Page 61 (1/2)

"It’s kinda rocky in spots, so be careful," Devlin warned

Dora followed Devlin down the rickety ay over pluff h, and Devlin was careful to point each one out along the way At last they reached the end, where a rickety dock met the ay

"I’ll have to replace the dock, too," Devlin said "Whew, it sure is hot today" He took off his T-shirt and wiped his broith it "That water sure looks refreshing" He glanced at Dora

Dora stuck out her hands "Don’t Just don’t!"

"Kick off your sandals, darlin’"

"Devlin!" She kicked off her flip-flops

In a flash he grabbed her hand, pulled her close to the edge of the dock, and they both let loose a howl as they juether into the water

She hit the water, and it was cool and refreshing She burst out laughing as she ca on her face Devlin swainning again the slow dance in the water

Later, they clie and pulled up on a thick rope attached to the piling His wet shirt clung to his body, revealing tautas he pulled on the rope, hand over hand, until a large, black iron cage e water Dora drew closer, curious, then stepped back when she saw at least a dozen crabs skittering noisily inside the trap

Devlin lifted the trap high and laughed "You’re as skittish as one of these crabs Haven’t you ever gone crabbing before?"

"Never!" she exclai in the air

"Stand back," he said, easing the trap onto the dock "We’ve got dinner!"

Dora helped Devlin again, this tias burner out on the back porch Dora wore a towel like a sarong and slicked back her hair from her face There was an old picnic table on the patio that was still standingbarely Devlin spread newspaper over it, set candles in empty beer bottles, and laid out tooden mallets and a roll of paper towels, while she shucked corn and olden oldies by Otis Redding

The sun was setting and Dora was on her third beer by the tilassy waters shi a rouided her to a seat on the bench

"I know this isn’t quite the setting of the restaurant the other night," he said by way of apology

"No, it’s not," Dora replied, swinging her leg around the bend and sitting "It’s better"