The Blue Oyster Restaurant was Kendall’s favorite, mainly because it was known for fresh seafood and the best crab cakes in town. Judging from the number of vehicles lined up like perfect soldiers in the parking lot, she suspected this would be one of its biggest pre-summer-season nights. She and Brad barely made it three steps into the restaurant before some man was calling out Brad’s name and slapping him on the back. “Yo, chief, about time your ugly mug showed up,” said the man with a devilish twinkle in his eyes. Brad laughed, and when the man stuck out his hand good-naturedly, Brad readily shook it. “Hey, Freddy,” Brad said, still smiling. “And who you calling ugly? This place is looking better already since I showed up.” Freddy glanced at Kendall with a smile of unabashed appreciation and nodded. “Yeah, I’ll say this place is looking up.” He elbowed Brad and added, “You going to introduce us?”
