Read Online Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers - Free Book Online Page A

about a hamburger, fries, and a milk shake? You can call home from Bessie’s and let your folks know you’re with me. I don’t think they’ll mind.”
    All the angst left her face and she gave him a smile that melted his toes.
    The new waitress, Susan, took their order. Joshua understood now why Dad was having more meals at Bessie’s. He asked Abra how her summer was going, and she said, “Slowly.” He told her she was getting better at the piano every Sunday, and she said she still felt sick to her stomach every time she played in church. “Mitzi insists I’ll get over it, but I haven’t yet.”
    “How did she talk you into it?”
    “She said if I played for church, she’d teach me ragtime. I’m holding her to her promise.”
    He chuckled. “It could be interesting if you got the two styles mixed up.”
    She gave him a mischievous smile that reminded him of Mitzi, then changed the subject. “What have you been doing all summer? Are you and Lacey Glover still going together?”
    “We broke up two weeks ago.”
    “Is your heart broken?”
    He put his forearms on the booth table. “We’re still good friends.”
    Abra’s sympathetic smile turned sour. “I’ll tell Penny. Her heart will be all aflutter knowing you’re available again. And she’ll forget all about Kent Fullerton.”
    He didn’t like the catty tone. “Don’t be a brat.”
    She looked ready to defend herself and then sank back against the seat. “I get tired of pretending sometimes.”
    “Pretending what?”
    She looked at him and then shook her head. “It doesn’t matter.”
    “You matter. To me.” He leaned forward. “What’s bothering you?”
    “Everything. Nothing. I don’t even know. I just want . . .” He could see the inner struggle and frustration on her face. She gave up trying to explain and shrugged. “My hamburger, fries, and shake.” She smiled politely as the waitress delivered their orders.
    “You’re new, aren’t you?” Joshua said before the waitress headed off. When she said yes, he extended his hand. “I’m Joshua Freeman, Pastor Zeke’s son, and this is my friend, Abra Matthews. I’ll bet Bessie is glad to have you on board.”
    “So she says.” Susan gave a mirthless smile. She looked from him to Abra. “Nice to meet you both.” Did she sense something amiss?
    Joshua said grace and picked up his hamburger. “Do you have a crush on the lifeguard, too?”
    “Penny would murder me in my sleep.” She pounded the end of the bottle of ketchup until it came in a flood.
    Joshua chuckled. “Nothing like a little hamburger with your ketchup.”
    She giggled.
    “So, how did you guys meet Kent Fullerton?”
    She picked up her hamburger. “Well, we haven’t exactly met him yet. He’s a lifeguard at the park. He’ll be a senior next year, and he’s on the football team. All the girls are crazy about him.”
    “Including you?”
    She swallowed and gave him a droll look. “He’s a sun-bleached blond Adonis who would look perfect with Penny.” She shrugged and took another bite.
    He changed the subject.
    Abra told him about the list of classics Peter had given her. She’d read six so far. She relaxed and did witty imitations of conversations in Jane Austen novels. Joshua laughed.
    After eating, they went over to the square and listened to the band. Families gathered. A few older couples danced on the patio in front of the gazebo. Joshua took Abra’s hand. “Come on. Let’s join them.”
    “Are you kidding?” She dug her heels in. “I don’t know how to dance!”
    Joshua half dragged her. “Don’t be such a chicken. I’ll teach you.” He showed her a simple box step, then put her hand on his shoulder and pulled her into dance position. She apologized every time she stepped on his toes. “Lift your head, Abra. Stop staring at your feet.” He grinned at her. “Trust me. Close your eyes and feel the music.” She caught on quickly after that.
    Other couples crowded in. The clock in