Free Mending by J. B. McGee Page B

he washed the plate.  “You seriously want my opinion?”
    “That’s what I just said, yes.”
    “Gabby, I agree with Sam.  And, I say screw the whole let’s be friends first bit.”
    Gabby’s eyes widened and her jaw dropped. “John Martin!  I should have known you’d think like a typical guy.” She grabbed the towel he had put on the bar to dry the dishes and threw it at him.
    “Hey, that was uncalled for!  You asked!”
    She rolled her eyes shaking her head, but she couldn’t wipe the grin off of her face.  “Typical.”
    “You come dry if I’m gonna wash.”  He tossed the towel back to her. “Seriously.  Most people who have that kind of connection don’t say hey, let’s just be friends and see where it goes .” 
    “Well, I’m not most people for starters.”  She walked around the bar to where she was beside him.  “I’m really not in the market to get hurt again.”
    “Me neither, but you can’t stop feeling or pretend that the feelings aren’t there to avoid it.”  He handed her the plate he’d just washed.  “You clearly are head over heels for him.”
    She looked up to him with big hazel eyes.  Her brows furrowed.  She put the plate down and backed up to the bar putting her head in her hands. “I know, but there’s more than just my hurt over Ian and Lindsey.”
    “So.”
    “So, don’t you think I should sort that out before I jump into this .”
    “Honestly, no.  I think you’re using that as an excuse.”
    “We’ll see.  I’m going to start seeing a therapist in a couple of weeks.”
    He finished the dishes and turned to her.  “Well, I gotta go.  The guys wanted to go out tonight before things get crazy this semester.” He pulled Gabby into a big brother style hug.  “I think that if you meet him Wednesday, you should greet him with a great big kiss.”
    She jabbed her fist into his chest and growled, “Grrr.  You are such a…”
    He grabbed her wrist. “A good friend who is telling you that you deserve to be happy?” Smiling as he raised his eyebrow. “Anyway, you’re wound so tight from having not gotten any lovin’ since Ian that you are like a spinning top waiting to be released?”
    She shook her head as she narrowed her eyes. “Ugh, your head is always in the gutter.  Just skadoodle.”
    “Hey, you asked for my advice and here it is.”  He winked.  “Careful what you ask for baby girl.”
    “Seriously, I do appreciate it.  You always speak your, hmmm…” She looked at his head and then down and back up again.  “Your mind.” She busted out laughing.  “I just haven’t figured out which is which yet.”
    “What can I say?” He laughed. “Do tell him that if he hurts you, I’ll only be so happy to kick his ass.”
    Gabby looked up to him with a proud smile. “Hey, Bradley!  My faux big bro is gonna kick your ass if you hurt her.”  She giggled.  “Yep, perfect way to start a relationship.”
    “I’m serious.  You can tell him or I’ll tell him when I meet him.”  He leaned over and kissed her on the head.  “I’m outta here.”
    “Thanks for the pizza.”
    He winked as he walked out the door.  “Anytime.”
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 9

    January 14, 2011 ~ 6:45pm
    The Present
    “Hey, who were you talking to?” Gabby asked Ian as she walked back into the living room after going to the bathroom.
    “Oh, it was just one of my roommates.”
    “So, did you end up going to Georgia Tech?”
    “Yep.  I got a soccer scholarship.”
    “I heard that.  Are you playing well?” Gabby sat back down on the couch, making sure to put more space between them than she had earlier.
    “I am.  It’s been an awesome experience.  Have you decided on a major?”
    “No, I’m hoping I’ll figure that out this semester.  I’m leaning towards social work, though.”
    “Seriously, Gabby.  The pay for social workers is so skimpy.”
    She tilted her head as she narrowed her eyes at him.  “When have