire, I described my dress, then the headpiece that Angela selected.
“I thought you didn’t want a veil,” he remarked playfully.
“I didn’t want anything long and flowing. This is just a little hint of starched netting, and it’s pretty.”
“I’m sure,” he agreed. “I guess I need to start looking for a navy blue suit. Do you want to help me pick it out?”
I nodded. “We could go to the mall some evening next week. I’ll be in Harrisburg tomorrow, then we’ll return to the shore on Friday.”
“Day after tomorrow? Oh, honey, I scheduled a bunch of interviews for potential plowing contracts this weekend.”
I groaned. “I thought Paolo was taking that over.”
“He’s overseeing all of the landscaping contracts. Most of them have two more cuts before Fall leaf cleanup, so he’s too busy to bring in new clients for the winter.”
“I understand,” I said. I didn’t particularly like it, but Brad’s business encompassed all seasons. We hoped, in time, he could step back and let his crew handle the day-to-day operations. For now, though, they needed his guidance.
“I took a look at the financials,” I continued, “and I’d like to offer rooms for rent, perhaps starting in January.”
“In their condition, I can’t charge anyone to live there.”
“You can do the renovations and I can help with painting. We’ll turn one of the bedrooms into a kitchen/lounge area, then rent the other three. I think we could get at least $800 a month.”
“I don’t want strangers traipsing through the store to go in and out, honey, and I can’t afford the cost of an outside staircase.”
“I think you can, since you can build it yourself.”
He laughed. “And when am I going to find time for that?”
“We’ll figure it out.”
I let that thought hang in the air while our waiter placed our platters and beverages on the table. He made sure we didn’t need anything else before he scooted off. Following him with my eyes, I said, “This place is hopping tonight.”
Brad took his first bite, then offered his stamp of approval. “You’ve got to try this shrimp. What a great deal!”
I took a picture of my beautifully arranged food, as well as the table presentation and surrounding décor. “I should write an article about the Bistro, though I doubt Elsa Kroger will appreciate another local spot.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“I sent her my itinerary for tomorrow’s Harrisburg trip, and let’s just say she wasn’t particularly impressed.”
“Did she scrap your plans?”
“No, but I know she wants more exotic locations. The state capital of Pennsylvania isn’t necessarily an enticing destination.”
“It’s historical,” he suggested supportively.
“True,” I said, smiling. “It’s not the reason I’m going, but I can slant my article in that direction.”
He took a sip of beer while gazing at me. “I thought you just wanted a simple gig to make time for serious wedding planning, and this is something you can handle on your own.”
“That’s also true; however, Angela mentioned something today that triggered a speculation I need to test.”
“What’s that?”
My heart lurched as I looked into his mesmerizing eyes. I didn’t want to tell him that my examination involved whether or not I was ready to completely let Tony go. Instead, I said, “I don’t think I’m afraid to travel.”
“I agree,” he stated firmly. “You moved from Baltimore to Philadelphia as a young adult, and took buses and trains with no problem. You had a career at a prestigious publishing firm and you married a city cop who liked to vacation at the Jersey shore.”
“That’s true,” I said as my eyes misted.
“You and Tony and your son, Chet, were a family who went everywhere together, then they died. You’re not afraid to travel, honey, you retreated into a safe place and got out of practice.”
I held my breath, forcing my emotions to calm and my eyes to clear. This handsome man sitting in front of me, who had dealt with his own trauma, understood me better than anyone I knew, including myself.
With that realization, I knew I was meant to find Brad. Had Tony sent him to me?
I reached my hand across the table to take Brad’s. “You’re right, and I love you for knowing that. Tomorrow is my practice day, and I’ll be coming home to you.”
The next evening, after disembarking the train at the Paoli station, I headed directly to Brad’s house. I’d sent texts to him throughout the day, but the final one when I left the parking lot expressed my pride. I did it, honey, and I’m staying with you tonight.
He texted back: We’ll celebrate!
He met me at his front door with a sensuous kiss, then led me to the living room with its lights dimmed, a cozy fire blazing in the hearth, and a bottle of champagne chilling in an ice bucket. I felt loved, and my heart wanted to explode.
Brad popped the cork and poured two glasses of bubbly. “To my courageous, beautiful bride. Cheers!”
I laughed. “That will make a wonderful toast at our wedding reception.” Although I teased, I was so very grateful that he made a fuss about my accomplishment.
“Was it a good day?” he asked, handing me a glass.
I took a sip, then closed my eyes. “It was, though my travels are better with you.”
He caught my eyes with his smile. “Yet you did it.”
I suddenly felt tired, though accomplished. “Yes, I did.”
We sat next to each other on the sofa where he reached to kiss me again. This time, I wanted all of him, although I kept that thought to myself since I also needed to talk about my experience.
Eventually, we took a breath and I reached for my glass on the coffee table. “Behave,” I teased, feeling the flush creep up my neck. “You don’t want to miss one tidbit about my day.”
He picked up his glass and leaned back. “I’m all ears.”
“Okay, so my train connections worked well and I arrived in Harrisburg by nine o’clock this morning.”
His eyes wandered from my lips to my shoulders and areas below, or so it seemed. Catching himself, he asked, “Did you meet any legislators on the train?”
“I didn’t meet anyone since people either snoozed or read a book. I watched the countryside on my way there, and the time passed pretty quickly.”
“It was darn early,” he admitted. “I guess commuters try to catch up on their sleep.”
“I didn’t like the idea of leaving at 6:15, but the next train wasn’t until noon. Anyway, it all worked out.”
“I’m glad, honey.” He slid closer and put his arms around my shoulders.
I tried to tell him about my tour of the state capitol building and its fascinating exhibits in the east wing, but his lips roamed until they found mine again. Once his hands meandered, I could no longer resist his enticing passion.
Eventually, he flipped off the switch for the gas fireplace, turned out the lights, and led me upstairs.
I surrendered to the desire surging within me, recognizing that I’d conquered my fear of traveling alone.
Proud of that accomplishment, I gave myself permission to totally commit to Brad Davenport.